Key takeaways:

  • Build a back-to-school budget that covers supplies, clothing, fees, and extracurricular activities before you start shopping.
  • Prioritize needs (supplies, shoes) over wants (trendy extras) to make your budget stretch further.
  • Track school spending in real time using a checking account with mobile banking.
  • Virginia's sales tax holiday runs August 7 through 9, covering qualifying school supplies and clothing.
  • Many local schools and community organizations are collecting and giving away school supplies.
  • Open a dedicated savings account to cover unexpected back-to-school costs.

Backpacks, school shoes, fall sports fees. The start of a new school year adds up fast.

At Homebase Credit Union, helping our members build financial stability isn't just a talking point, it's our mission: to improve the lives of our members and build a stronger community.

Whether your kids attend Prince George High School, J.E.J. Moore Middle School, N.B. Clements Junior High School, or head to Harrowgate, Curtis, or Ecoff Elementary in Chester, we want this school year to start with confidence, not financial stress.

1. Make a Plan for the Whole Season

Before you shop, map out everything the school year will require: supplies, clothing, registration fees, and extracurricular costs like band, sports, or clubs. Writing it all down in one place, even a simple list on your phone, keeps surprise expenses from popping up in October.

2. Needs First, Wants Second

Notebooks, pencils, and a working pair of sneakers come before the trendy backpack or the newest gadget. Prioritizing needs helps your budget stretch further, and it's a great lesson to model for your kids, too.

3. Track Every Purchase

Use your Homebase checking account and our mobile banking app to track school spending as you go. Set up real-time alerts and use tags to categorize your purchases so you'll always know where your back-to-school budget stands. No guesswork, no overspending.

4. Shop Smart: Sales and Tax-Free Days

Virginia's sales tax holiday runs August 7 through 9 this year, covering qualifying school supplies, clothing, and more. A great window to make bigger purchases.

Local drives are another great resource to follow:

  • Prince George County Public Schools holds its annual backpack donation days at school orientations in mid-August, with drop-off dates at Prince George High School, J.E.J. Moore Middle School, and N.B. Clements Junior High School.

Many other community organizations and schools are hosting supply drives in August. Inquire with your local schools to learn how your student can benefit.

5. Build a Cushion

Even with a good plan, something unexpected always comes up: a field trip, a broken calculator, a last-minute uniform swap. Open a dedicated Homebase Savings Account just for school expenses so surprises don't derail your budget.

6. Small Habits, Big Difference

You don't need a big lump sum to build that cushion. Setting aside just $10 to $40 a week in a dedicated savings account adds up to a real buffer by the time school starts, without ever feeling like a strain on your paycheck.

Pairing that habit with the right checking account makes the whole process easier. Our checking accounts come with:

  • No Monthly Fees: Never worry about monthly fees or a minimum balance.
  • Mobile Banking: Enjoy access to online and mobile banking services.
  • Extra Rewards: Earn rewards points whenever you use your debit card.
  • No ATM Fees: Members have access to surcharge-free ATMs.

When your everyday banking is working for you, it's a lot easier to stay on top of a busy season like back to school.

If you want help mapping out a back-to-school budget or setting up a savings account for the school year, stop by any Homebase branch. We're happy to sit down with you and figure out what works best for your family.