Labor Day & Back-to-School: A Fresh Season for Families

As we head into Labor Day weekend and children return to school, we’re reminded how closely our personal lives connect with the broader economy. Back-to-school season isn’t only about pencils and backpacks—it’s about growth, renewal, and opportunity.

For families, this season often means renewed and refreshed routines, investments in education (both money and time), and even a welcome sense of structure. While spending on clothing, supplies, and activities can stretch household budgets, that spending also represents a foundational investment in our children’s future success at school and beyond.

For the U.S. economy, these same purchases provide a late-summer boost for retailers, restaurants, and travel, while the shift back to school frees many parents to re-engage more fully in the workforce. In other words, our personal family choices create ripple effects that help keep the broader economy moving forward.

Labor Day brings a transition that isn’t just about summer’s end. It’s about starting fresh. Labor Day reminds us of the value of work, and the back-to-school season highlights the power of education. Together, they underscore resilience, renewal, and growth—both at home and across our economy.

So, from all of us at Muhlenkamp, here’s to a coming fall season of new beginnings for our families and our collective future.

The opinions expressed are those of Muhlenkamp and Company and are not intended to forecast future events, guarantee future results, or offer investment advice. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.