Monday Monday: Back-to-School Budget Tips from Jini Thornton

Money Monday: Jini Thornton — Source: R1 Digital / other

With the new school year just around the corner, families are feeling the pressure of rising back-to-school costs. According to recent numbers shared on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, families with elementary and high school-aged kids are spending an average of $875 on supplies, while college students are looking at over $1,300 in expenses.

Want news at your fingertips? Text “ERICA” to 52140 to join our club. (Terms and conditions)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE!

To help listeners navigate this financially demanding season, finance and legacy expert Jini Thornton stopped by the show to answer real questions from real parents—and offer down-to-earth advice on how to stretch those school dollars.

One listener, Yolanda from the DMV, asked how she could support her college freshman without dipping too far into her own savings. Thornton was direct: “This is the time when, as a parent, you actually put yourself first,” she said. “There’s no financial aid for retirement.” She encouraged parents to focus on securing their own financial futures before overextending themselves to pay for college. “Maximize your stuff first. What is left—that’s what we’ll use to support our children’s education.”

Natalie from Atlanta reached out for help figuring out where to begin with student loans. Thornton emphasized caution. “It’s way too easy to get student loans—and very hard to pay them off,” she warned. “If loans are your only option, it may be a sign the school is too expensive. Student loans should be the last resort.”

Then there was Melanie from Macon, Georgia, who’s preparing to send one child to high school and another off to college. Thornton’s suggestion? Start shopping at home. “A lot of what kids need is already in the house or at your auntie’s or godmother’s place,” she said. She also stressed the importance of setting a budget and teaching kids to comparison shop. “They’re resourceful,” she added. “Help them learn to stay within what you can actually afford.”

READ MORE STORIES ON GETUPERICA.COM:

Erica Campbell chimed in with her own tips, echoing Thornton’s point. “Get that pillow from your room. We’re not buying new ones,” she said with a laugh. “Take the comforter you already love.”

To wrap up the conversation, Thornton encouraged listeners to stay connected with her online. “You can always follow me @jinithornton,” she said, and mentioned her podcast The Pick Me Later Show, available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

As students prepare to head back to school, Thornton’s message is clear: smart planning, resourcefulness, and setting financial boundaries can help families avoid unnecessary stress—and set students up for long-term success.

HEAD BACK TO GETUPERICA.COM

Monday Monday: Back-to-School Budget Tips from Jini Thornton was originally published on getuperica.com