Back to School, Back to Basics
Fall is the perfect time to reset your financial plan and refocus on the basics that build long-term confidence.
The shift from summer to fall brings a sense of structure, routine—and reflection. Whether you’re packing backpacks or just noticing the back-to-school sales, August is a great time to revisit the financial fundamentals that create long-term confidence.
At GW Financial, Inc., we believe that a strong financial plan doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be consistent. Here are a few back-to-basics moves to consider this month:
1. Revisit Your Emergency Fund
Life happens. If your expenses have changed or you’ve tapped into savings, now is a great time to:
Top off your emergency reserves
Recheck your monthly spending baseline
Reallocate cash that's been sitting idle for too long
2. Align Savings with the School Year
If you're saving for a child or grandchild's education:
529 Plans: Consider funding early in the school year to allow more time for growth
Custodial Accounts: Review balances, investment mix, and long-term intent
College Costs: Talk to us if you're navigating FAFSA, financial aid, or student loan repayment
Need help estimating the cost of future education? my529’s College Savings Estimator can help demystify planning for college expenses. It allows you to compare projected costs across schools, evaluate your current contributions, and decide whether to increase funding or make one of the two allowable 529 investment allocation changes this year.
Higher education choices can influence career paths, earning potential, and quality of life for decades—let’s be sure your plan is aligned with your long-term vision.
💡 Want clarity on your college savings path?
Let’s create your personalized plan—Schedule My Strategy Call Now
3. Simplify to Stay on Track
Simplicity drives success in financial planning:
Automate savings where possible
Consolidate old accounts
Get clear on which goals matter most right now
Even seasoned investors benefit from a “syllabus reset.” You don’t have to overhaul everything—you just have to stay aligned with your purpose and priorities.
Wondering What Your EFC Might Be?
If you’re unsure how much financial aid your student might qualify for—or whether your income or assets could reduce eligibility— let’s walk through Expected Family Contribution (EFC), financial aid strategies, and long-term funding options together.
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If you'd like to review your current education savings strategy or align your broader financial plan with education-related goals, schedule a check-in with us here: Schedule a Financial Plan Update
P.S. If you're unsure whether your student qualifies for aid or need help adjusting your 529 plan, book a free strategy call today. We're here to simplify it for you.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information and is provided by GW Financial, Inc. It is not intended to be used as investment, tax, or legal advice. The information presented is for general education and informational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or recommendation. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.
