Summer used to be an enjoyable time families look forward to. Instead, millions of American households will spend their summer watching their electric bill climb alongside the summer’s increasing heat. This cost is made heavier by tariffs and energy policies that are pushing prices higher at the exact moment families need relief most.

As summer winds down, back-to-school shopping season kicks into full gear — and this year, families are feeling it more than usual. Tariffs and rising costs due to the Trump administration's trade policies have pushed prices on everyday school essentials higher, making it more important than ever to shop smart.

Between application fees, testing costs, and tuition, the price of pursuing a college degree adds up fast — often before a student even steps foot on campus. With some planning, families can cut costs at nearly every stage of the process, from applying to actually paying for school.