Back to School Cool: How to Keep More Money in Your Pocket!

Can you believe it's almost time for another new school year? As summer break is winding down, we want to share some helpful tips for spending wisely while back-to-school shopping!

Take a look at these 3 shopping tips to help you keep more money in your pocket:

#1: Know Before You Go

Before you hit the stores, it's important to set a budget for back-to-school shopping. If you don't have a plan and spending limit, it can be easy to get distracted by impulse purchases that aren't really essential for students.

While you're at it, check for upcoming sales, coupons and discounts from your go-to stores. Taking advantage of the tax-free weekend (Ohio's has been extended through August 8, 2024) can be another great way to save!

#2: Reuse & Recycle

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. Chances are, you have some gently-loved supplies around your home that can still be put to good use. Examples might include backpacks, lunch bags, pencils, pencil cases, binders, folders, scissors, glue sticks and notebooks with blank pages to spare.

Older siblings may be able to pass down some clothing and supplies to younger ones, providing a little extra wiggle room in your budget.

#3: Make Shopping Easier with Your Debit Card and Mobile Wallet

Making a budget, tracking your spending and even paying at the register is faster, safer and easier when you use your debit card!

Debit cards offer the same cashless convenience as a credit card, except the money comes directly from your checking account (not a lender). In this way, debit cards make it easier to avoid spending more than you can afford.

Helpful Tip: If you have a Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®) Visa® Debit Card, you can add your card to your Mobile Wallet right on your smartphone. This allows you to make touch-free payments anywhere you see the Tap to Pay symbol.

Because a mobile wallet does not store your actual card number, it helps you stay secure. Plus, whether you're shopping in-store or online, your WPCU debit card purchases are covered by Visa® Zero Liability built-in fraud protection.

Round Up the Savings for Back to School Season with EasySaver®!  

When you open an EasySaver® account, every purchase you make with your WPCU debit card is rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited to your EasySaver account.

It's the easy way to add savings with every purchase as you shop for back-to-school!

P.S. Looking for a Checking Account with a Debit Card?

WPCU offers a range of checking accounts, including our Totally Fair Checking® account, which has no hassles, surprises or hidden fees. Open a checking account online or visit your nearest Member Center to talk to a Financial Coach about which checking account is right for you!