Money management tips

Keeping your finances in order

• Keep a written budget and stick to it. 
• Maintain a record of your monthly spending and adjust your budget accordingly. 
• Develop a filing system for bills, receipts, loan statements, and other financial records. 
• Put together a list of financial goals and a strategy on how you will achieve your goals. 
• Remember to log all transactions in your check register.

Cutting monthly expenses

• Compare costs before purchasing items, products, and services. Steer clear of impulse buys or decisions. 
• Write down all of the purchases you make in a month and see where cuts can be made. You may be surprised how much money you are spending on eating out, coffee, music, etc.
• Don't shop for groceries on an empty stomach. 
• Before you make a purchase, always ask if there is a student discount. 
• Purchase used text books when possible. 
• Make sure your employer is withholding the appropriate taxes 
• Take advantage of higher education tax benefits if you can. 
• Don't bounce checks. You will typically be charged a $20-$30 fee by your bank. 
• Keep your money in the bank rather than in your wallet. You may be more tempted to use it when you have it handy.
• Try to cut out expensive habits such as smoking.
• Make your own coffee instead of purchasing it daily. 
• Avoid exceeding allotted minutes on your cell phone. Regularly check your usage. 
• Compare the price of living on campus vs. living off-campus and decide which will be cheaper for you. 
• Purchase snacks at grocery stores rather than cafes or vending machines. 
• Avoid eating out regularly.

For a healthy financial future

• Pay yourself first! After making your regular monthly payments, put money in your savings account before using it on other things. 
• Use your credit card responsibly. 
• Pay your bills on time. 
• Avoid peer pressure to spend money you don't have. Learn how to say, “I can't afford it.” 
• Cut back expenses where you can in order to save more or pay off debts faster. 
• Save for large purchases rather than buying them on credit. 
• Consider health insurance and retirement plans before accepting jobs and factor costs into your financial plan and budget.
• Don't assume the balance in your bank receipts at the ATM is correct. Certain transactions and checks may not be accounted for yet. 
• Consider leaving your credit card at home when you go out at night. 
• Avoid rent-to-own stores and instead save up for big items. 
• Create an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.