Isn't That Rich Podcast

Did you know the average family spends around $900 getting kids ready for back-to-school? Between supplies, clothes, sports gear, and everything else, that’s nearly a thousand dollars before the first bell even rings.

Add in summer vacations, pool passes, endless snacks, and travel ball tournaments, and it’s no surprise that many families walk into fall feeling like their wallets need a reset. The good news? Fall is the perfect season to get back on track.

Summer Spending vs. Fall Spending

Summer doesn’t always mean you’re spending more—but you’re definitely spending differently. Vacations, weekend getaways, and extra groceries for kids home all day add up fast. Once fall rolls around, that money often shifts to school supplies, sports, homecoming, and fall activities like pumpkin patches, orchards, and festivals.

The takeaway? Your budget can’t look the same in October as it did in July. Fall requires a refresh.

Why Fall is the Best Time for a Financial Reset

Most people wait until January to start fresh with their finances, but fall makes even more sense:

• Schedules are shifting. Kids are back in school, which naturally changes routines.

• You’re home more. Instead of traveling, families spend weekends at football games, parades, or just enjoying cozy nights in.

• Big spending is coming. Thanksgiving, Christmas, property taxes, and school events hit fast. Planning now means fewer surprises later.

In short: back-to-school isn’t just about new pencils and notebooks—it’s about new money habits, too.

Step 1: Review Your Summer Spending

Pull out your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements and give them a highlighter test. Mark the seasonal extras—vacations, popsicles, ballpark snacks, pool passes. Then ask yourself:

• Do I want to keep spending at this level for fall activities?

• Should I cut back and save more?

This exercise helps you see what was seasonal fluff versus what needs to carry over into the fall.

Step 2: Budget for What’s Coming

Fall is full of expenses that sneak up if you’re not prepared:

• School supplies & fees

• Sports gear and travel

• Homecoming outfits

• Fall festivals and pumpkin patches

• Thanksgiving and Christmas

Instead of just “thinking” about them, write them down. Put a dollar cap next to each. If you can, spread those costs out over the next few months instead of getting slammed all at once.

? Pro tip: Use Labor Day and Black Friday sales to your advantage. Stock up on items you know you’ll need (like holiday décor or gifts) when prices are lower, not when you’re desperate.

Step 3: Create Buckets for Your Money

One of the simplest ways to stay on track is to separate your money into different accounts. Instead of one big pot, consider having:

• A Christmas Fund

• A Fall Fun Fund (pumpkin patches, festivals, etc.)

• A Travel Fund

• A Tax & Home Expenses Fund

When the account is empty, you know it’s time to pause spending in that category. This method keeps surprises (like property taxes or car registration fees) from wrecking your budget.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Savings & Investments

If you took a break over the summer from putting money toward retirement or investments, now is the time to get back on track. Even if you adjust the amount, consistency matters. Long-term goals should never stay on pause for too long.

Step 5: Explore Ways to Earn Extra This Fall

Back-to-school doesn’t just mean spending—it can also mean earning. Fall is a busy season for side hustles like photography, event makeup, lawn care, or seasonal retail jobs. If you have a skill, put it to work. That extra income can go straight into your holiday budget or savings.

Make It Work for You

Here’s the truth: budgets don’t have to be rigid. Whether you follow the 50/30/20 method, use a free app like EveryDollar, or set up multiple bank accounts for different goals, the key is finding a system that gives you structure without sucking the joy out of life.

At the end of the day, it’s about being intentional. Move that summer spending energy into fall priorities—think pumpkin patches instead of pool passes, apple cider instead of popsicles.

Because here’s the thing: money stress steals joy. When you have a plan, you get to actually enjoy the season instead of scrambling at Walgreens on Christmas Eve looking for last-minute gifts (we’ve all been there).

You've Got This!

Fall is fresh. The schedules are new, the air is crisp, and your budget deserves the same reset. Take two hours to sit down, review what you’ve spent, plan for what’s ahead, and create buckets that work for your family.

Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you when the holidays roll around.