Back to School Isn't Just For Kids
Nobody teaches you this stuff.
August is full of fresh starts.
Maybe you're packing lunches. Maybe you're moving into a dorm. Maybe you're updating your resume, paying off student loans, or simply trying to get your finances back on track after summer.
Whatever this season looks like for you, one thing is true:
We're all still learning.
This month, we're sharing the money lessons school probably skipped.
Adult School Supply List
School supplies look a little different when you're an adult.
Instead of pencils and notebooks, here's what belongs on your list this year:
- A budget you actually use
- A healthy credit score
- A plan for rent
- Career skills that help grow your paycheck
- A financial safety net
By The Numbers
Families with K–12 students are expected to spend more than $875 on back-to-school shopping.
The average federal student loan borrower owes approximately $39,000.
24% of U.S. adults have no emergency savings.
Sources:
Back-to-school spending: National Retail Federation. 2025 Back-to-Class Survey. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/back-class-spending-reach-near-record-418-billion
Average federal student loan balance: Federal Student Aid Data Center / U.S. Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio
Emergency savings: Bankrate. 2025 Emergency Savings Report.https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/emergency-savings-report/
Today’s Lesson
Your rent is due Friday.
Your laptop dies Wednesday.
Your car needs new tires Thursday.
What's your next move?
Life rarely spaces expenses out perfectly.
If you're eligible, Esusu Pay lets you apply to split one month's rent into two smaller, interest-free payments with Affirm, giving you more flexibility when timing gets tight.*
Whether you're preparing for school, work, or simply life's unexpected expenses, a little flexibility can go a long way.
Credit Scores, Decoded
Pop Quiz
Which of these has the biggest impact on your credit score?
A. Your salary
B. Paying your rent on time
C. Your payment history
D. How often you check your credit score
Answer: C. Your payment history.
Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score, accounting for roughly 35% of your FICO® Score.
Takeaway: Paying bills on time consistently matters more than many people realize.
Homework
This Week's Assignments
☐ Check your Credit Hub and see how your credit is progressing.
☐ Explore Savi to see if you're eligible for student loan repayment support and potential savings.
☐ Browse Rebel and Amazon Marketplace offers before your next shopping trip.
☐ Explore Merit America if you're thinking about building new skills or changing careers.
☐ Schedule your complimentary 1:1 financial coaching session.
Things School Never Taught You
Bringing lunch from home twice a week instead of buying a $15 lunch could save you more than $1,500 a year.
Buying a $6 coffee every weekday costs about $1,500 a year.
Canceling just two unused $15 subscriptions saves $360 every year.
Saving $20 a week adds up to more than $1,000 a year.
What's One Financial Habit Everyone Should Learn?
Track your spending for one month.
Not to judge yourself.
Just to understand where your money is actually going.
Most people don't have a spending problem.
They have a visibility problem.
Once you know where your money goes, it's much easier to decide where you want it to go.
Marketplace Pick
Student Discounts Aren't Just for Students
Whether you're buying school supplies, replacing your work laptop, furnishing your apartment, or stocking up on everyday essentials, don't forget to check Marketplace first.
Members can unlock exclusive savings through Rebel and Amazon, helping stretch your budget a little further.
Coming Next Month
How To Thrive in a Stay Put Economy
Moving isn't just stressful. It's expensive.
Next month, we're unpacking why more renters are choosing to renew their leases, what it really costs to move today, and how to decide whether staying put or making the move is the smarter financial choice.
Because every renter deserves the tools to grow.
Esusu only reports on-time rent payments and does not report missed or late rent payments to the credit bureaus. Using Esusu rent reporting services does not guarantee an increase in credit scores or approval for any credit product, as scores are determined by credit agencies using multiple factors including payment history on other accounts, credit utilization rates, and other variables. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
*Esusu is not a bank. Lending services are provided by third-party partners, including Affirm and Stable Home Fund. For questions about our products and services, see Esusu’s terms & conditions, FAQs, or email us.
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