How can college students save and spend money wisely?

December 12, 2014  | By Kevin Smith

College is a pivotal time in a young adult’s life. Students gain a sense of independence that is accompanied by responsibility–especially when it comes to finances. If you’re a new college student, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to save and spend money wisely. However, if you take time to plan, you won’t have to worry about spending money carelessly. And your parents will be glad to avoid desperate pleas for cash over the phone.

It may be helpful to review campus resources ahead of time so you can eliminate items that you don’t necessarily need to bring with you to school. Why bring your car and pay for an expensive parking pass if you can use free public transportation? Similarly, it might make more sense to borrow textbooks from your university’s library or rent them rather than fork over the dough to buy pricey books you’ll use for a single semester.

Next, establish a monthly budget. Track your expenses for a month to determine where most of your money is going, then look for the areas where you need to reevaluate your spending. For example, you may be spending too much on take-out when you already have a prepaid meal plan at your school. Take advantage of your plan and put that money toward something else in your budget like clothing or entertainment.

What if you have excess cash? Set aside a few dollars each week to create an emergency fund. Over time, that money could accumulate, and you never know when it might come in handy.

But if you still find yourself strapped for cash, most college campuses offer a variety of part-time jobs that are designed to fit into a student’s busy schedule. Ask about a job the next time you go to the gym for a workout or the dining hall for a meal. Or you can use your school’s career service website to browse work-study options available on campus. As long as you’re aware of what’s available to you, you’ll be better informed to make wise money decisions, which enables you to focus on making the most of this chapter in your academic career.