Heading to school? Stop at your local credit union on the way for more

While is seems like the summer weather has just begun, September is almost here, and that means time to go back to school. And whether you have a son or daughter just starting as a freshman, or returning for their senior year, there’s sure to be a lot on your mind and their mind. And between shopping for new bedding and packing clothes, thinking about all of the expenses school brings often gets pushed aside.

There are the basic expenses, tuition, books, and food, but what about other expenses, like a car? Most schools charge for a parking permit, add that into the cost of gas and insurance, it can add up. Add in money for food and spending money, and it is easy to see how many students leave school with credit card debt in addition to their student loans. And parents feeling overwhelmed.

Many college students are managing their own accounts for the first time, and a big part of that is learning how to budget. Starting and maintaining a budget can be difficult. Being a member of a credit union can help students start out on the right track. Because credit unions are member-owned, they charge fewer and lower fees, have lower minimum balance requirements, and offer better rates than banks. And what could be more convenient than a financial institution that offers so many conveniences, like surcharge free ATM’s and Shared Branching.