WITH back-to-school lists topping the agenda for families, one essential item can’t be found in a stationery store: financial literacy. As students prepare to head back to the classroom JN Bank is encouraging parents to equip their children with the tools and skills to manage money confidently, turning the school year into a practical lesson in financial responsibility.

Delories Jones, head of JN Premier and JN Bank’s Youth Banking Unit, believes that a solid financial foundation is as crucial as any academic subject. She advocates for starting early with practical tools like savings accounts and debit cards, which she says can help children build independence and develop lifelong positive habits.

“Financial literacy is essential at every age,” she stated. “Teaching our children, from an early age to manage their own funds prepares them not just for school, but for life.”

Jones highlighted the bank’s Easi-Save account, designed for youth up to age 17, as a perfect starting point. Integrated into the bank’s long-running School Savers’ Programme, the account is more than a place to store money; it’s a tool designed to nurture a culture of saving from an early age.

“Opening an account for children at an age when they can handle the responsibility, which can be accessed online and via a debit card, can help them budget, save, and make wise financial decisions,” she added.

The shift from cash to digital, Jones explained, also brings a layer of safety for students. She pointed out that carrying cash daily can be risky, making children potential targets. A bank account, coupled with a debit card, offers a secure alternative.

“With an account like the Easi-Save account, your funds remain secure and you can monitor and track all transactions online through our
JN Bank LIVE online banking platform,” she said.

However, she was quick to emphasise that a debit card requires guidance. Parents, she urged, must teach their children safe practices: how to spot tampered devices, heed alerts for suspicious activity, and guard their personal information fiercely.

The lessons shouldn’t end at the bank, Jones noted. She recommends that families bring money management to life at home by involving children in budgeting for school expenses.

“Parents can make budgeting into a fun lesson by sitting down with children to estimate costs for meals, transport and school supplies. Help children distinguish between needs and wants,” she advised. This practice, she explained, teaches limits, priorities, and the immense value of saving for a future need.

Even everyday decisions can become teachable moments. “Teach children to compare prices and look for value when spending. Even small decisions, like choosing between a particular snack or fast food combo can be consequential,” she said.

In our digital age Jones also encourages parents to leverage the online resources children naturally gravitate towards. From JN Bank’s own Savings Hub and Financial Academy to platforms like
YouTube, a wealth of interactive tools are available to make learning about money engaging.

“There are many digital tools and resources available to help persons learn about managing money from an early age,” Jones said. “Families can explore these options and encourage children to even share what they learn with their friends to make it a fun, social and practical experience.”

This school year, the lesson is clear: Equipping students with financial skills is an investment in their future that goes far beyond the classroom.