September Comes Around Every Year… So Why Does It Still Catch Us Out?
For many families, back-to-school season is one of the busies, and most expensive times of the year.
- Uniforms
- Books
- Stationary
- Shoes
- After-school activities
Before you know it, the costs have started to add up.
The good news is that while these expenses are unavoidable, the stress that often comes with them doesn’t have the be.
Why Does It Feel So Expensive?
For many households, it’s not necessarily the total amount that’s difficult
It’s the timing.
When several large expenses arrive all at once, they can put pressure on the household budget and make September feel financially overwhelming.
The Good News? You Know It’s Coming?
Unlike unexpected bills, back-to-school costs are one of the few annual expenses we can predict.
They arrive every year.
Which means they can also be planned for every year.
Sometimes, a little preparation can make a significant difference.
A Simple Way to Spread the Cost
Rather than trying to find the money all at once, consider breaking the cost into smaller monthly amounts.
This could include:
- Setting aside a small amount each month
- Creating a dedicated school saving pot
- Starting early- even with modest contributions
Consistency is often far more effective than trying to cover everything in one go.
Keep Your Savings Plan Realistic
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to save more than their budget comfortably allows.
Instead, choose an amount that works for your circumstances.
The goal isn’t to create more financial pressure, it’s to reduce it.
Even small, regular contributions can help make September much more manageable.
A Simple Example
Imagine a family that spends approximately €1,200 every September getting two children ready for school.
Instead of trying to find the money all at once, they decide to save €100 each month, starting the previous October.
By the time September arrives, the money is already there.
The school costs haven’t changed.
But the financial pressure has.
Build Habits That Last Beyond Summer
The same approach doesn’t just work for school expenses.
Once you’ve successfully planned for one predictable annual cost, you can apply the same strategy to other expenses, including:
- Christmas
- Family Holidays
- Birthdays
- Car insurance
- Other predictable annual bills
Planning ahead can help create greater financial stability throughout the year.
A More Balanced Approach
Financial planning doesn’t need to be complicated
Preparing gradually for expected expenses can help reduce financial pressure, improve confidence and make budgeting feel much more manageable.
Sometimes, it’s the simple habits that make the biggest difference.
How Oaktree Financial Services Can Help
Every family has different financial priorities.
At Oaktree Financial Services we help individuals and families build practical savings strategies that help reflect real-life needs while supporting their longer financial goals.
Tracy Sumstad is a highly qualified and experienced Senior Financial Consultant with over 20 years of expertise in the Finance Sector. Tracy is well-equipped to provide comprehensive advice on financial planning and corporate solutions. Her focus lies in helping clients identify their unique values and goals, empowering them to make informed financial decisions that protect and enhance their wealth and success.
