Saving and Using Money Wisely
by Kara Gehring and Cassidy Maurer
Saving Money
Apply Yourself
Work hard to get good grades and maintain a GPA above 3.5. Get a good ACT score and challenge yourself to improve that score by two points. Doing both of these will allow you to apply for any scholarships you qualify for. This includes national, local, and scholarships your college offers.
*Hint: Everything has a deadline. Make sure you know the deadlines ahead of time.
Event Information
Apply for FAFSA
Apply for the FAFSA as soon as you can to have a higher chance of receiving more money for college.
When?
Thursday, Jan 1, 2015, 12:00 AM
Where?
Harbor Beach, MI, United States
College
In high school, try to take as many college classes as possible to get some of your basics finished. After graduation, take online classes at home to start your college experience. If that does not fit your lifestyle, start small. Go to a community or 2 year college to get your basics, then transfer to a university.
Living Situation
If living off campus, live with more roommates. It will reduce the cost of your rent if split between four people rather than two. In addition, carpool with someone. If living on campus and you do not feel comfortable rooming with a stranger, live with someone that you know.
*Warning: Not all of your friends are good roommates. Be sure to choose wisely.
Discounts
Rent or buy used textbooks for your classes. Also, use your student ID for discounts on numerous items ranging from small items like movie tickets to big items like computers.
*Warning: Not all stores accept student ID's. Be sure to do research before purchasing items.
Using Money Wisely
Limit Spending Habits
Do not buy unnecessary items like clothing or food from gas stations. Ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" Also, if you go out to eat every day, or close to it, reduce that amount to only once or twice a week.
Make a Budget
Get a job. With every paycheck you accumulate, keep half of the amount in your possession. You need this to live off of until your next payday. Put the other half in your savings account.
*Reminder: Sometimes you may need to keep more than half in your possession. Just make sure not to repeat your spending habits multiple times.