Money Management

Your education is a great investment. Start managing that investment now by acquiring money management skills that will help you make sound financial decisions.

Get organized

Now is the time to get organized! Start learning effective money management here by designing your first budget with our step-by-step tutorial. Use the tools below for helpful information on setting your priorities; selecting a bank; saving thousands of dollars by graduating in four years; and applying for scholarship aid that, unlike loans, does not need to be repaid.

Define your priorities

Inspiration to get your financial house in order

Keep debt levels manageable

Before signing the dotted line, determine how much debt is too much

Make a spending plan

Use this roadmap and these tools to track your spending and set up a realistic, flexible plan

Plan for graduation in 4 years

Why planning to graduate in 4 years can save you BIG money

Understand financial aid

 Understanding the types of aid will help in making the right decisions

Private Loan Facts

Background info on private student loans and important questions to ask before borrowing

Search for scholarships

You may qualify for money that never needs to be repaid

Borrow wisely

Find out how interest impacts your loan when you choose low payments over a longer repayment period

Choose a bank

What to look for in a financial institution

Store your documents

Develop a filing system that works for you

Spend responsibly

Create good spending habits now! It's much easier to learn what works best the first time, than to unlearn troublesome behaviors. You'll need to discover your money personality. Take the What is your money personality? quiz to gauge your spending style. Are you closer to being a binge or balanced spender? Is it easier for you to spend or save your money? Once you've identified your personal strengths and where you might improve, use the links that follow for help and inspiration.

Save on your textbook purchases

Find out how to spend less for the same information

Buying a computer

All the information you need to make this important purchase

Spending habits

How to identify your spending behaviors

Grocery shopping

Strategies to cut food costs

Holiday spending

Enjoy holiday gift-giving for less

Make wise credit choices

Establish credit

How to start creating a positive credit history.

Credit history

How to get information on your credit history and obtain a credit report.

Credit cards

Learn how credit cards work.

Credit score

How your credit score is determined, and how to monitor it.

True cost of credit

Learn about APR and how to calculate credit costs.

Debt management

Tips and resources on how to manage your debt.

Debt-to-income ratio

Calculate how much debt will you be able to afford when you graduate.

Avoid trouble

Money problems are a major contributor to dropping out of college, interpersonal conflicts, and stress. Know the warning signs and spot financial threats to your well-being. Read below for more information, and seek help when you need it.

Plan your debt

Guide to estimating your college costs and the income required to pay back loans.

Financial warning signs

Know when to seek financial help.

Credit: the good, the bad, & the ugly

Check out this page to avoid credit card troubles.

Check writing

Tips for first-time check writers.

Shop safely online

Tips to make your e-commerce experience a positive one.

Identity theft

What is identity theft? What can you do to prevent it? Where can you go for help if you are a victim? Find answers to these questions here.

Get help

A quick response can often prevent a financial problem from growing. Below are ideas and resources for students and parents in need of immediate financial assistance.

Emergency funds

Resources for dealing with an urgent situation.

Identity theft victims

Steps to protect yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Help with money issues

Financial counseling and resources on campus and in the community.

Live Like a Student

Creative ways to enjoy life on a student budget.