Back-to-school season is one of the busiest – and often most expensive – times of year for many families.
From purchasing new clothes, school supplies and technology to planning for extracurricular activities and college expenses, students, parents and educators face important financial decisions before classes begin.
Fortunately, free financial education resources, budgeting tools and personalized financial guidance can help people prepare for a successful school year.
At Regions Bank, helping people build financial confidence is a year-round commitment.
During this back-to-school season, Regions Bank is providing no-cost resources designed to help students, families and teachers strengthen money management skills, protect themselves from fraud and prepare for future financial success.
For students transitioning to college, the start of a new school year can be especially significant. It is often the first time many young adults manage a budget, pay bills, use banking services independently and make important financial decisions. Developing healthy financial habits now can create a strong foundation for long-term financial success.
Financial Tips for Back-to-School Budgeting
Whether preparing a child for kindergarten or sending a student to college, a budget can help families better manage expenses and reduce financial stress.
“Back-to-school season is about more than buying supplies and preparing for classes – it’s also an important opportunity for students to build the money management skills they’ll rely on throughout their lives,” said John Jordan, Head of Retail for Regions Bank. “Learning how to budget, save and make thoughtful spending decisions can help students gain confidence and develop healthy financial habits early.”
Back-to-school season is about more than buying supplies and preparing for classes – it’s also an important opportunity for students to build the money management skills they’ll rely on throughout their lives.
John Jordan, Head of Retail for Regions Bank
Free Financial Education Resources from Regions Bank
Regions Bank offers several no-cost programs and tools designed to help students and families build financial confidence.
Smart Money Saturday: Back-to-Budget Basics
Every Saturday in August from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT, select Regions branches offer one-on-one guidance with knowledgeable bankers.
Visitors can receive support on topics including:
- Creating and maintaining a budget
- Building a savings strategy
- Understanding credit fundamentals
- Planning for financial goals
- Managing everyday banking needs
Students and families can also open checking or savings accounts and learn about products and services designed to support their financial goals.
Regions Greenprint® for Students
Students can schedule a complimentary Regions Greenprint® conversation with a Regions banker.
Regions Greenprint for Students is a personalized planning experience designed to help young adults:
- Develop a budget
- Create a savings plan
- Understand responsible borrowing
- Build healthy credit habits
- Establish short- and long-term financial goals
Regions Greenprint for Students is free and available to anyone, regardless of where they bank.
Regions Next Step® Financial Wellness Resources
Regions Next Step® is the bank’s free financial wellness program, providing students and families with convenient access to trusted financial education resources.
Available resources include:
Most courses take 10 minutes or less to complete, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Smart Money Habits
Your Credit Report
The Importance of Saving
How Students Can Avoid Common Back-to-School Scams
Back-to-school season can also create opportunities for fraudsters targeting students, parents and educators.
Common scams include:
- Fake scholarship offers
- Student loan forgiveness scams
- Fraudulent tuition payment requests
- Online shopping scams
- Phishing emails and text messages
A good rule of thumb is to be cautious whenever someone promises free money, immediate financial relief or unusually deep discounts while pressuring you to act quickly.
Before sharing personal information or making a payment, take time to verify the source through trusted channels.
Regions Bank regularly provides educational resources to help people recognize emerging fraud trends to better protect their accounts from financial scams.
Banking Solutions for College Students and Young Adults
Learning how to use banking products effectively is one of the first steps students can take to build financial confidence and independence.
Regions offers several solutions designed to support students and young adults, including:
Regions LifeGreen® Savings
A dedicated savings account can help students prepare for emergencies, future purchases and financial goals. With Regions LifeGreen® Savings, customers may also benefit from automatic savings transfers and opportunities to earn savings bonuses.
Regions Now Card®
The Regions Now Card® is a reloadable prepaid card that provides a convenient alternative to carrying cash and can help users manage spending more effectively.
Together, these solutions can help people:
- Manage money responsibly
- Build savings habits
- Prepare for future credit needs
- Protect their finances
- Grow financial confidence over time
FAQs: Back-to-School Financial Planning
What are the best financial tips for students?
Students should create a budget, build a savings habit, understand credit basics and monitor their spending regularly.
Does Regions Bank offer free financial education?
Yes. Regions Bank provides free financial education resources through Regions Next Step®, Smart Money Saturday and Regions Greenprint® conversations.
What is Regions Next Step®?
Regions Next Step® is a free financial wellness program from Regions Bank that provides articles, calculators, podcasts, worksheets and short educational courses on a variety of money management topics.
How can college students avoid scams?
Students should verify sources independently, avoid offers that promise free money and be cautious when asked to make urgent payments or disclose personal information.