Tips for Financially-Savvy Freshman

Read on our Knowledge Hub.

Congrats on embarking on the next step of your academic career! During college you’ll face exciting challenges and learn many valuable lessons, including managing your finances responsibly.

As you venture out on your next adventure, we’ve got advice and helpful resources to help you start off on the right foot.

Financial Tips for New College Students

Find Deals

Did you know that being a college student unlocks special deals? You can find special student subscriptions at discounted prices, from streaming services like Hulu or Spotify, delivery services like Amazon and DoorDash and services you’ll need for your classes like Adobe or Microsoft Office. Click here for a list of discounts available to students!

Go Thrifting

Not only are thrift stores cheaper than department stores or boutiques, but you can also find anything you might need for your dorm (appliances, cookware, furniture, etc.) at unbeatable prices. You might also find vintage treasures you could never find anywhere else!

Consider Part-Time Work

A part-time job boosts your budget and teaches you time management. There are also many on-campus opportunities that could set you on the right track to your preferred career path.

Create a Realistic Budget

Mastering budgeting now will set you on a path to lifetime financial success. As you plan for the school year ahead, make sure your budget is realistic and something you can stick to throughout the semester.

It’s even easier when you can visualize your spending and savings goals – our money management tools in online and mobile banking make budgeting a breeze! With visual guides to track your progress you can easily map out where you’re going and the steps you can take to get there.

Set Limits

You should be able to treat yourself and have fun but keeping non-essential spending in check is critical. Be mindful of your budget and find a balance between treating yourself and managing your money wisely. Click here to learn how to start building healthy financial habits for life!

Use Credit Wisely

Resist the temptation of relying too much on credit cards. Use credit only when necessary to avoid the headache of late fees and high interest rates. Always pay your bill on time, pay more than the minimum payment (if you can) and avoid carrying a balance whenever possible.

Prepare for the Future

Do you have a plan in place for repaying your student loans? It’s never too early to start thinking about the future. If you’re unsure where to begin, our financial partners at Greenpath are here to help. They’ll pave a roadmap to paying off your student loans. First they’ll take time to understand your current situation, then they’ll create a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals. The best part? This service is entirely free to our members! Click here to get started.

Takeaway

As you begin this exciting next step of your academic career, now is the perfect time to build a strong foundation so you’re prepared for a lifetime of financial success.

With these tips, we hope you’ll be better prepared to make the most of your college experience without going broke.

As you venture out on your financial path, your financial needs will grow and change. That’s why we’re always here to help guide you towards your dreams. Whatever advice you’re looking for, stop by our Financial Training Ground or Knowledge Hub for a treasure trove of educational resources!

Good luck with your first year of college!