Pursuing a higher education can be a transformative experience but often comes with a hefty price tag. College tuition, textbooks, living expenses, and other miscellaneous costs can add up quickly. To ensure your college journey is financially smooth, it’s crucial to be strategic and make informed decisions about your money. Our team at Legacy Bank helps customers across the state meet their financial goals, with physical locations in Wichita, Colwich, Pratt, and Sedgwick, Kansas, and is exploring four financial tips to help you navigate college the smart way!

Outline a Budget

One of the fundamental principles of managing your college finances begins by creating a realistic budget. Start by listing all your sources of income, such as scholarships, part-time jobs, grants, and any additional financial support from family or other sources. Next, itemize your expected expenses, making sure to include tuition, books, housing, food, transportation, and other personal costs. Once you have a comprehensive budget outlined, utilize a budget app or spreadsheet to keep track of your expenditures. Not only will being disciplined about your budget help you avoid unnecessary debt, but you can allocate additional funds to savings, emergency funds, and future student loan payments.

Build Emergency Savings

In addition to budgeting and cutting costs where possible, building an emergency savings fund is essential to your financial stability long after your college days are over. Life is notorious for throwing unexpected financial curveballs, and having a safety net can prevent you from going into debilitating amounts of debt. As a good rule of thumb, attempt to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Start small, but make it a habit to regularly contribute to your emergency fund, even if it’s just a small percentage of your monthly income. No matter the amount you add, contributing any amount is better than saving nothing at all.

View Legacy Bank’s savings account interest rates here!

Utilize Credit Cards

Contrary to popular belief, credit cards can be an extremely valuable tool as a college student, assuming you use them responsibly. In the future, you will likely need a good credit score to get a car loan or a mortgage on your first home; this is where credit cards come in. By opening a couple of lines of credit and using them for necessary expenses, you can begin to build your credit and improve your credit score. When applying for a new credit card, it’s crucial to use it wisely and avoid carrying a balance from month to month.

Expert Tip: Pay your credit card bills on time to avoid high interest charges and late fees, or consider getting a student credit card with lower limits to help manage your spending.

Apply for Scholarships and Grants

College scholarships and grants can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing the financial burden of your education. You can find a wide variety of scholarships and grants from both public and private organizations, as well as directly from your college or university. Many students overlook opportunities simply because they don’t apply, which is why our team at Legacy Bank recommends beginning your search early and applying for as many scholarships and grants as you qualify for. This can decrease your reliance on student loans, saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Get your scholarship search started today!