As summer hits full stride, many families already have their eyes on the next major milestone: back-to-school season. This is the perfect time to begin planning for education-related expenses. Whether you’re covering the cost of elementary school supplies or preparing for college tuition withdrawals, having a clear financial plan can reduce stress and help stretch your dollars further.
Budgeting for the School Year Ahead
From notebooks and laptops to athletic fees and extracurriculars, school-related costs can add up quickly. Start by reviewing last year’s expenses to create a realistic budget for the upcoming year. Consider building in a buffer for rising prices and unexpected fees. For parents with multiple children, staggered purchasing throughout July and August can also help smooth out cash flow.
Using 529 Plans Strategically
If you’ve been saving in a 529 college savings plan, now is a great time to review your upcoming qualified expenses. Withdrawals for tuition, room and board (if enrolled at least half-time), and other approved costs are tax-free. Just be sure to match withdrawal amounts with actual expenses in the same calendar year to avoid tax issues.
For K–12 families, remember that up to $10,000 per year can also be used from a 529 plan for tuition at eligible elementary or secondary schools in many states.
Tips for Smart Back-to-School Spending
- Take inventory before shopping: You might already have more supplies than you think.
- Use a dedicated account for school expenses to stay organized.
- Take advantage of sales tax holidays. Offered in many states in July and August. Please note, In South Carolina, it will be held this weekend—from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3.
- Prioritize needs over wants, especially with big-ticket tech or sports gear.
- Involve older kids in budgeting decisions—it’s a great opportunity to build financial literacy.
If you’re planning to use a 529 plan this year or want help aligning your school-year budget with your larger financial goals, we’re happy to assist. Give us a call with any questions!
Have a great weekend!
Golf Tip of the Week
Grip Control: Mastering the Foundation for Accuracy
If there’s one fundamental change that can consistently improve ball striking, it’s enhancing your golf grip. A recent guide from Golf Monthly highlights how a properly neutral grip can dramatically reduce mishits and tame common issues like slices and hooks.
Step-by-step grip alignment:
- Lead hand (left for right-handed golfers):
Grip the club more in your fingers than your palm—ideally showing about two to three knuckles. The shaft should lie directly across the top joint of your forefinger. This position promotes better wrist hinge and cleaner release. - Trail hand:
Place your right hand so the shaft rests just below the palm, with pressure focused in the middle two fingers. This setup should feel unified—not two hands working separately. - Match your grip type to your swing style:
Try overlapping, interlocking, or even a fists grip to see what feels most comfortable and encourages square clubface delivery. - Grip pressure matters:
Firm enough to control the club, light enough to maintain wrist feel. Too tight or too loose can both lead to inconsistent shots.
According to coach Alex Elliott, consistently practicing this grip strengthens muscle memory and enables you to swing with more power and greater precision. Whether you’re playing irons or putting, the right grip is the first step toward reliable contact and improved shotmaking.
Golf Tip adapted from Golf Monthly. Read the full article here: Step By Step Guide To The Perfect Golf Grip
Recipe Tip of the Week
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (August 4)
Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day by baking the classic original Toll House cookies—the recipe that changed dessert history in 1938.
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 °F
- Combine flour, salt, baking soda in a small bowl.
- Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one.
- Stir in dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake at 375 °F for 9–11 minutes, until golden.
- Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Recipe Tip adapted from Very Best Baking. Read the full article here: Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies
Travel Tip of the Week
How to Make the Most of Bleisure Travel—Work & Vacation Combined
If you’re traveling for business in the coming months, why not maximize that opportunity by adding a little vacation time too? This trend, known as bleisure travel (business plus leisure), is rapidly reshaping how people travel worldwide.
Why it’s making waves:
- According to business travel insights, 37% of corporate travelers now extend their trips for leisure purposes after work commitments.
- A 2023 report from Expedia Group found that 84% of business travelers expressed interest in incorporating leisure during work travel, and **76% planned to ever do so within the year.
- Aggregate projections estimate that the global bleisure travel market reached about $430 billion in 2024, and is on track to grow substantially over the next decade.
Top benefits for travelers:
- Cost efficiency: Travel expenses (flights, accommodation) are already covered—leisure days typically incur only minimal personal cost.
- Richer experiences: Staying a day or two later opens up local sightseeing, dining, and cultural excursions that turn a business trip into a mini adventure.
- Work-life balance boost: Combining leisure activity with purpose-driven travel enhances satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.
Planning suggestions:
- Schedule meetings early in your workweek and plan leisure time afterward.
- Consider destinations that offer vibrant local experiences, such as city tours, coastal spots, or nearby national parks.
- Book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies—often extended stays are more affordable.
- Coordinate with your employer if the schedule overlaps, especially if you plan to bring family or friends along.
Experience tip:
Try adding an extra night or weekend to your business trip and explore local attractions, wine regions, or weekend landmarks—without the hassle of booking entirely separate travel.
Travel Tip adapted from Navan. Read the full article here: What To Know About Bleisure Travel in 2025
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