As the holiday shopping season approaches, many people start thinking about gifts, travel, and seasonal expenses. But before the shopping list grows, it's worth considering another important question: How will you pay?

A strong back-to-school budget in 2026 starts with listing every expected cost, including new classroom technology, and matching those expenses to your monthly cash flow. From supplies and lunches to laptops and learning apps, planning in advance helps you avoid surprise debt and feel more confident all year.

Your credit score is one of the most powerful numbers in your financial life, and the earlier you start building it, the better. A strong credit history can help you qualify for lower interest rates on a car loan, get approved for an apartment, and even influence job applications in some industries. The good news? You don't need to start with a perfect score. Here's what you need to know about building credit responsibly in your teens and twenties.