Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

Summer is winding down and so are students’ summer vacations, signalling that it’s once again time to get ready for another busy school year. Students across the country are eagerly looking forward to catching up with old friends, settling into a new daily routine, and back-to-school shopping, which is gaining momentum in advance of the Sept. 2 return to school. But the biggest danger for students outside school isn’t a stranger lurking around the corner. It’s hundreds of time-stressed parents behind the wheel, chauffeuring their children to and from school. That’s the view of police and safety advocates who are taking pro-active steps once again this year to convince parents of the importance to slow down to 30 km/h in school zones and be extremely cautious. That means no parking outside the school’s front door, no U-turns and definitely no backing through the crosswalks. The reality of the situation is that parents tend to get caught up in the moment of multi-tasking during the first week of school, whether it’s talking to their kids or arranging the day in their heads. That inattention is particularly hazardous in September when children are excited about returning to school and reuniting with friends. During this time they don’t always make the best decisions about traffic safety, meaning that motorists must be prepared for anything and everything. RCMP say the key is to expect the unexpected, which means paying close attention to the speed limit and keeping your eyes peeled on the road at all times. Parents need to be vigilant enough about young children who are crossing the roads and darting in between cars in and around school zones. In many cases it’s the rush to get there, drop the kids off and get out which leads to mistakes among parents. Please keep this in mind next week when dropping your children off at school. For post-secondary students heading off to college or university for the first time, this time of year can lead to anxiety in relation to how they’ll make their finances work. This holds especially true for students living away from home and managing their own day-to-day expenses for the first time. Reality dictates that it’s never too early to start thinking seriously about your finances and setting goals for yourself, especially for students taking responsibility of their finances for the first time. Money problems can be a significant distraction for students in terms of getting the most out of their education. That’s why it’s so important for students to have a plan in place to help them take charge of their financial goals before they start the school year. Students can build their financial knowledge and establish a good foundation for themselves by following a few basic financial planning steps:
. Identify your short and long term goals.
. Make a budget. By going over this budget regularly and making adjustments as you go, you can identify opportunities to cut costs, curb unnecessary spending and start saving.
. Establish credit and manage it well.
. Start saving.
Having your finances in order allows you to stay focussed on your studies and get more out of your student experience, knowing that you have a plan in place and are building a foundation for the future.

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