Back-to-school season can feel like a financial ambush—supplies, sports fees, clothes, fundraisers, and picture day all hitting at once. Most families grab the credit card to cover it, but the stress (and interest) sticks around long after the school year starts.

In this episode, I’m sharing three simple, practical hacks to help you handle back-to-school expenses without debt—so you can feel confident and stress-free as your kids head into a new year.

You’ll learn:

• ✅ How to create a sinking fund that makes August expenses way less painful

• ✅ Smart strategies for back-to-school clothes shopping (without blowing the budget)

• ✅ How reusing and inventorying what you already have can save $20–$40 instantly

• ✅ Why progress > perfection when it comes to budgeting during busy seasons

Whether you’ve got little ones just starting school or teens with never-ending sports and activities, these tips will help you cover costs without credit cards—and with a lot more confidence.

✨ Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Debt Rebel Starter Kit (Free Guide) – Build your emergency fund + find hidden money in your budget

• Episode 44: [Saving Money with Secondhand & Consignment Sales]

• Episode 76: [Saying No Without Mom Guilt]

👋 Did this episode help you? Share it with another mama who’s feeling the back-to-school money pressure. Let’s spread the word: you don’t have to go into debt to provide for your kids.

Follow Jewlz The Budget Nerd on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd