Heading Back to School in Utah: A Parents’ Guide for a Smooth Transition

Back-to-school season in Utah is a time filled with excitement and maybe just a smidge of anxiety as families pivot from leisurely summer days to structured school routines. At First Utah Bank, we understand this annual shift isn’t just about stocking up on binders and new shoes—it’s about preparing your family for success throughout the school year. Let’s walk through some effective strategies to make this transition as seamless and stress-free as possible, from kindergarten crayons to college textbooks.

Shopping Smart: Financial Tips for School Supplies and Clothes

One of the first hurdles of the back-to-school season is tackling the shopping list. Whether it’s crayons and glue sticks or graphing calculators and dorm room essentials, each item can quickly add up. To navigate this financially, planning and savvy shopping are key.

1. Set a budget. Start by reviewing what school supplies and clothing you already have. There’s often a ruler or a pack of pens lying around from last year! Then, make a list of what’s truly needed and set a realistic budget for these items. Budgeting tools and apps can help you visualize and stick to these financial limits.
2. Shop sales and use coupons. Take advantage of back-to-school sales. Many stores offer significant discounts on school essentials in late summer. Apps and websites that offer coupons or cash back on purchases can also help save a few dollars.
3. Consider quality and longevity. While the cheapest items may be tempting, sometimes investing a bit more in high-quality products can save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as frequently. For instance, a durable backpack might last several years, whereas a cheaper option might need to be replaced annually.

Establishing Routines: Easing Into the School Schedule

The lazy days of summer offer a break from rigid schedules, but as school starts, reintroducing structure is essential. Here are some tips to ease that transition:

1. Gradual adjustment. About two weeks before school starts, gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to match the school schedule. This helps in reducing first-day grogginess and keeps those morning routines smooth and fuss-free.
2. Create a launch pad. Designate a space in your home where everything needed for school can be “launched” from—backpacks, signed forms, keys and anything else needed for the day. This helps prevent those frantic, last-minute searches that can stress out both parents and kids.
3. Rehearse the routine. A few days before school starts, run through the morning routine from waking up to heading out the door. This rehearsal helps identify any kinks in your plans, like if extra time is needed for breakfast or to get ready.

For the College Bound: Tips for Parents Sending Their Kids to College

Sending a child off to college is a big step for both parents and students. It’s exciting but also full of new challenges.

1. Financial planning. Hopefully, you have been teaching your child about financial literacy all along. Sending a child off to college is a real test of those lessons. If you haven’t already, sit down with your child to go over their budget for college. Discuss expenses like tuition, books, food and emergencies. At First Utah Bank, we offer banking solutions that can help manage these expenses smoothly. Consider setting up a checking account with mobile banking features so students can check their balances and learn to manage their own finances, even from afar.
2. Emotional preparation. Beyond finances and logistics, prepare for the emotional aspect of sending a child to college. Encourage open communication and set expectations for visits and check-ins. It’s a balance of giving them space to grow while letting them know your support is just a phone call away.
3. Essential skills. Ensure your child has a basic understanding of important life skills before they go. Cooking, laundry, budgeting, and scheduling are all valuable skills that will serve them well in their college years.

Your Partners in Educational Success

At First Utah Bank, we’re more than just your financial institution; we’re your neighbors, friends and partners in ensuring the bright future of your family. From setting up your child’s first savings account to planning for college, our personalized services are designed to fit your unique needs and circumstances. Reach out to us or drop by one of our branches. Let’s make this school year both successful and memorable for your family!