Finding Balance and Building Financial Confidence
As August begins, stores fill with backpacks and pencil boxes. It’s that familiar feeling — back-to-school time. For many families, this season is about more than buying supplies or finding the perfect first-day outfit. It’s the start of a new chapter for our kids and for us as parents.
For me personally, the school year brings a mix of nostalgia and pride. My mornings are once again filled with early alarms, packing lunches, and checking planners and homework in the evenings. Although it’s a busy time, I genuinely enjoy being part of these daily rhythms. As my kids get older and take on more responsibility, I’m learning to embrace the change.
I’ll admit, I’m a little sad to pass the “room mom” torch this year—something I cherished throughout elementary school. Despite working full-time, I am fortunate that Axiom encourages flexibility when it comes to spending time with family. Some people call it a balancing act. To me, it’s often felt more like a teeter-totter. When I am doing great being there for my kids, I worry my work is piling up and vice versa. But I’ve learned that whether you’re at every event or sending love in other ways, making sure your kids feel supported is what matters most.
One tradition I’ve started with my daughter is our annual “Back-to-School Shopping Day.” Even though she has a uniform, we enjoy picking out a few special accessories or shoes she’s excited to wear. I let her choose the stores, and we only shop for her that day. It’s also fun to include lunch as part of this outing. It’s a day that energizes us and reconnects us before the school-year chaos begins.
Don’t forget the all-important “First Day of School” photo! Give yourself a few extra minutes that morning or wait and snap one after school. And consider sneaking a sweet note in your child’s lunchbox. As a kid, one of my most precious memories was finding a note from mom in my lunchbox. Seeing the colorful Post-it in my mom’s handwriting was so reassuring and heartwarming. I love doing that for my kids now, hoping someday they’ll look back and feel the same sentiments as I do.
Investing in Education Emotionally and Financially
As we prepare our children for academic success, we should also consider how we’re preparing them for financial success. One big win for Hoosier families: beginning with the graduating class of 2028, all Indiana high school students will be required to complete a course in personal financial responsibility. This course will cover real-life essentials like budgeting, banking, saving, taxes, credit scores and even retirement planning.
I see this as an incredibly positive step forward. The more we expose kids to smart financial habits early on, the more likely they are to develop a strong foundation for the future. If you have students in the Southern Indiana school system, check with their school about how this curriculum is being implemented. It’s never too early to start talking about money at home, too.
For those of you already thinking about college (or even private school tuition), a great tool to consider is Indiana’s College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan. These flexible accounts allow you to contribute toward a child’s education, and as an Indiana resident, you may be eligible for a 20% state tax credit (up to $1,500 per return annually). Contributions can be made by parents, grandparents or even family friends, and funds can be used for pre-and post-secondary education expenses. Plus, new legislation allows certain unused 529 funds to be converted into Roth IRAs, giving even more long-term value to your contributions.
You can explore more at CollegeChoiceDirect529.com.
Recommended Reads for a New School Year
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, approachable book about how we think about money, I highly recommend The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It’s not written just for financial professionals. It’s for anyone trying to understand how emotions and behavior affect our financial choices. It’s a reminder that financial success isn’t about knowledge alone, but how we apply it.
Another timely read, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, explores how technology and screen time are impacting kids’ mental health, with eye-opening statistics and insights broken down by gender. It’s worth a read—or even a skim—for any parent navigating our increasingly complex digital world.
Finally, as the school year begins, remember to give yourself and your kids a little grace. Whether it’s finding joy in shopping for notebooks, navigating a packed calendar, or saving for their future, know that these efforts—big and small—are shaping your child’s future in meaningful ways.
Wishing you and your family a great start to the school year!
Warmly,
Leah Driver, CPA & Financial Advisor
Axiom Financial Strategies Group