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Basic Rules for Good Money Management
- Spend Wisely - You may have a large balance in your account at the beginning of the year if you've received financial aid. However, it is budgeted to last the entire semester and will go quickly if you don't properly manage the funds.
- Have a Realistic Budget - If you have a budget, you will be better prepared. But you have to follow through or you will not have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your education. Record your sources of income verses your expenses, this will enable you to see how much you can spend each month.
- Focus - Your goal is to receive a degree from Barton Community College. Because a college education can be expensive, you will need to focus on this goal throughout your college years. Paying bills on time and staying out of debt is the key to having a good credit rating and starting off on the right foot after college.
- Avoid Credit Card Debt - A major problem for college students is credit card debt. To prevent this problem, you must acknowledge how easy it is to go into debt. Not paying your college bills or not paying back your loans can become a serious problem and could ruin your credit rating for a long time.
- Having a credit card is a big responsibility and you should have an income to support it. You should not accept every card offered to you. Be sure you are in control of your spending and have a budget worked out ahead of time so the credit card spending does not get out of hand. Only use credit cards in emergencies and pay it off as soon as the bill arrives.
Other Helpful Money Management Sources
Financial Literacy Online
Financial Literacy Online - Offered by National Student Loan Program (NSLP)
Financial Literacy Online is a comprehensive and convenient online learning center that teaches students the basics of personal money management. Courses are for students who are planning for college, enrolled in college, planning to graduate from college or recent graduates. However, anyone who wants to learn about money management-including parents-may take the courses.
My Money
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are buying a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401(k), the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you maximize your financial decisions. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 Federal agencies and Bureaus designed to help you make smart financial choices.