It’s that time of year again — the notebooks are stacking up, dorm shopping lists are growing, and tuition due dates are looming. Whether you're sending a little one to first grade or moving your teen into their first dorm room, back-to-school season can get expensive — fast.

But don’t worry — with a little planning and a few smart financial moves, you can keep your budget in check and still send your student off with everything they need to succeed.

Here are some practical tips to help you manage the costs of heading back to school:

1. Start with a List and a Limit

Before you shop, make a list of what your student really needs, from school supplies to tech to snacks. Then set a realistic budget for each category and stick to it. This prevents impulse buys and keeps those checkout surprises to a minimum.

2. Shop Smart — and Early

Take advantage of:

• Back-to-school sales and clearance events
• Student discounts for tech, clothes, and software
• Tax-free weekends

Shopping early also gives you time to price-compare and avoid last-minute panic buys.

3. Dorm Life = Budget Life

For college students, living independently brings a whole new category of expenses — think bedding, storage, food, and décor.
Try these hacks:

• Coordinate with roommates to split shared items
• Shop at discount or secondhand stores
• Don’t buy everything at once — some items can wait

4. Set Up a Back-to-School Budget Together

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to talk to your kids about budgeting and saving. Help them learn how to manage their allowance, part-time job, or college funds by creating a simple budget they can stick to.

5. Make the Most of FSB’s Student Accounts

We offer a range of tools to help students (and their parents) stay financially organized:

Kickstart Checking

Perfect for teens or college students who want to learn money management — with features like:

• No monthly fees
• No minimum balance
• Mobile banking + debit card

Smart Start Savings

Great for younger kids starting to learn about saving — and a fun way to watch their money grow as they hit their goals.

💡Tip: Set up automatic transfers from your account to theirs each month. It’s easy and teaches smart saving habits!

School’s In — Let’s Make It Count!

Back-to-school can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to break the bank. A little planning, some savvy shopping, and the right financial tools can make this season smoother for everyone in your household.

Have questions about student accounts or savings tools? We’re here to help. Stop by your local branch or give us a call — and let’s make this school year a success!