Back-to-School Banking Tips for Parents and Students
Look, I know it’s July, but hear me out. We plan ahead now. Back-to-school season brings fresh notebooks, new backpacks, and—for many families—a few financial challenges. From growing kids who need new clothes to college students preparing to live on their own, it’s easy for expenses to sneak up on you.
At Your Legacy Federal Credit Union, we believe smart banking can start early. Whether you’re shopping for crayons or college dorm supplies, here are some useful banking tips for every stage of school life.
1. Set a Back-to-School Budget
Start with a list of essentials: school supplies, clothes, electronics, fees, and extras like sports or band equipment. Involve your children in the process—they’ll be more invested and more mindful when they see how far the family dollar needs to stretch.
Need help organizing your expenses? We can help you set up budget tracking through online or mobile banking, so you know exactly where your money is going.
2. Open a Youth Savings or Teen Checking Account
It’s never too early to build good money habits. Our youth savings accounts come with no monthly fees, and they’re a great way for kids to learn how to deposit allowance, track balances, and watch their savings grow.
For teens, a checking account with debit card access can help them manage part-time job income or college expenses responsibly. Many parents find it helpful to link their account for easy transfers and monitoring.
3. Prep for College with the Right Tools
Heading off to college is a major milestone—and a financial one. Consider setting up:
- A low-interest credit card to help build responsible credit.
- Automatic transfers for rent, books, or travel costs.
- Online and mobile banking access to keep your student connected no matter where they are.
We also recommend having a conversation about managing credit, avoiding scams, and keeping track of spending while away from home. If your student needs help, we’re just a phone call away.
4. Encourage Conversations About Money
The earlier kids learn about budgeting, saving, and earning, the better. Back-to-school season is a great opportunity to introduce simple money topics—like how to make choices when shopping, what interest is, or why it’s smart to save up for something instead of borrowing.
We’re proud to serve families across Seneca County and help the next generation grow into confident, capable money managers.
Get started today by visiting our branch, giving us a call, or setting up a free appointment with one of our team members through the Book Appointment button on our website.
We’re here to help your family head into the school year ready—both in the classroom and at the bank.
