It’s no secret that money management skills are essential to success in life. What may be less well-known, however, is that these skills can be learned – and it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re just starting college or are a few years out and feeling like you could use a refresher course, read on for six essential tips for money management from the student’s perspective.
1. Managing Your College Tuition
The first – and arguably most important – thing on any student’s mind when it comes to money is how to pay for college. The cost of tuition has been rising steadily for years, and there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. If you’re like most students, you’ll need to take out loans to cover at least a portion of your costs. You should also inform yourself can you file bankruptcy on student loans and on other issues concerning this as well. While loans can seem daunting, remember that they’re an investment in your future. Be smart about taking on debt, and make sure you understand the terms of your loans before signing anything. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll want to start paying off your loans as quickly as possible to save on interest payments.
2. Creating and Sticking to a Budget
Once you have a handle on your tuition costs, it’s time to start thinking about how to budget your money for the semester. This can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not used to tracking your spending. But there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. College websites and financial aid offices often have budgeting tools and advice. You can also find helpful mobile apps, like Mint or YNAB, that can track your spending and help you stay on budget.
3. Saving for Your Future
In addition to paying off your loans, you should also start saving for your future as soon as possible. If you don’t have a lot of extra money left over after covering tuition and living expenses, that’s OK – even small amounts can add up over time. The important thing is to get into the habit of saving now so that you’ll be in good financial shape later on. There are a few different ways to save money, but one of the simplest is to open a savings account and make regular deposits. You can also consider investing in a Roth IRA if you’re already working or plan to start working during your college years.
4. Understanding Credit Cards
Credit cards can be a helpful tool for managing your finances, but they can also be dangerous if you don’t understand how they work. Before you get a credit card, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Read the fine print carefully, and be aware of things like interest rates, annual fees, and late payment penalties. Once you have a credit card, use it wisely by only charging what you can afford to pay off each month. If you’re not sure you can handle the responsibility of a credit card, consider getting a prepaid debit card instead.
5. Building Good Credit
Speaking of credit, one of the best things you can do for your financial future is to start building good credit now. This will make it easier for you to get loans and lines of credit in the future, and it can help you get better terms on those loans. There are a few different ways to build credit, but one of the simplest is to get a secured credit card. With this type of card, you’ll need to put down a deposit, which will be used as collateral in case you default on your payments. Another option is to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. Just be sure that you understand the terms of any agreement before you sign anything.
6. Avoiding Financial Scams
Unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who are looking to take advantage of students when it comes to money. From student loan scams to fake internship offers, there are all sorts of ways you can get taken for a ride if you’re not careful. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is to educate yourself about common schemes and warning signs. You should also be wary of anyone who asks for personal or financial information before giving you any information about a job or loan. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
These are just a few things students should know about money management. By educating yourself about personal finance, you’ll be in a much better position to make smart financial decisions throughout your college years and beyond. So, make sure you do your research and put together a solid budget before you head off to school. And don’t forget to save up for those big future goals!