Zelle® Blog

A new school year means reconnecting with old friends and making new ones – not just for the kids but even for parents, too. Back-to-school season means a return to packed lunches, carpools, field trips, after-school programs and team sports.

While we love that our kids get to participate in fun activities, these costs can start to add up. Whether it's pitching in for the cost of a few dozen cookies for a PTA meeting, filling up the gas tank for a field trip, or reimbursing an unexpected school supplies purchase, money can be a sore subject. However, minimizing the awkwardness of sending and requesting money with other parents is possible.

“Sorry, I have to run to the ATM.”

“Anyone have change for a $50 bill?”

“Ugh, I ran out of checks.” (Or let’s face it—“How do you write a check, again?”)

We’ve all been there.

Whether it’s splitting the dinner bill for girls’ night out, gently reminding your co-worker she still owes her share for the baby shower gift, or sending money to your first-year college student, we need money in the moment so life can keep moving.

“You got everything?” I rolled the window down, and looked back as my not-so-little girl loaded her guitar case onto the truck bed.

There was her new life, packed neatly into boxes, sitting in the back of my F-150. Clank! went the lift gate as it slammed shut.

“That’s it, mom! We’re done,” she shouted as she slid into the front seat. Radio turned up. “Let’s go!”