While we often cover topics regarding different schools and career programs here, one of the most important things to consider as you prepare for college is your financial situation. If you’re living at home and commuting to college, your budget may not be quite as tight as an out-of-state student’s – but I’d venture to bet it’s still stretched pretty thin. Some students prefer to hire a writer for an essay to save money and time for other needs. No matter what your situation, the following are some money and budgeting tips every college student should keep in mind.
What Are Your Actual Needs?
Young people have a difficult time differentiating between the things they want versus the things they need. If you already have a computer, for example, do you need a new one – or do you just want one because you’re starting on a new path in life? If you don’t need something, save your money for other necessary expenses or for the day when that want turns into a real need.
Have a Budget
The trick to sticking to a budget is to have one to start with. Sit down and write down your monthly expenses (both necessary and unnecessary). You need to know where your money is going. List your monthly income sources – work, allowance from your parents, and student loan reimbursements. Make sure you know what you can spend each month and cut out the unnecessary items. Like before, you don’t need a cup of Starbucks as much as you want it. You’d spend less if you had your coffee pot.
Find a Decent Credit Union
There are a lot of credit unions willing to give great deals to college students. Some colleges even have credit unions. Look for banks and credit unions with no fees (or low fees) and the best interest rates.
Academic Debt Only
Unless you’ve been planning for a long time, you’re going to end up with at least a little bit of academic debt. Make sure that your years in college result in no other debts aside from that. In other words, you do not need a Wii system so bad that you have to put it on a credit card. Again – want vs. need.
Avoid Credit Cards
While the federal government has passed laws restricting how credit card companies can interact with college students, the truth is that a lot of college students will still fall into the credit trap. Avoid using credit unless you have a real emergency. A car repair is an emergency. A dress for a hot date is not.
Using Essay Writing Services
When it comes to being a student, money is always tight. Whether you’re paying for tuition, books, or rent, every penny counts. That’s why more and more students are turning to essay writing services to save money while still getting the grades they need.
Essay writing services offer a variety of benefits that can help save you time and money. For starters, many services offer discounts for bulk orders or repeat customers. In addition, some services offer free revisions or money-back guarantees, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
Finally, by using an essay writing service, you can free up your time to focus on other important aspects of your life, such as studying for exams or participating in extracurricular activities. So if you’re looking to save money and get the best possible grades, essay writing services may be the perfect solution.
Take Care of Yourself
Do yourself a favor and learn to take care of yourself. A little bit of self-care and prevention can go a long way in helping you to avoid nasty medical bills or other expenses. Go to a class so that you’re not wasting your tuition money. Eat balanced meals, dress properly for the weather, and do all of the things your mom would tell you to do if you were living at home.
Look for Great Deals
Don’t wait until the last minute to do your supply shopping. Start early to look for used college textbooks for cheap prices, buy necessary items in bulk (if the cost is cheaper), and split the items with roommates and friends. Watch for essentials to go on sale and stock up. Make your money stretch as far as possible.
You have a least 2-4 years of college to get through, and that’s only if you don’t plan on going to graduate school. Budget carefully and you’ll have very little debt when you’re finished.