Friday, September 7, 2012

Financial Planning for College Students

Around the country, college students are beginning a new school year in the midst of rising tuition and living expenses.  Many college students are on their own for the first time and, for many of them, that includes being on their own financially. They are expected to earn money and manage their own finances along with their busy college schedules and social lives. College financial plans don’t have to be complicated, but they are necessary. Taking a few simple steps now to manage personal finances will lead to much more positive outcomes down the road.

Here are some financial tips for college students beginning the new school year:

  • Buy used textbooks or e-books when possible and compare textbook prices online.
  • Don’t be tricked by credit card offers that come with a bag of candy, free shirt or free pizza.
  • Before signing a lease, be sure you understand the entire contract.
  • Educate yourself about student loans – know what types of loans you have, how much you owe, your interest rate, and what your monthly payment will be. For information on your federal loans, visit:  http://www.nslds.ed.gov
  • Before turning to private loans to help pay for your education, visit your financial aid adviser to be sure you have exhausted all federal loan opportunities.
  • Stay away from payday loans.  They carry very high interest rates and can trap you in debt for years.
  • Shop around for a bank account.  Different banks and credit unions offer a wide variety of products – from free checking to low rates on loans. You also want to consider convenience – it is helpful if there is an ATM or branch on campus or close to where you live.
  • Every time you are about to spend money, ask yourself if it would be better spent on something else or saved for a rainy day.
  • Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet, and don’t give your Social Security number to people that don’t need it. The only thing thieves need to steal your identity is your Social Security number.
  • Watch your eating out, entertainment and clothes spending carefully.
  • Track spending to help avoid buying more than you can afford.
  • Time is your best friend when it comes to saving for retirement – start saving now if you have a job and can invest a little for retirement.

Ryan H. Law, M.S., CFP®, AFC®

 

Personal Financial Planning Department

Office for Financial Success Director

University of Missouri Center on Economic Education Director

 

162 Stanley Hall

University of Missouri

Columbia, MO 65211

 

573.882.9211 (office)

573.884.8389 (fax)

 

15 comments:

College info said...

Thanks for sharing the information on financial. it would be great if the cost would been revealed with the college list

Lisa @ Jax Beach said...

Indeed, buy used or rent but before that, it's best to compare textbook prices, and look for coupon codes. Don't just settle for the cheapest deal, read their return policy as well.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this information, these financial tips for college students beginning the new school year will help them save and manage their money.
Planning for college

powder coated doors said...

I was staying at a newer Marriott and I found that the hotel door finishes were a very cleanly paint. They are powder coated doors according to management. I never thought you could do that!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for these wonderful tips! It'll surely help the college freshman be a lot smarter when it comes to dealing with their finances. He can actually be smarter than those clever offers and deals than be availed for much lower prices with some small adjustments.


Roslyn Rosecrans

markson said...

Sean was great! He gave clear guidance on how we could combine our many accounts and mutual funds, and what target allocations in our investments to shoot for.
sunshine coast accountants

Unknown said...

This wouldn't actually be such a bad idea! I've been looking into financial help. Being in college can be hard financially. Maybe getting a financial adviser would be a good idea! http://www.vahanian.com/new/vahanian/

Unknown said...

That's correct. In fact, it's also nice to make financial planning part of our education system. Students who are familiar with this will not go lost regardless of the careers they are in. financial services firms

Anonymous said...

Thanks fellow your posts are really very good for me since it make good sense for me. free credit report gov

Unknown said...

Fascinating information I haven’t been experienced such information in quite a long time.Cloud Bookkeeping

Chris Pratt said...

The superb highly informative blog I’m about to share this with all my contacts.life insurance rates

Unknown said...

Quickly this site will indisputably be famous among all blogging people, because of its fastidious articles or reviews.payday loan 100 online

Unknown said...

I am grateful for your effort and the quality of content you give us. I definitely will tag on these advices! payday loan

Unknown said...

I continuously continue coming to your website once more simply in case you have posted new contents.Businessman Mark Curry

Chris Morris said...

It’s amazing to visit again n again coming to your blogs the superb effort is here.payday loans online for virginia