The spring is the time of year when kids are thinking about the end of the school year, while parents are thinking about how to keep their kids busy – or even planning ahead for the future. The end of spring is the time for graduation, and many kids have been accepted to a college or two and are making some huge decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. Parents with college-bound teenagers are most likely considering their money situations, which these days can make going to college stressful to say the least. But if you’ve saved enough for your college-bound kid, a little extra saving here and there (and setting a good example) before they leave the nest can help save you a little stress.
Have A Yard Sale
One of the biggest pains for kids going to college is the packing – after all, you’re usually moving to a completely new space, so it’s important to figure out what you’re taking with you – so going through their stuff with them and figuring out what they can get rid of will help ease the transition a little. If you’ve done your spring cleaning around the house and have figured out what you can sell, set up a summer yard sale so that you and your college-bound kids can learn how to let go of stuff while making a few bucks that will help during those self-sufficient early days at school (like buying groceries or supplies). It also helps your kids not over-pack (though with all the excitement of leaving home, that might end up happening anyway!)
Don’t Take That Huge Summer Vacation
The summer before college feels like it’s the last time they’ll have true freedom. Like many families, if you can afford to go on a nice summer vacation as a reward before going off to college, it might end up biting you in the budget. You can also consider a staycation, like a trip to a nearby National Park or a board game weekend. Even encouraging gatherings of friends at the house so they can enjoy the summer before they all go to different places will give them great memories to take with them. You’ll be spending less money that can go to helping your kids offset costs.
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