Welcome to college!
This is an exciting time when you’ll explore ideas and possibilities that will impact your life. This might be the first time you’re making money-management decisions on your own, too. If you’re footing the bill for your education in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, you probably already appreciate the demands on your time that will come from studying and working your way through college, or anywhere beyond.
Now that we’re talking about advanced educational opportunities, it’s time for a crash course in budgeting for college students who haven’t taken any economics or personal finance courses.
College Budgeting 101
Here are the cliff notes on figuring out how to budget while you’re in school:- Figure out how much money you’re earning.
- Use Premier Bank’s mobile app to review your expenses to determine what you can live without and where you can cut costs.
- Create a simple spending strategy and remain disciplined.
- If possible, set aside some extra money in a Savings Account that you can use to celebrate when you reach a financial goal.
- Understand that financial stability is better in the long run than overspending to impress people today.
For some college students, financial responsibility is a shock to their system and they don’t understand its importance until they’ve racked up thousands of dollars in debt. Irresponsible behavior today can impede your ability to borrow money for a home, car or anything else later in life.
After you’ve created a budget for this semester, take a look at some of these money-saving tips and habits to see if you can work them into your life at college.
Tips for Saving Money in College
- Reduce tuition costs by securing grants and scholarships throughout your college career.
- Earn transferable college credits by taking courses at less-expensive community colleges.
- Invest in a slow cooker so you can make meals while you’re in class.
- Consider living with friends or family to defer room and board expenses.
- Scour the discount chain stores for less expensive school supplies. You also can find better deals if you buy in bulk, and then split the cost with your friends.
- Go online to find cheaper textbooks and look for opportunities to rent your books from your library.
- Look for free entertainment on or near campus and take advantage of any discounts that local businesses offer to college students.
- Consider joining groups that offer numerous socializing opportunities (such as alumni groups) because you’ll often enjoy some free food while you get to network.
- Look for fun, thrilling and résumé-building excursions and experiences offered by on-campus groups and clubs at a discount.
- Consider whether you truly need a vehicle on campus. If you can walk, bike, skateboard or take public transportation, you’ll save a bundle of money in vehicle maintenance, insurance and parking fees. Plus, you’ll reduce your carbon emissions.
- Avoid ATM fees with a Premier Bank Student Checking Account to take advantage of no minimum account balance and Access to 37,000+ ATMs nationwide without a surcharge fee through the Money Pass® ATM network.