08.16.11 | How to Budget for College
One of the most striking aspects of college for incoming freshman is the new financial responsibility. Spending while under the watch of mom and dad is one thing, but for many students college comes with a lot of firsts: first credit card, first bills, and first place to really be financially independent. While there’s something to be said for learning by doing, handling finances should be done with more care. This is why it’s important to create your college budget.
Step One: Calculating Income
Before you know how much you can spend, you have to know how much you make. In college, many students find themselves living on the minimum, and this can become problematic. For example, make sure you know exactly how much money is in your account, because should you have a remaining $20, and buy a $25 item with your debit card, that extra $5 now costs you a whopping $40 in overdraft fees. Minor differences can have major consequences.
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