Lesson 1: Start Smart with the Basics
Your first financial lessons can set the foundation for a lifetime of smart money habits. Learn the basics of checking, savings and spending with confidence.
Foundations of everyday banking
Checking accounts are more than just a place to keep your money – they’re the starting point to your financial future. Learn how to manage your money with confidence.
Spending wisely: A checking account is a key tool for creating a budget, tracking spending and understanding where your money goes. Learn tips for creating a monthly budget you’ll use.
Find out about the checking account benefits Dollar Bank offers teens and young adults:
- Start Smart Checking is an account built for teens ages 13 to 17 that helps them learn how to spend responsibly while providing parents with the ability to help monitor their account.
- Independence Checking is an account just for young adults, ages 18 to 24. Designed for convenience and flexibility.
Understanding your debit card
A debit card gives you a convenient way to access the money in your checking account for everyday purchases and spending.
- Learn about the benefits that come with your debit card and how to stay on top of your spending.
- Learn more about all the benefits you get with a Dollar Bank Mastercard® Debit Card.
Building healthy savings habits
Knowing how to build good savings habits early will help you reach your future goals.
- Learn how to get started with savings using these five simple steps.
- Our Start Smart Savings account makes it easy for teens and young adults to get started. Whether you’re saving for something special or preparing for the future, building good savings habits today can help you reach your goals tomorrow.
Extra Credit!
Looking for one-on-one education? Schedule a financial check up with one of our bankers before August 31 and you’ll be entered for a chance to win $500! *
Ready for your next lesson? Move on to Lesson 2 to learn about preparing for your financial future.
*NO PURCHASE OR TRANSACTION NECESSARY TO ENTER. Limit one entry per person during the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes is open to all individual legal residents of Dollar Bank’s market areas in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia who are 13 years of age or older at the time of entry. Minors must have parental permission to enter. Sweepstakes begins on 8/17/26 and will be in effect until the end of office hours on 8/31/26. Appointment must be scheduled and completed by 8/31/26. Complete rules and entry by mail instructions are available at any Dollar Bank office. By scheduling an appointment online and attending the appointment for a free Financial Check-Up with Dollar Bank, you are automatically entered for a chance to win the sweepstakes prize and agree to be bound by the official rules of the sweepstakes. Subject to change without notice.
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