Back-to-School Financial Planning Starts Now
Summer's flying by, and back-to-school season is right around the corner. Start planning now with smart budgeting strategies and consider our limited-time Back-to-School Helper Loan (10.49% APR) to avoid expensive credit card debt that could cost you hundreds more in interest.
The dog days of summer are here, but savvy families know that back-to-school season arrives faster than you can say "summer vacation." Whether you're preparing for kindergarten or college, the financial demands of a new school year can catch unprepared families off guard. The good news? Starting your financial planning now gives you the power to navigate this expensive season with confidence.
Why July is the Perfect Time to Start Planning
While other families will be scrambling in late August, you have the advantage of time. Early planning allows you to spread costs over several weeks, hunt for better deals, and avoid the panic purchases that blow budgets. Most importantly, planning ahead helps you avoid relying on expensive credit cards when the bills start piling up.
Consider this: the average family spends $890 on back-to-school shopping, according to recent surveys. When charged to a credit card at today's average rate of 24%, that debt costs an extra $213 in interest if you take a year to pay it off. Smart planning can help you avoid this expensive trap.
Introducing the Back-to-School Helper Loan
Public Service Credit Union understands that even the best-planned budgets sometimes need a boost. That's why we're offering our Back-to-School Helper Loan – available now through September 15th – to help central Wisconsin families manage this expensive season without breaking the bank.
Here's What Makes This Loan Special:
Two flexible options to fit your needs:
$500 loan with 12-month term at 10.49% APR (monthly payment: $44.08)
$1,000 loan with 12-month term at 10.49% APR (monthly payment: $88.16)
Lightning-fast approval process:
No credit check required
No income verification needed
Application processed within one hour during business hours
Funds deposited directly into your Surge checking account as soon as you sign
Perfect pairing with your Surge account: The Back-to-School Helper Loan works seamlessly with our new Surge checking account. Apply online, get approved fast, and have funds available immediately for back-to-school shopping, supply runs, or any unexpected expenses that pop up.
The Real Savings Add Up
Let's talk numbers. On a $1,000 purchase:
Credit cards (average 24% APR): $213 total cost over 12 months
Personal loans (average 12.65% APR): $68 total cost over 12 months
Our Helper Loan (10.49% APR): $58 total cost over 12 months
That's over $155 in savings compared to credit cards and $10 less than the average personal loan. For busy families, every dollar counts.
Smart Back-to-School Budgeting Strategies
Start with the Essentials List
Before you set foot in a store, create three lists:
Must-haves: Required supplies, uniforms, fees
Nice-to-haves: Trending items, brand preferences
Can-wait: Items that can be purchased later in the year
This simple categorization prevents impulse purchases and keeps you focused on true needs versus wants.
Shop Your House First
You'd be amazed what's already hiding in closets, drawers, and storage bins. Last year's barely-used notebooks, art supplies, and even clothing that still fits can dramatically reduce your shopping list. Make this a fun family activity – kids love being "treasure hunters" in their own homes.
Master the Art of Strategic Shopping
Timing is everything:
Late July through early August: Best selection, fewer crowds
Tax-free weekends: Wisconsin doesn't have one, but neighboring Iowa does (August 1-2, 2025) for clothing and footwear under $100 – worth a road trip for major purchases! Michigan and Minnesota also don't offer tax holidays.
Post-Labor Day: Clearance prices on remaining inventory
Where to find the best deals:
Dollar stores: Notebooks, pens, basic supplies
Warehouse clubs: Bulk items for families with multiple kids
Online retailers: Price comparison tools and bulk discounts
Local thrift stores: Gently used clothing and backpacks
Clothing Strategy That Works
Kids grow fast, but that doesn't mean you need to buy everything new:
The 70/30 rule: Buy 70% of needed clothing at the beginning of the school year, then fill gaps throughout the year as needs become clearer and sales appear.
Focus on versatile pieces: Solid colors mix and match better than patterns, and classic styles last longer than trends.
Shop your seasons wisely: Buy winter coats in January, summer clothes in September. This requires advance planning but delivers serious savings.
Activity and Fee Planning
School fees and activity costs can blindside families who only budget for supplies and clothes. Create a comprehensive list early:
School fees: Technology, lab, activity fees
Sports: Equipment, uniforms, registration fees
Music: Instrument rentals, lesson fees
Field trips: Throughout the year, not just fall
School pictures: Budget for both packages and retakes
Many schools offer payment plans for expensive fees. Ask the office early rather than scrambling in August.
Create Your Action Plan
This week:
Inventory what you already have
Research your school's supply lists (many are posted online by mid-July)
Start comparing prices across different retailers
Early August:
Take advantage of tax-free weekend shopping
Apply for the Back-to-School Helper Loan if needed
Purchase must-have items while selection is best
Late August:
Fill in remaining gaps
Handle last-minute school requirements
Shop clearance sales for next year's supplies
“That’s why we’re offering our Back-to-School Helper Loan – available now through September 15th – to help central Wisconsin families manage this expensive season without breaking the bank.”
When Extra Help Makes Sense
Even with careful planning, back-to-school season can strain budgets. If you find yourself facing a gap between your savings and your needs, don't automatically reach for credit cards. The Back-to-School Helper Loan offers a much more affordable alternative.
This loan isn't just for school supplies – use the funds for any purpose that helps your family succeed. Maybe it's covering activity fees, purchasing a reliable used car for a teen driver, or simply having a financial cushion during an expensive month.
Who should consider applying:
Parents facing multiple back-to-school bills at once
Families who want to avoid credit card debt
Anyone seeking a more affordable alternative to traditional personal loans
Members looking for quick access to funds with minimal paperwork
Ready to Take Action?
The back-to-school season doesn't have to derail your family's finances. With smart planning, strategic shopping, and the right financial tools, you can navigate this expensive time without stress.
Remember: The Back-to-School Helper Loan is available for a limited time – now through September 15th. Whether you need $500 or $1,000, this affordable option beats credit cards and most personal loans.
Don't let back-to-school expenses catch you off guard. Start planning now, shop smart, and remember that Public Service Credit Union is here to help central Wisconsin families succeed.
Ready to apply for the Back-to-School Helper Loan? Contact us today at (715) 842-9865, email loans@publicservicecu.org, or visit our Wausau branch. Our team can help you get approved and funded quickly, so you can focus on what matters most – your family's success.
Federally Insured by the NCUA