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Back-to-school season is an exciting time... but it can also bring serious financial stress for families across Ohio. Between school supplies, sports fees, lunches, and transportation, it’s easy for costs to pile up fast.

But with a little proactive planning and the right financial tools, you can set up a budget-friendly routine that supports your family without breaking the bank. Here are smart, practical tips to start the school year strong.

1. Save on Transportation Costs

Whether you’re driving to school, sports practice, or after-school activities, gas and car maintenance can take a toll on your budget.

Here’s how to keep costs down:

• Carpool with neighbors or join school-organized ride-share programs
• Group errands together to cut down on unnecessary trips
• Track fuel spending with Middlefield Bank’s mobile banking app and set a weekly transportation budget

2. Pack Smarter School Lunches

Buying lunch every day adds up quickly. Save money (and control ingredients) by packing lunches ahead of time.

Tips to stretch your grocery budget:

• Prep meals in bulk on Sundays
• Use reusable containers to cut down on waste
• Shop local sales and clip digital coupons from Ohio-based grocery stores
• Use Middlefield Bank debit card alerts to monitor grocery spending in real time

3. Budget for Sports and Extracurriculars

Uniforms, equipment, and club fees can surprise your budget if you’re not prepared.

Ways to stay ahead:

• Buy gently used gear from consignment shops or online marketplaces
• Ask coaches or group leaders about scholarships or payment plans
• Use Middlefield’s Smart Rewards Checking to earn interest and receive ATM fee refunds when qualifications are met

4. Digitally Manage School Expenses

School-related costs — field trips, spirit wear, yearbooks — can pop up at any time.

Here’s how to stay organized:

• Set up recurring payments with Middlefield’s Bill Pay feature
• Use Zelle® to quickly reimburse other parents or pay for shared supplies
• Turn on custom alerts to review transactions and stay on top of expenses

5. Teach Teens Good Money Habits

Back-to-school is the perfect time to introduce teens to basic banking and financial literacy.

Make money a learning opportunity by:

• Opening a Simple Checking account for your teen to manage allowance or part-time income
• Using MB Card Secure to set spending limits and monitor card usage
• Setting savings goals and tracking progress together with the Middlefield Bank mobile app

6. Plan for Recurring and Seasonal Expenses

Back-to-school isn’t a one-time cost—expenses pop up throughout the year.

Stay ready with these tips:

• Create a monthly school expense calendar (include club dues, snack money, event tickets, etc.)
• Use Middlefield Bank’s credit card options to earn rewards or cash back on school-related purchases
• Set up automatic transfers to a savings account to prep for larger seasonal costs

Start the School Year Strong

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back-to-financial-stress. With thoughtful planning and Middlefield Bank’s helpful digital tools and banking products, Ohio families can enjoy a smooth, budget-friendly school year.

Whether you’re organizing your school budget, teaching your teen about money, or looking for easier ways to manage recurring expenses, we’re here to support your goals—every step of the way.

Visit middlefieldbank.bank to explore personal banking solutions and start building a smarter routine for the school year ahead.

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