College financial resources are plentiful if you know where to look. In this article, we’ll be looking at 7 that should make your life less stressful.
It can be daunting to manage your finances when you’re attending college. However, there are a number of resources available to help you. This article will discuss some of the best college financial resources that can make your experience less stressful.
So don’t worry, readers! By utilizing the tips and advice in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a more stable financial future.
1. Start saving for college as soon as possible
The first best time to start saving for college is while you’re still in grade school. The second best time? Right now.
Don’t be discouraged. You don’t have to have every dime of it saved. But at the same time, every little bit helps. Set aside a portion of each dollar you earn for your college future. (Even if that future is right now!)
2. Apply for scholarships and grants
Take the ACT or SAT test. Learn about all the community scholarships in your region. See what’s available at the state and federal levels and what might be out there specific to your areas of interest.
Use the web to your advantage. Do some keyword searches when you get a chance. You may be surprised to see what’s out there. One last thing: Federal Pell Grant money is income-based, but you also might qualify for some lesser-known grants once you start searching. Grants are monies that you don’t have to pay back.
3. Live at home while attending college to save on expenses
That is, move home if you have that luxury available to you and get along well enough with your parents. Otherwise, look into roommates.
4. Get a part-time job to help pay for school expenses
Part-time jobs can help you with expenses without having to resort to taking out the maximum in student loans that are available to you. You also live in an age that allows you to work independently through gigs and side hustles.
5. Use student loans sparingly and only when necessary
Let’s face it. You’ll probably have to take out a student loan at some point. But the longer you can delay it or the lower amounts that you can apply for, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Don’t use student loans for “fun money.” Make sure they’re targeted only at tuition, books, and room-and-board. For the rest, use savings or a part-time job.
6. Take advantage of free resources available on campus
Most college campuses offer a variety of free resources that can help students save money. For example, many schools offer free or discounted rates on public transportation, making it easy to get around without having to rely on a car.
Additionally, many campuses have on-site laundry facilities, which can be a great way to save on the cost of laundry detergent and dryer sheets. And if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to eating out, most campuses have food pantries that offer free or low-cost groceries. By taking advantage of these free resources, you can easily save money while you’re in college.
7. Make a budget and stick to it
For many people, college is the first time they are responsible for managing their own finances. Unfortunately, there is no formal requirement to teach budgeting in high school.
As a result, many students are ill-prepared to handle the financial challenges of college life. While some schools offer personal finance courses, these are often optional and may not be sufficient to meet the needs of all students.
To make matters worse, many college students incur significant debt during their studies, which can further complicate their financial situation. The good news is that there are a number of ways to learn about budgeting and money management.
There are numerous books, websites, and other resources that can provide helpful information. In addition, many colleges offer financial counseling services that can assist students in developing a sound budget.
The number one thing to remember is don’t spend more than you bring in.
These College Financial Resources Can Help Make Your Experience Less Stressful
Managing your finances can be a daunting task, especially when you’re attending college. However, by utilizing the resources that are available to you, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, you can make your experience a little less stressful. Additionally, by creating a budget and sticking to it, you’ll be better prepared for life after college.
Now it’s your turn, readers. What is the best financial advice that you’ve ever received? Sound off in the comments section below!
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
