Is Your Budget Ready for Back-to-School Season?
As kids head back to class, it’s natural to feel the pinch of school supply lists, sports and activity fees, and schedule changes that may lead to more on-the-go spending. Whether you're bracing for college tuition or just trying to get through the snack aisle without blowing your grocery budget, here are a few fresh ideas to help keep your finances on track this fall.
- Create a school-year-friendly spending plan
Between school lunches, sports, fundraisers, and field trips, fall can feel like a nonstop stream of spending. Build a monthly plan that includes these “hidden” costs so you're not constantly dipping into savings or relying on credit.
Bonus Tip: If you’re currently carrying balances on high-interest cards, this may be the moment to make a smart switch. A fixed-rate Credit Union of Ohio card offers rates as low as 9.90% APR and comes with no annual fee or tricky terms.
- Open a youth account (and let your kids take the lead)
Back-to-school is also a great opportunity to help your kids build financial independence. Whether it’s their first allowance or their first paycheck, giving them real-world experience with money helps build lifelong skills. Take a look at all the options available for Young Savers.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a free financial counseling session to help you fine-tune your family’s budget, review spending habits, and even work with your young saver on setting goals.
- Take control of debt before the holidays hit
Already feeling stretched? Don’t let high-interest debt carry over into the busy holiday season. If you’re a homeowner, now might be the perfect time to use your home’s equity to consolidate payments with a home equity loan or line of credit. Whether it’s paying off credit cards or making your home more school-year ready with a new workspace, this is a powerful way to simplify your finances and take control.
Bonus Tip: Our current special offers no payment for 90 days on a fixed-rate Home Equity Loan (with terms up to 20 years) OR 1.99% APR for 6 months on a Home Equity Line of Credit.*
The school year is a reset moment for families, but it’s also a great time to check in on your bigger financial goals. Are you saving for college? Planning a big family trip? Hoping to build an emergency fund before the end of the year? Use this fresh start as your opportunity to realign, refocus, and maybe even reward yourself for sticking to your plan.
Our team is here to help. Call 800.443.5698, set up an appointment, or stop by your local branch to get personalized help with your back-to-school budget.
*Existing CUO loans are not eligible for this offer. No payment for 90 days applies to Home Equity Loans. Current rate as low as 7.50%. 7.93% APR based on $75,000 loan up to 80% Loan-to-Value (LTV) with $758 in closing costs. Maximum APR of 18%. Interest will accrue during the deferral period and will increase the total amount to repay the loan. 1.99% APR introductory rate applies to Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for qualified members. 8.89% APR based on $75,000 loan up to 80% LTV with $726 in closing costs. After introductory period, rate may vary based upon following: credit rating, value of collateral, and term. This offer may change at any time. Maximum LTV 90%.