Your Teen’s Senior Year Will Cost More Than You Think—Here’s How to Prep

Got an upcoming High School Senior in your house?  Want to know one thing that no one tells you? Senior year is EXPENSIVE!

Between senior pictures, college visits, and graduation parties, those costs can sneak up faster than you can say “Senioritis.” But fear not—I’m here to help you tackle those expenses head-on with a sinking fund strategy that’ll have you sipping coffee instead of stressing at grad time. ☕💸

Step 1: List Every “Oh-No” Expense

Grab a notepad (or your phone’s Notes app) and brainstorm all the big-ticket items senior year may bring:

• AP course fees & textbooks

• ACT/SAT prep classes + testing fees

• Senior portrait session and prints

• College tour travel (airfare, gas, hotels)

• College Application fees & enrollment deposits

• Graduation announcements + postage

• Party décor, venue rental, and food/catering

• Gifts/money for all their graduating friends

Step 2: Total It Up & Calendar It Out

Estimate each cost—and then add 10% extra for wiggle room! Tally it all up, and note when each payment is due. You’ll likely see big chunks in the fall (applications/deposits/travel) and spring (party expenses), so stagger your savings accordingly.

Step 3: Break It Down Into Bite-Size Monthly Goals

Let’s say you need $2,400 over the next 12 months. That’s $200/month!

Automate it by setting up a separate “Senior Year Fund” bucket/category in your Short-Term Savings Fund (one of our tools in 1:1 Coaching!):

1. Automate: Schedule a monthly transfer of $200 right after payday.

2. Name it: Label and record the transfer so every time you see it, you think “Senior year, here we come!”

3. Celebrate milestones: You’ll gradually become more ready for those costs, so give yourselves a mini high-five. 🙌

   
   

Step 4: Track & Adjust

At your weekly meeting with your spouse, glance at your sinking fund balance and upcoming due dates:

• If you’re ahead, awesome—carry on!

• If you’re behind, look for one-off ways to boost the fund (sell old items, pick up an extra gig shift, cancel one streaming service temporarily).

Step 5: Spend with Confidence - Woo-hoo!

When it’s time to pay for that senior portrait or drop the college deposit, pull from the fund—no more scrambling the checking account or borrowing on credit cards!

By planning a year ahead, you’ll transform senior year from a financial free-for-all into a smooth, memorable celebration—complete with confetti, college-bound smiles, and ZERO STRESS. 🎓✨

Here’s to rock-solid sinking funds and the best senior year ever!