College tests aren't the only thing that make your head hurt. Sometimes, your financial situation can seem overwhelming. But smart planning can make everything easier.
Being able to organize your expenses is an important part of your college experience. Creating a budget will help you choose wisely how to spend your money. To help you with this process the following links offer a variety of useful information.
The links below require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
When you're in college and trying to make ends meet, every precious dollar really counts Here are some tips to help you manage your money and stay on top of your finances. "Making the Most of your Money"
Learning about and applying for financial aid need not be a mind-boggling experience. The following tips from the College Board's College Credit Education Loan Program will help you make informed, responsible choices about student loans and lenders. "A Guide to Responsible Borrowing"
The Basic Facts of Credit. Sure, a credit card means money and freedom. But using a card too often can lead you right into financial disaster. Before you know it, you're charged to the max of your credit line, you can't make the payments, the bank is really on your case, and you're stuck in the credit trap. Say goodbye to that good credit rating you worked so hard for. "Credit Card Smarts"
Log your estimated expenses per semester and your projected income per semester.
"Semester Budget Worksheet"
Being organized makes the difference between order and chaos in your financial affairs. There's no magical formula. All it takes is a little planning, some file folders, and ongoing maintenance. Being organized offers real benefits - no more hours spent looking for misplaced financial aid forms, wage and salary statements, or school transcripts. It's a real time-saver and well worth the time it takes to set up a system that works for you.
"Student Guide to Record Keeping"
With only a little effort and discipline, you can keep track of your money by balancing your checkbook each month. A balanced checkbook not only helps you keep tabs on your cash flow, but alerts you to the fees you pay for banking services and warns you about problems (like errors in your checking account or overdrawing your account).
"Balancing Your Checkbook"
