Graduating from school without a boat load of debt can be tough, but it is not impossible. Here are some of the tips and tricks I learned in school that helped me escape debt-free. There will be points of difficulty, and eventually the most dedicated saver throws up his arms, sighs, and sifts his credit card from his back pocket. That's okay; just be aware that habits like these, if relied upon too often, can strap you with a significant financial burden after you graduate. Observe your weaknesses, but focus on building your strengths.
Goals are important in every area of your life from academics to weekly achievements: finances are no exception, especially in college. For most students, the four years they commit to college are several of the most financially stressful and demanding years of their lives. Money is tight in college, and that is why saving something is more important than ever. Your college years will be chock full of expenses that you didn't anticipate. Having even a few hundred dollars in the bank can ease your level of stress significantly, and allow you the flexibility of which you would not otherwise have the luxury. For myself, I created a three bucket rule that worked well.
You've established a plan that works for you, stick to it even during the dry spells. A budget can only reward you if you adhere to it.
One of the best parts about saving money is the possibility of giving yourself unexpected and delightful rewards. If you have budgeted successfully, there should be at least a little bit of money that can be played with. My girlfriends and I decided that our extra cash would be allotted for post break-up presents. Every time a boy got left behind, we acquired a new piece of jewelry or article of clothing. Nothing like a little bling to lift the break-up blues!
|
|
|
Latest College & Financial Aid NewsShould White Boys Be Heard? Dickenson Student Says NoFebruary 19, 2019 by Susan Dutca A Dickinson College senior did not foresee her essay in the student paper titled "Should White Boys Still Be Allowed to Talk?" going viral online or appearing on national organizations' websites. In her guest editorial, Leda Fisher argues that white, male students are taking over discussions of feminism, LGBTQ and race that she "feels are better voiced by women and minority students." [...] Insta Influencers Involved with Student FAFSA?February 12, 2019 by Susan Dutca Despite the possibility of earning free money for college, some current and prospective college students do not complete the FAFSA - perhaps because the form is "confusing and lengthy." Instagram influencers and college bloggers are stepping in and have teamed up with the U.S. Department of Education to encourage more students to fill out their FAFSA with the hashtag #ButFirstFAFSA. [...] Fall in Love with February 2019 ScholarshipsFebruary 7, 2019 by Susan Dutca Scholarships.com has the scholarships your heart (and wallet) desire this month and we are sharing the love, beginning with this list of featured February 2019 college scholarships. Focus on scholarship love and worry less about how you’ll pay for college this upcoming semester. [...] |