posted
on Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Banking Tips: By Parents for Parents
Back-to-School Edition
As parents ourselves, we know how quickly back-to-school costs can add up. That's why our team members are sharing some of the budgeting and spending strategies that work for their own families, helping them stay on budget and plan ahead for the school year in this series of Banking Tips: By Parents for Parents. Simple advice from parents who have been there.
Back-to-School Tip #1
Holly Manske, VP and Human Resources Officer in Cresco
"Before you head out for back-to-school shopping, take a look around your house first. Check what school supplies, clothes, and other essentials your kids already have so you don't end up buying things twice. In our family, we like to splurge on one fun item and keep the rest of the shopping budget friendly. A quick inventory can help you save money, stay on budget, and make shopping a whole lot easier."
Back-to-School Tip #2
Evan Kimber, Senior Lending Assistant in Cresco
"Take advantage of your school's supply program if it's available. Having all the required items ready and waiting in the classroom makes back-to-school shopping much easier. Then, you can focus on letting your kids pick out a few special supplies of their own so they still get a say in the process without wanting something special for every item on the list. It helps save both time and money."
Back-to-School Tip #3
Laura Miller, Senior Teller in Cresco
"Getting ahead of the morning rush starts the night before. Preparing what you can in advance helps keep the day on track and can cut down on the unexpected costs that often come with last-minute scrambling."
Back-to-School Tip #4
Kevin Janssen, Wealth Manager
"A new school year can bring a long list of expenses, so any opportunity to spread out costs or take advantage of local support can make a difference. Community groups often have programs designed to help families prepare for the school year, and knowing what's available ahead of time can ease some of the pressure that comes with back-to-school shopping."
Back-to-School Tip #5
Drew Block, VP and Chief Financial Officer
"Our family likes to start back-to-school shopping early and pick up items over the course of the summer rather than making one big shopping trip. We watch for sales and stock up when we find good deals. Spreading purchases out this way helps us stay within our budget and cuts down on those extra, unplanned purchases that can quickly add up."
Back-to-School Tip #6
Dawn Mensink, Senior Customer Service Representative in Cresco
"When you're getting ready for back-to-school shopping, it's a good idea to know your daily debit card spending limits. If you're planning a larger shopping trip, take a few minutes to check your account or contact your financial institution ahead of time to make sure your card is ready for the purchase. A little planning can help you avoid a declined transaction and keep your shopping trip running smoothly."
Back-to-School Tip #7
Shawn Cooper, Financial Services Representative in Charles City
"As a homeschool parent, I always keep an eye out for bundle discounts on curriculum and try to grab books or materials for future years when I find a good deal. I also like to stock up on supplies we'll use all year, like markers and colored pencils, before prices go up. Another benefit is that we can use everyday purchases as opportunities to teach money management. Budgeting for supplies, comparing prices, and looking for the best value are simple ways to help kids build good financial habits while preparing for the school year."
Back-to-School Tip #8
Cassie Bangasser, AVP and Branch Manager in Shell Rock
"Back-to-school shopping is a great opportunity to teach kids about budgeting and the difference between needs and wants. Give them a set amount to spend on supplies, clothes, or shoes and let them help make the decisions. If they choose something more expensive, explain that they may need to save up for it themselves. It's a simple, real-world way to teach money management while checking items off the school shopping list."
Back-to-School Tip #9
Tierney Wedeking, Financial Services Representative in Charles City
"As kids get older, it's never too early to start teaching good money habits. A debit card can be a great tool for building financial responsibility and giving kids some independence with their spending. Encourage them to set a savings goal for something they want and help them track their progress. It's also a good time to introduce concepts like budgeting, paying bills on time, and building strong financial habits that can benefit them for years to come."