How to Thrive in College - Blog

More Money, More Problems

How to handle money at college

You’re just starting to learn your new class schedule and find your way around campus, so why are finances important?

We are stewards of God’s money. If you were to put your bank statement under an x-ray machine, what would it say about the condition of your heart?

Why worry about money now? The decisions you make during the next four years will impact your future. Did you know the average Class of 2016 college student will graduate with $40,000 in debt? That’s a lot!

The average college student earns $200 a week. What will you do with the money you make in college?  First you need to make a plan. You only need 3 basic categories in your budget: Give, Save, and Spend. The most important is Give – your giving represents your faith in God.

Even as a student, your trust in God will grow as you practice giving money to missions organizations, social justice organizations around the world, and your local church. Learn more about the faith adventure of giving.


Saving prevents future debt. You can plan ahead for unexpected expenses like a car accident and avoid using credit cards later on to cover them. The Bible says the borrower is a slave to the lender. If you haven’t decided on a college yet, look at the cost factor.  What types of scholarships can you get? Would going to a community college part-time make more sense? How can you avoid or minimize student loan debt?

Spending is necessary and part of life. Remember the right order is Give first, Save, then Spend. Live within your means and you’ll be setting yourself up for financial success.


Look online and in your app store to find helpful resources for setting up a Give, Save, Spend plan.
 

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