Skip Navigation Documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher to view, download Adobe® Acrobat Reader.
Students with backpacks walking to school
As summer comes to a close, the anticipation of a new school year begins to build. Whether you are a student gearing up for an academic year of college or a parent preparing your child for their first day, the back-to-school season is a time of fresh starts and new opportunities. Here are some tips to help you make a seamless transition into the new school year.

Create a Schedule:
A well-structured schedule is the cornerstone of a successful school year. Map out your daily routines, including wake-up times, school hours, extracurricular activities, and homework periods. Use planners or digital apps to keep track of important dates and deadlines. This way, you can mitigate the potential for stress and be efficient with your time.

Make a Budget:
We say it a lot because it’s important. Sticking to a budget helps prevent overspending and keeps you focused on the essentials without the unnecessary purchases. Before hitting the stores, create a budget for back-to-school expenses. Start by making a list of all the items you or your student needs, including school supplies, clothing, and any necessary smart devices. Then, estimate the cost of each item and set a spending limit for each category.

Look for Deals:
When using your Champion CU card, be sure to take advantage of back-to-school sales, coupons, and discount codes. Many online and local retailers offer significant discounts on school supplies and clothing during this time.

Seek Scholarships and Grants:
A great way to help tuition costs for college is to seek scholarships and grants. Many organizations, including Champion Credit Union, offer financial aid to college students based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. What to learn about our scholarship? Click here.

Practice Online Safety:
From registering your school account to shopping for supplies on websites, online safety is more important than ever. Use strong passwords, be cautious of phishing attempts, and never share sensitive information with unknown sources. These practices will help protect your personal information from being stolen.

Involve Your Kids in Planning:
Getting your children involved in planning for the school year can teach them valuable organizational skills and give them a sense of ownership over their schedules and responsibilities. Discussing their goals and expectations for the year can also help them feel more prepared and motivated.

The back-to-school season is a time of excitement and new beginnings. Maintaining organization, making smart financial decisions, and monitoring scholarship opportunities are just a few ways you can start the school year on the right foot. Remember to take us with you wherever your financial journey leads with our debit and credit cards. We are here to support you every step of the way, offering resources and tools to help you experience more this school year.