If you are a college student or a recent college graduate just trying to get by in this era of student loans and the shrinking middle class, it can be tough figuring out how to manage money and still have some freedom. For those of you who are struggling with debt, this article is for you.
Tips on managing your money and paying down student debt easily
1. Be careful with credit cards
Ensure that you pay off the entire balance each month and stop using your cards as soon as possible. You should also consider a credit monitoring service such as Credit Karma to have an eye on your credit score and see where you can improve it. Your student loan debt is not any less of a priority than a credit card, so don’t ignore it.
2. Buy nothing on credit
Let’s face it. Buying clothes, electronics, and other things on credit is just not good for you. Even if these things were just for two or three months, you should still pay cash for them to get the most bang for your buck.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of food and transportation as a budgeting tool
You should track your food spending with a grocery budget meal planner to cut down on eating out, which can get expensive very fast when you’re footing the bill yourself instead of splitting it with friends. You can also consider biking or walking to or from the places where you go to save on gas.
4. Pick one thing that you want to spend money on and stick to it
In other words, focus on one particular goodie in your budgeting notebook and follow the advice given here for that particular item only. Once you’re able to cut down your expenses for that item, start with another category until you’ve figured out all of your budgeting needs.
Conclusion
College can be a tricky time for many students, but it doesn’t have to be. While you’re trying to get by and stay on top of your studies, remember that your finances are not something you want to overlook. Use these tips to get out of debt and manage your finances properly.