4 tips on handling the unexpected expenses for your school-age kids

Between orthodonture, sports fees, and outgrowing their shoes, your kids are giving your bank account a hernia. Here’s how to keep both your finances and your school-age children happy, healthy, and thriving.

The median annual cost of raising a child is $22,850 across all states, according to Smart Asset. If your kids have outgrown daycare, you might assume the overwhelmingly expensive parenting years are behind you. But even though you are no longer spending the equivalent of a mortgage payment on childcare every month, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for off-the-hook child-related expenses.