Articles - Archived Expert Advice

College Money

I'm finally on my own away at college! I've already learned that the money I came here with isn't going to last very long. What can I do?

First, congratulations on going to college. Your hard work will certainly pay off when you graduate! Until then, you need money to survive. There are some good ways for students to earn income while in school.

Look for on-campus employment opportunities. Many schools offer positions that are not part of the federal work-study program. Some offer tuition discounts and wages for your services. These positions generally offer flexible work hours to coincide with your class schedule.

Consider becoming a residential adviser (RA) at your dorm. Some schools will waive or reduce housing costs for RAs. Although the location is great, this work requires you to answer calls, handle maintenance requests and address service issues—sometimes at inconvenient hours.

Look for local employment. Area businesses often welcome college students, and offer flexible work schedules to coincide with your classes. Check campus and local newspapers, as well as campus bulletin boards, for opportunities.

An internship is a great way to get experience in your field of study. Some even offer college credit and/or wages for your time. Schedules are usually flexible and may result in actual job offers.

Once you start earning money, you need to manage it! It's crucial that you keep track of your finances. Balance your checkbook. If you'll be using a debit card or pre-paid credit card, keep your receipts and record all transactions. And, always keep an eye on your balances so you know how much money you have.

If you need help tracking your money, we're here to help. Just call or email us!