The Back-to-School Shopping Trap That Bleeds Students Dry Before Classes Even Start

Should saving money on back-to-school shopping actually be this complicated? This week, Vivian breaks down exactly how to shop smarter this fall, and why the "back-to-school haul" mentality might be quietly draining your bank account.

In this episode, Vivian covers:

1. Why tech is the biggest back-to-school money trap, how trade-in programs and refurbished gadgets can save you hundreds, and the student discounts most people forget even exist.

2. The real cost of college essentials, why paying full price for textbooks is basically a scam, the "wait until you get there" rule for dorm shopping, and how 529 accounts and ESAs can make thousands of dollars in expenses tax-free.

3. What's actually changing with federal student loans in 2026, why timing your FAFSA and your borrowing matters more than people think, and the parent-tested hacks, from bulk-buying supplies to secondhand clothes, that cut costs without cutting corners.

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