Back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also be one of the most expensive times of the year. Between school supplies, new clothes, shoes, electronics, and classroom essentials, it's easy for costs to add up. Fortunately, the annual tax-free weekend gives families an opportunity to save on qualifying purchases, making it a great time to shop for everything your student needs.
Pairing those tax-free savings with Education First's Buy Now, Pay Later feature can help you maximize your budget even more. Here are three ways this combination can make back-to-school shopping a little easier.
Save More on the Essentials
The annual tax-free weekend is designed to help families save money on eligible back-to-school purchases by eliminating sales tax on qualifying items. Whether you're shopping for notebooks, backpacks, clothing, or shoes, those savings can quickly add up, especially if you're buying for multiple students.
In addition to stocking up on everyday school essentials, this annual event is also a great opportunity to purchase higher-cost qualifying items, since the sales tax savings become more noticeable as the purchase price increases. Whether you're buying a new backpack, school uniforms, shoes, or other eligible essentials, every dollar saved is money that can go toward additional school supplies or other household expenses.
Spread Out Back-to-School Costs
Even after saving on sales tax, back-to-school shopping can still be a significant expense. Between clothing, shoes, school supplies, calculators, and other classroom essentials, the total can add up quickly. Instead of paying for everything at once, Education First's Buy Now, Pay Later feature gives eligible members the flexibility to split qualifying purchases into manageable payments.
By spreading out the cost over time, you can ease the financial pressure that often comes with preparing for a new school year. Whether you're shopping for one student or several, Buy Now, Pay Later can help you purchase the essentials when you need them while keeping your monthly budget more manageable.
When used responsibly, Buy Now, Pay Later can be a helpful budgeting tool rather than a last-minute solution. Pairing it with the savings from the tax-free weekend allows you to make the most of your shopping trip, helping you stay focused on getting your students ready for a successful school year without putting unnecessary strain on your finances.
Shop with a Plan
A smart way to make the most out of the tax-free weekend is to shop with a plan. Before heading to the store, create a list of essential items, set a budget, and prioritize the purchases that matter most. Knowing exactly what you need can help reduce impulse purchases and keep your spending on track.
It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with which items qualify for the tax exemption before you shop. Understanding what's eligible can help you maximize your savings and avoid surprises at checkout.
By combining a thoughtful shopping plan with the savings of the tax-free weekend and the flexibility of Education First's Buy Now, Pay Later feature, you can shop with confidence while staying in control of your budget.
Get Ready for a Successful School Year
Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to put unnecessary stress on your budget. By shopping during the tax-free weekend and using Education First's Buy Now, Pay Later feature responsibly, you can make the most of your savings while enjoying added payment flexibility. Learn more about Buy Now, Pay Later and see how Education First FCU can help make this school year a little more affordable.
For official information on this year’s tax-free weekend, click here.