Money on your mind?

By. Teresa Marchant

As we approach the dog days of summer, most of us are eyeing the start of a new school year.  However, I hope you have taken the time to ENJOY your summer break.  For me, August has always been a difficult month, financially. However, this year is exceptionally difficult due to inflation. Here are some last minute suggestions to help you make the most of your summer while being fiscally responsible.

Earn points. If you have a credit card or rewards program, see if you can cash them in. Having a free stay at a hotel may be just what you need.  I’m looking forward to an upcoming stay with no cost for me!

Never Overspend. This was hard for me to understand the first year I received all my summer paychecks in a lump sum. I have since learned to pay my bills in advance to make my money stretch over the entire summer until I receive another paycheck in September. Another alternative is to “pay yourself” from their savings each month for peace of mind.  Whichever plan works best for you, keep an eye on your monthly budget and look for creative ways to cut spending.

Jump on Sales- Use discounts found on Educator Marketplace and check back often. Flash sales are also a great way to save, while still getting what you need.

Only buy what you need-It’s easy to quickly overspend on supplies for your classroom. However, you can encourage donations or even create classroom wish lists that stakeholders can shop from.

You! Do something special just for you. Often we are always giving and doing, but seldom take time for ourselves. Ideas may include listening to free books or music, meditation, or buying yourself a bouquet of flowers.  With prices on the rise, it’s comforting to know that there are ways you can still get out and do things on a budget.  Here’s to squeezing the most out of your summer!