Budgeting for the Season: Back-to-School and Travel Savings Strategies
By TopHolding Editorial · Friday, July 17, 2026 at 9:03 PM
From back-to-school shopping to summer travel, consumers are being urged to use sales tax holidays and credit monitoring to stretch their budgets.
As the school year approaches, parents are facing increased pressure from inflation on clothing and supplies. Financial advisors suggest several 'thrifty' strategies to mitigate these costs, including the strategic use of sales tax holidays and 'teaming up' with other parents to buy in bulk. Shopping at thrift stores or utilizing creative discounts can also significantly lower the total bill. This focus on discipline extends to other sectors of consumer spending, specifically travel, where rising costs are forcing a rethink of booking habits.
For those planning vacations, experts recommend at least 12 easy tips to cut costs, such as traveling during off-peak 'shoulder' seasons and utilizing credit card rewards for airfare. A critical component of maintaining these lifestyle choices is the health of one's credit profile. Consumers are reminded that they are entitled to free weekly credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion via AnnualCreditReport.com. Regularly monitoring these reports ensures that any errors are caught early, protecting the consumer's ability to access low-interest credit for major purchases or seasonal expenses.