Back-to-school season is an exciting (and sometimes hectic) time for families. Whether you’re buying backpacks for first graders or budgeting for a college move-in, a little financial planning can go a long way. At FNB, we’re here to help you head into the school year feeling organized, prepared, and financially confident. Here are a few smart tips to get your finances in top shape before the school bell rings:
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Create a Back-to-School Budget
Start by making a list of expected expenses: school supplies, clothing, technology, activity fees, and more. Setting a budget early helps you prioritize needs vs. wants, avoid overspending, and find opportunities to save. Don’t forget to factor in lunch money, gas for school commutes, or increased daycare costs.
Pro Tip: Use FNB’s online budgeting tools to create customized spending categories and track purchases in real time: https://growwithfnb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Household-Budget-Interactive.pdf.
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Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekends
Many states offer tax-free holidays for school-related purchases. Plan ahead to make the most of these weekends and stretch your budget further on clothing, shoes, and supplies. Check your state’s specific dates and qualifying items.
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Set Up a Dedicated School Account
If you’re managing expenses for multiple kids or college students, consider opening a separate checking or savings account just for school-related costs. This helps you stay organized and monitor spending without mixing it with other household bills. Visit https://growwithfnb.com/personal-banking/ for more information on FNB’s checking and saving accounts or to open online today.
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Enroll Kids & Teens in Financial Literacy Tools
Back-to-school is also a great time to teach kids and teens about money management. With Greenlight, powered by FNB Bank, you can give your child or teen a debit card with parental controls, while helping them learn how to budget, save, and spend wisely. FNB families get a FREE subscription to Greenlight. Learn more and get started here: https://growwithfnb.com/personal-banking/greenlight/.
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Use Online & Mobile Banking for Convenience
Between school schedules, sports practices, and work, life gets busy. Make banking simpler with FNB’s mobile and online banking tools. Check balances, transfer funds, set up alerts, and pay bills – anytime, anywhere.
Get started with Online Banking here: https://www.growwithfnb.net/dbank/live/app/register.
Download our free Mobile Banking App (available for iPad, iPhone, and Android): https://growwithfnb.com/digital-banking/mobile-banking/.
FNB is here to help make back-to-school season less stressful and more financially sound. Whether you’re stocking up for kindergarten or prepping for college, we offer the tools, tips, and support you need to stay on track.
We’re also proud to offer Spirit Debit Cards – allowing you to show off your school spirit in a big way! FNB’s Spirit Debit Card Program allows FNB the opportunity to give back to local schools when our customers use their debit card. In 2024 we donated over $85,000 back to participating schools! FNB currently offers cards that support the Mayfield Cardinals, Graves County Eagles, Trigg County Wildcats, and Marshall County Marshals! Learn more at: https://growwithfnb.com/personal-banking/spirit-debit-cards/.
FNB Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
