College 4 Realz: Money Management

                Whenever the topic of colleges comes up, usually the word money is mentioned. Tuition and room and board are the major expenses that you probably won't be able to pay for by whipping cash out of your pocket. Other expenses college students commonly meet and sometimes forget about are textbook costs, dues for various clubs, travel money, food and necessities, special clothing (usually business attire) and extra class fees. Here are some ways to maintain enough wealth to help you cover these expenses:

1. Save your money!

                This is something everyone should start practicing the moment they start earning money. Save money by not spending it on frivolous items and activities. Sure, have fun and splurge once and a while, but consider whether you really want to watch a movie two nights in a row, or if you desperately want to order take out again. By sticking those extra dollars back in your pocket (or somewhere out of sight, like a bank) you will be able to afford more meaningful things in the future. Saving can be really easy! For example, all that loose change I had sitting in a jar added up to a quick $26. All I had to do was remember to put my change from cash transactions in the jar! Another way to save is to put a certain amount of money to the side every week, or month. If you save $10 every week, you will have a nice sum of 

$520 by the end of the year. Mastering the skill of saving money is 

super beneficial.

2. Organize and Plan ahead

                You are in college now, so it's about time you heard this dreadful word: "budgeting". Organize your expenses! Be aware of anything you know will need to be paid for, like school, insurance, and car/gas expenses. Once you know the amount (or an educated guess), set aside your funds to pay for those.  Then divide the rest of your monthly funds for food, entertainment, surprise expenses, and emergencies. Make sure to stay within your budget boundaries. For example, don't spend $50 on going to the movies if your monthly entertainment budget was only $30. This might be a pain, but it will definitely be worth it in the future! Plan ahead for any large expenses (tuition) and ALWAYS be financially prepared for an emergency.

3. Pay with cash

                The best way to subconsciously trick yourself into spending less money is to always pay with cash when you can. Instead of swiping a plastic card, you can physically feel yourself giving away those precious greenbacks. By kissing those Abraham Lincolns goodbye as they disappear in the cashier's hands, you mentally recognize a loss of resources, which will make you less likely to spend. Also, cash is accepted in SO many more places than cards and is always handy to have in your wallet.

4. Get a job on campus

                There are so many jobs on campus to choose from, and it is really easy to get hired. Work can be less than a five minute walk away and you will meet a lot of faculty to help you in your future.  A campus job may not have as many hours or pay as much as a regular employment, but usually they really work out with your schedule and get you good experience while earning you some extra dough. The job I currently have on campus, feeding the horses on Feed Crew, is only for about 2 hours for 3 days every weekend. The work consists of something I would do at my own barn and gets me more enough income to live comfortably every month with some to spare for entertainment. I totally recommend a campus job as a sole source of monthly income, or even just to get some extra cash.

5. Leave room for some fun

                Just like getting healthy, make sure to have a cheat day. Leave room in your budget for some fun and splurge once in a while... just not too much. Don't be super stressed about finances, you already have enough stress as a college student. Go out at least once a month and spend a little money to enjoy yourself, whether that be a simple ice cream cone at a park or going ice skating with friends. Of course, don't sacrifice vital expenses like school stuff to do this, but make sure to make room if you can. This provides a much needed relief of stress and makes you so much happier throughout your college years.

Hope these tips help y'all out, and feel free to share tips of your own in the comments! Remember, college is preparing you for your future, so that means dealing with finances too!

~Jennah