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August 2025 Insights Newsletter
Mark your Calendar
- August 3 - National Friendship Day
- August 8-10 - Texas Tax Free Weekend
- August 10 - Update your Bio day
- August 17 - National Non-Profit Day
- August 26 - Women's Equality Day
Charity of the Month
Verus Financial is excited to shine a charity spotlight on Avondale House during the month of August with a Save the Date for their Bingo Bash.
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!: The 6th Annual Avondale House Bingo Bash, chaired by the dynamic duo Chereese Johnson and Binita Patel, is making headlines on Thursday, September 25, 2025 — and we hope you'll be part of the excitement!
Taking place at the beloved Junior League of Houston, the evening will feature six lively rounds of Bingo, fabulous prizes and plenty of fun from start to finish. Clear your calendar — and your Bingo card — because this will be a night to remember!
Texas Tax Free Weekend Aug 8-10
The 2025 sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 8, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 10. The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
Qualifying Items
List of Clothing, Footwear and Other Items
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/school-supplies.php
Clothing and Footwear
Face Masks
Backpacks
School Supplies
Special Purchases
School Supplies Purchased Using a Business Account – Exemption Certificate Required If you buy qualifying school supplies under a business account, you must give a properly completed Form 01-339, Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate (PDF), to the seller. "Under a business account" means you are: using a business credit card or business check and not a personal credit card or personal check; being billed under a business account maintained by the seller; or using a business membership at a membership-based retailer.
Visit Comptroller.texas.gov for more information about tax-free weekend, including online purchases and phone orders.
How to Prepare for the School Year
Summer vacation always seems to fly by, and before you know it, a brand-new school year is just around the corner. Whether you’re a parent getting your child ready for their first day or a student preparing to head back, having a plan can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Here are a few simple, practical tips to help you and your family gear up for a successful school year:
🗂️ Get Organized
The key to reducing back-to-school stress is to get organized early. Create a checklist of everything you need to do before the first day — like shopping for supplies, setting up a study space, and creating a daily routine. Starting early gives you time to plan, avoid last-minute surprises, and ease into the new schedule.
✏️ Restock Your Supplies
While most schools provide a list of required materials, it’s smart to take inventory of what you already have at home. Restock essentials like pens, notebooks, and folders, and take advantage of back-to-school sales to save on supplies you’ll need throughout the year.
👩🏫 Meet with Teachers
If possible, connect with your child’s teachers before the school year begins. It’s a great way to introduce yourself, discuss your child’s strengths and areas for growth, and address any concerns you might have. Building a positive relationship with teachers can make a big difference in your child’s academic journey.
📣 Get Involved
Staying active in your child’s education is one of the best ways to support their success. Attend school events, join the parent-teacher organization, and volunteer when you can. Not only does this show your child that you value their education, but it also helps you stay informed and connected to their learning environment.
😊 Stay Positive
New school years can bring excitement — and a few nerves. Encourage your child to embrace new experiences, make new friends, and focus on their strengths. A positive attitude can help ease first-day jitters and set the tone for a successful year ahead.
🎒 Final Thoughts
Preparing for the school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, organization, and involvement, you can help make this time of year fun and productive for your family. And don’t forget — financial planning plays a role too, whether it’s budgeting for supplies, saving for future education costs, or adjusting your household spending for the months ahead.
At Verus Financial Group, we’re here to support you through every season of life. If you’d like to review your family’s financial plan or explore strategies for managing education expenses, reach out to us today.
Here’s to a successful, joyful, and organized school year!
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Spicy Sausage Pizza with Burrata
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 min
Serving: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large, round flatbread or prebaked pizza crust (at least 12 inches in diameter)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ⅓ cup Boursin cheese
- 1 pound precooked spicy sausage, sliced
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 3 cups finely shredded kale
- 6 ounces burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnishing
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnishing
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the crust on a baking sheet and brush the surface with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread the Boursin cheese onto the crust in an even layer.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, tossing occasionally, until it’s golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the sausage, broccoli and kale on the pizza in an even layer. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the surface.
- Bake until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Dollop the burrata on top of the pizza. Garnish with the basil, crushed red-pepper flakes and black pepper.
More information and nutritional facts on PureWow.
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