A new crop of college freshman are about to step across that bridge from childhood to adulthood. It’s an incredibly exciting, nerve-wracking time for both child and parents. I’d like to offer a few suggestions to help you make the most of what will hopefully be four memorable years.
Many dream about attending college, and I hope it’s everything you imagined. One thing most kids do not spend much time thinking about is money. Yet I would encourage you to follow these tips so you leave college with both a degree and money smarts to take you to the next stage of your life.
I know budgets may not seem glamorous, but they will keep you honest and help you avoid spending money you don’t have. Don’t look at your budget as being your substitute Mom who tells you what you can and cannot do. Budgets can actually represent freedom. Set aside the money needed to cover your monthly obligations (cell phone, car insurance, etc.) and the remaining money you can choose how to spend. Just spend it wisely.
Right now you don’t really have much of a credit history, if any, so it’s very easy to move the dial towards excellent or poor and you want to maintain the best score possible. Your credit score may not mean much to you today but it will after graduation. Your credit score will determine whether you can get a loan and the interest rate. Your ability to rent an apartment or sometimes even get a job. Keep it healthy by paying your bills on time.
I’m not going to tell you to not get a credit card because the lure of your own credit card is most likely going to be too enticing. And in the end, it doesn’t really matter how old you are when you get your first credit card—it’s how you use it that matters. I want you to use it wisely and to your advantage.
Credit cards are NOT free money. They are NOT tools that allow you to live beyond your means nor are they an extension of your annual income. The aforementioned credit score will take a significant downturn if you abuse your credit card privileges by maxing out your card or not paying your bill on time. If you use your card, you must pay your balance in FULL every month. This is a habit you must form quickly if you want to use credit cards wisely. If you find yourself unable to do so or only making the minimum monthly payments, then stop using your credit card and go back to cash only.
School is a priority but a job will help put a few extra dollars in your pocket for both fun and to help offset the cost of college. There are plenty of on-and-off campus jobs and having some work experience under your belt will only be helpful when you’re looking for a job after college.
College will expose you to people of various socioeconomic backgrounds. You may have friends who receive a generous monthly allowance or choose to use their credit cards unwisely to fund a lifestyle beyond their means (and yours too). Don’t fall into the trap of needing to keep up with them. I know it’s easier said than done, but you are only setting yourself up for trouble if you live beyond your means.
This is the biggest mistake college students make: They don’t want to miss out or be left behind, so they turn to credit cards to fund that lifestyle. Don’t do it. In the moment, it will be fun, but you can never outrun debt. You will have to pay it back with interest. Those four years of fun can turn into 5, 10, 15 years of lost opportunities and dreams when you cripple yourself with significant consumer debt.
The final amount may vary, but the fact remains you represent a significant investment. Fun is certainly allowed but at the same time don’t be a underperforming investment either. We don’t send you to college for no reason. We expect to earn a positive return in the form of you making a successful transition into adulthood, which includes working hard, getting a good job and becoming a thriving member of society.
Shannon
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SHANNON RYAN, CFP®
I definitely was not a big spender when I was in college and I always made sure I had a part time job to pay my rent and other expenses. I usually worked as a cashier in a grocery store (pre scanner days) when you had to key in all of the prices and they would keep track of how quickly we put through each customer. It wasn't much fun, but at least I made some cash.
This is wonderful advice for the college kiddos. I've got a Senior this new school year so he's going to need this afterward. Actually anyone can use this advice. :)
I'm definitely going to read the credit card part to my daughter because she loves to shop. I know this will be her vice when she's off to college in a couple years. The good thing is she's actively looking for a job and I'm definitely encouraging her :)
Great tips Shannon! Hope you had a great Monday! Have a great week hon!
Happy Friday, Shannon! Have a great weekend!
These are some great tips! I remember being very irresponsible with money in college. Of course, I had no responsibilities or major bills, so I could afford to spend lavishly. Looking back, I wish I knew better. These tips are great for helping young adults avoid financial trouble later on.