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Backpacks are packed, pencils are sharpened, and classrooms are buzzing with the excitement of a new school year. As families shift into back-to-school routines, now is the perfect time to add one more important subject to the curriculum at home—money management.

At ESB Financial, we believe teaching kids about money at an early age builds confidence, responsibility, and lifelong habits that set them up for success. Just like reading or math, financial skills are learned over time, and the earlier you begin, the stronger the foundation.

Why Start Early?

Children are naturally curious and observant. They notice when you swipe a debit card at the store, write a check, or deposit money at the bank. These everyday moments are opportunities to explain how money works. Starting early helps kids understand that money doesn’t simply “appear,” but is earned, saved, and spent with intention.

Start Small with Savings

A great first lesson is the power of saving. Whether it’s birthday money, allowance, or income from mowing a lawn, encourage your child to save part of it. Opening a youth savings account gives kids the excitement of seeing their balance grow and teaches them how banks keep money safe. Many families even use the “save, spend, give” approach—dividing money into three jars to show how each dollar can serve a different purpose.

Needs vs. Wants: Real-Life Lessons

Back-to-school shopping provides a natural chance to talk about choices. New shoes may be a need, while a brand-name pair might be a want. By talking through these decisions, kids learn that money is limited and must be prioritized. These conversations help them begin to distinguish between essentials and extras—a skill that will serve them for life.

Involve Kids in Everyday Money Decisions

Money lessons don’t always need to be formal. Grocery shopping, planning a birthday party, or comparing prices online can all turn into learning experiences. For example, let your child help make a grocery list, compare brands, or find items on sale. Give them a budget for their own school supplies and let them make choices within it. When kids are part of the process, they feel ownership and gain hands-on experience managing money.

Goal Setting Builds Confidence

Fall is a season of fresh starts—new classrooms, new teachers, new goals. Encourage your child to set a savings goal, whether it’s for a toy, a new pair of shoes, or even something bigger. Help them track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Working toward a goal not only builds patience but also shows kids that saving and planning pays off.

Teen Years: Preparing for Independence

As children grow, so should the complexity of money lessons. For teenagers, introduce concepts like budgeting for gas, saving for college, or the basics of credit. Encourage them to use mobile banking tools to check balances, make deposits, or set up alerts. These digital tools prepare them for the way money is managed in the real world.

Partnering with Parents

At ESB Financial, we’re committed to helping families succeed in every season of life. We know that when kids learn to manage money early, they carry those skills into adulthood—whether it’s buying a first car, planning for college, or saving for their own future family. Our youth savings accounts and digital banking tools are designed to give families simple, practical ways to put these lessons into action.

As you send your kids back to school this fall, consider making financial literacy part of your family’s learning plan. A little effort now can lead to a lifetime of confidence, independence, and financial strength. Visit us online at esbfinancial.com or stop by one of our locations in Emporia or Manhattan to learn more about how we can support your family’s financial journey.