Getting ready for a new school year or sending a student off to college involves a mix of preparations and emotions. From laptops and backpacks to dorm essentials and reliable transportation, parents or guardians should prepare to review and adjust budgets to accommodate school-related expenses, such as books, supplies, extracurricular activities, and tuition not covered by scholarships or loans. In fact, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is anticipating that students and parents can expect to spend around $1,400 per household on back-to-school preparation.
Whether your student is a returning student or first-year freshman, there’s some things you need to do before the semester starts.
Discuss wise money management and financial expectations early. Help him or her develop a reasonable budget for expenses that are appropriate for their age. Make sure your student is on the right financial path with tools and solutions that are designed with his or her needs in mind.
Imagine the possibilities with Imagine Checking.
To help your student get financially ready, open a First Bank Imagine Checking account.
Offering convenience and flexibility, First Bank’s Imagine Checking is perfect for student’s everyday banking needs. Designed to help you or your student manage your money without the worry of Overdraft Fees, Imagine Checking is a perfect choice for those who prefer not to maintain large balances in a checking account while earning a premium interest rate on balances up to $1,000.
Enroll in eBanking and bank any time.
First Bank’s eBanking gives you a better banking experience for your personal accounts.
Some of the features eBanking provides include:
- View your balance and transactions
- Pay bills
- Transfer money between your First Bank accounts and also to and from other banks.
Hectic school schedules and busier days need the convenience of banking on the go.
Taking First Bank with you to class or college is possible with Mobile Banking. Download the First Bank on the Go mobile banking app and get access to your account information on your mobile device. This is a great solution if there isn’t a First Bank branch nearby or if you or your student simply won’t have time to make a trip to the bank.
With the First Bank On The Go mobile banking app, you’ll enjoy the following features:
- Check account balances
- View your account history and pending transactions
- Add a payee or view/cancel current pending payments
- Deposit checks with Mobile Deposit
- Send money to a friend with Pay People
Access your cash with an active First Bank Debit Mastercard®.
With an active First Bank Debit Mastercard®, you and your student will gain access to over 55,000 surcharge-free Allpoint® Network ATM locations around the world*, including 40,000 in the United States.
Set your student up for success.
Involve your student in each step of the financial journey of getting back to class or heading off to college. Continue to discuss budgeting, saving, and the importance of avoiding high-interest debt. If your student is heading to college, explore all financial options, like part-time jobs, grants, scholarships, any 529 savings plans, and always understand the terms of all student loans.
Equip your student(s) with the knowledge to make informed decisions as well as the school supplies and financial tools they need to be successful. Set your student up for success both during their studies and beyond.
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