Best Budget Tips for Military Families This September
September often feels like a fresh start. Kids head back to school, activities gear up, and before long the holidays are on the horizon. All of that can make family budgets feel stretched. For military families who may also be managing PCS moves, deployments, or changes in income, keeping a handle on spending this time of year is especially important.
Here are some practical ways to stay on track this month.
Smart Back-to-School Shopping
School expenses can add up quickly, but a little planning goes a long way! Start by focusing on the essentials and skip extras until you know what you really need. Many stores offer military discounts, and base exchanges often have specials that can help stretch your budget.
You might also check community events or local backpack drives. These often provide free or reduced-cost supplies. Before you head out, take a quick inventory of what’s already in your closets and drawers. Sometimes you’ll find you already have half the list covered.
Meal Planning and Prep
Busy school days often lead to last-minute takeout, which can eat into your budget fast. Setting aside time for meal planning makes a big difference. Write out a simple weekly plan before grocery shopping, then stick to it.
Batch cooking is another lifesaver. Spending a few hours on the weekend making soups, casseroles, or easy freezer meals gives you quick options during the week. Not only does it save money, but it also saves time when evenings get hectic.
Leveraging VA Benefits
It’s worth revisiting your VA benefits every so often to make sure you’re getting everything you’ve earned. Beyond the VA Home Loan program, there are other resources that can ease financial pressure, like:
Education benefits through the GI Bill
VA-backed refinance programs that may lower mortgage payments. (Rates have recently dropped! Get in touch with us if you want to run the numbers.)
Vocational training or career support through VR&E
Health benefits that reduce out-of-pocket costs
A quick review can uncover opportunities that keep more money in your pocket.
Secondhand Resources
Military communities are great about helping one another, and secondhand resources are everywhere. Base thrift shops, yard sales, and online groups often have gently used items at a fraction of the cost.
You’ll often find:
Kids’ clothes and school uniforms
Furniture that fits base housing well
Sports gear for extracurricular activities
Baby equipment and toys families have outgrown
Buying secondhand not only saves money, it also makes sense for families who know another move may be coming soon.
Holiday Savings Plan
December might feel far off, but the costs can sneak up quickly. Setting aside even a small amount each week starting in September helps take the pressure off later.
A few ideas:
Put holiday savings in a separate account so it doesn’t get spent early
Use commissary rewards or credit card points to offset gift or grocery costs
Book travel early to get lower fares
Set a family gift budget that’s realistic and stick with it
By the time the holidays roll around, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.
Extra Tips to Keep in Mind
Here are a few more small things that can make a big difference this month:
Use free or low-cost base programs for recreation and activities
Tap into Military OneSource for free financial counseling and tools
Set aside funds for PCS overlap costs like deposits or travel expenses
Build a small emergency cushion for unexpected repairs or bills
Why It Matters
Money management doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, families can take control of the busy fall season instead of feeling like expenses are controlling them.
At Dorazio Real Estate, we know that financial stability is part of what makes a strong home life. As part of the MIL-Estate network, we’ve seen how military families balance service with family priorities, and smart budgeting is always part of that. While our focus is helping families buy and sell homes, we’re also here as a resource, connecting you to tools and information that make life easier.
