Ask the Expert: Budgeting Throughout the School Year | Get your questions answered by Chase Blueprint!

[Cafe Kate]

We're very sorry but our expert is not able to answer your questions at this time. Please check out these great posts from our mom, HeatherNYC, to see what she says about budgeting for the school year:

Help Your PTA Save Money

Rethink School Lunch

Get Organized

More budgeting tips from HeatherNYC >>

CafeMom is excited to welcome back Chase Blueprint to the group to answer questions about staying on the straight and narrow through the school year.

With school already in full swing, have you set a budget on school year expenses like lunches, clothes or even class trips? Are you trying to figure out how to save for a family vacation during spring break? It's never too early or too late to budget. Chase Blueprint is here to help you get started or keep you on track for the school year!

You might have questions like:

• How do I talk to my kids about budgeting this school year?
• How much should I put in an emergency fund for something we're not expecting?
• Should I set a budget now for all the things coming up this year?
• How do we afford the sports gear all the kids will need?

Chase Blueprint will answer questions like these in an effort to help you better manage your family's finances throughout the school year.

Post your questions below! We will be posting responses to some of your questions in October!

[michiganmom116]

Quoting Bmat:

What about those fund raiser sales. I don't like my child going door to door selling things, should I just buy a case of the items and say that's it?

This is one of the biggest things I hated about my kids being in school.

[TheBabyFactory4]

Thats a good question.

Quoting daerca574:

 my only question is how do you prepare your high schooler to manage their own finances once they graduate?

[aneela]

yes same here....he just started K

Quoting lalasmama2007:

This is my DD's first year of kindergarten. How much should I try to put aside for unexpected school expenses during the year? Since this is her first year of school, we really don't know what to expect.

[aneela]

i'd say it depends on what the items are that they are selling..it has to be hard for the kids to have to do this...and it's usually the same circle of friends...or then family...and church ppl if they go to church and so on...

Quoting Bmat:

What about those fund raiser sales. I don't like my child going door to door selling things, should I just buy a case of the items and say that's it?

[tayanddyl]

 my kids are in uniforms.  How can I budget for this huge expense.  I purchased 1 size 4 smock for my pre-schooler and it cost $54!!!!!!

[lalasmama2007]

Quoting tayanddyl:

 my kids are in uniforms.  How can I budget for this huge expense.  I purchased 1 size 4 smock for my pre-schooler and it cost $54!!!!!!

Yikes!!!!!

[slw123]

 Christmas is coming and my kids are getting older.  They are more interested in technology than toys.   Any ideas on how to get them the things they really want instead of just junk to put under the tree that they don't care about?  I am finding 7 & 9 to be a really tough age  for gifts.

[mallowcup17]

this is a great question! i have little kids but would love some insight on this one! thank you!

Quoting daerca574:

 my only question is how do you prepare your high schooler to manage their own finances once they graduate?

[mallowcup17]

wow thats a lot :( 

Quoting tayanddyl:

 my kids are in uniforms.  How can I budget for this huge expense.  I purchased 1 size 4 smock for my pre-schooler and it cost $54!!!!!!

[countrygirlkat]

I have heard of many people paying for good grades.  I don't know if I agree with this educational philosophy but I am curious as to what you think and what you see a lot of in the finance world?