Mini EP3: Back to School Season...The Financial Ambush

<p>Welcome back to <strong>Mini Money Makeover</strong>—our series of quick, practical episodes designed to help first responders and their families make meaningful financial progress in just 15–20 minutes.</p><p>It&#39;s back-to-school season...</p><p>Which means it&#39;s time for school supplies, backpacks, new clothes, sports registrations, classroom donations, fundraisers, field trips, and wondering how &quot;free public education&quot; somehow became one of the most expensive times of the year.</p><p>If back-to-school shopping feels more like a financial ambush than an annual tradition, this episode is for you.</p><p>In this Mini Money Makeover, we&#39;re sharing practical strategies to prepare for school expenses without blowing up your budget or relying on your next overtime check to save the day.</p><p>In this episode, you&#39;ll learn:</p><ul><li>Why back-to-school season catches so many families off guard—even though it happens every year</li><li>The hidden school expenses most parents forget to budget for</li><li>How to build a simple school sinking fund</li><li>Ways to separate &quot;must-haves&quot; from &quot;nice-to-haves&quot;</li><li>Practical tips to keep school spending from turning into holiday debt later in the year</li></ul><p>Back-to-school doesn&#39;t have to become back-to-budget-stress.</p><p>A little planning today can make the entire school year a lot less expensive.</p><p>🎧 Spend 15 minutes with us and learn how to send your kids back to school without sending your finances into detention.</p><p></p><p>Follow us on IG:</p><p>Budgets for Badges: https://www.instagram.com/budgetsforbadges</p><p>Rebecca Jameson: https://www.instagram.com/bluelinemoneycoach</p><p>Chris Harcksen-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthenumbersbn</p><p><br></p>