Back to School, Back to Savings: A Friendly Guide for College-Bound Families

August 20, 2025

With back-to-school season in full swing, parents all across New York, from the city to the Island to Westchester, know what time it is. It’s time to gather the dorm essentials, pick out courses, and maybe pack a favorite snack or two from home. But amid all the prep, don’t forget one of the most important conversations of all: how to help your college-bound student get their finances in order.

Here at Ridgewood Savings Bank, we’ve been helping neighbors like you prepare for life’s big milestones since 1921. And if we’ve learned one thing, it’s that a little planning, like a little acorn, can grow into something big and sturdy down the road.

If your student is heading back to campus, now’s the time to make sure they’ve got a solid banking setup. Our Student Advantage Checking Account is built just for students and their families. It has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance, and comes with a free debit card and access to more than 90,000 Allpoint® and Money Pass ATMs. Best of all? Parents can open it jointly with their student, making it easier to move money around when textbooks or emergencies pop up.

And because today’s students are never far from their phones, Ridgewood’s Digital Banking tools let them check balances, transfer money, and deposit checks anytime, anywhere — even in their pajamas at 2 a.m. (We know how college works.)

Got a high school senior who's eyeing college next fall? Ridgewood’s here for you too. Through our partnership with College Ave, we offer Student Loans that can help bridge the gap between scholarships, savings, and tuition. With flexible terms and straightforward repayment options, it’s one more way we’re helping families plan ahead without the pressure.

Of course, money smarts go beyond bank accounts and loan forms. That’s why we also offer the Ridgewood Financial Academy — a free, online resource where students can learn the basics of budgeting, saving, and spending responsibly. It’s like a financial toolkit they can carry right into adulthood.

So, as you pack the bins, double-check the list, and say your “see-you-soons,” take a few minutes to talk about dollars and sense. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Ridgewood by your side, it can be downright comforting to know your student is starting this next chapter with good habits — and a great bank — in their corner.

From the dorm room to the real world, we’ve got your back.

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