| Create a budget for yourself and stick to
it. Having a budget is a great way to take
control of your finances. You will be able to see
where your money is coming from, and most
importantly, where it is all going. This will help
you to find places in which you can trim some of your
spending. |
| Use a checking account. Checks give you a
written record of all of your expenses. Keeping it
balanced (try to do this after each transaction) will
help you to keep within your budget and avoid costly
overdraft fees. |
| Record debit card transactions in your check
register. Record all purchases and ATM
withdrawals and deduct them from your checking
account balance. |
| Try to steer clear of ATMs. It is easy to
get money out of them, often so easy that you don't
realize how much money you have gone through. If you
do use the ATM, plan ahead. Many ATMs have fees for
withdrawing funds which can add up if you are not
careful. Making one withdrawal a week rather than
making one daily will save both time and
money. Alternatively, you can change to a bank which
does not charge ATM fees. |
| Find a job which works out with your
school schedule. There are many part-time and
work-study positions available which can give you
enough money to borrow less and create less debt, or
use the extra money to make loan payments while in
school. |
| Use cash, not your student loan or
credit card when purchasing disposable items such as:
eating out, entertainment, etc. |
| Carry less cash with you so that you won't
be tempted to buy things. Take more time to think
about buying something instead of acting on impulse.
Ask yourself if it is something that you really need,
or if you just want it and can wait until you have
the money. |
Finances