Tag Archives: Financial Tips for College Students

Financial Considerations When Applying for College

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There are many factors to consider when applying for college. Not only do you have to find the best fit for you personally, but you also have to incorporate what you can afford. This can be a very expensive and stressful process. However, it’s important to consider the financial aspects of college beyond what’s the best cultural fit.

Things to Consider When Applying to Colleges

Application Fees – Most colleges charge an application fee, which can range from $25 to $100 or more. Be sure to factor in these costs when applying to multiple schools.

Financial Aid – Research the financial aid options available at each school you’re considering. This may include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans.

Cost of Attendance – Look into the total cost of attendance at each school; tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses. Consider how much financial aid you’re eligible for and how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

Living Expenses – Whether you want to live off campus or on, it’s going to cost money either way. If you’re planning to live off campus, be sure to factor in the cost of rent, utilities, food, and other living expenses. These costs can vary depending on the location of the school.

Transportation – Consider the cost of transportation to and from the school, including flights, gas, and parking fees.

Part-time Work – If you plan to work part-time while attending school, research the availability of job opportunities on or near campus and the potential earnings.

Repay Student Loans – If you plan to take out student loans, it is super important to consider the repayment options and the impact they’ll have on your future finances. It may not be something you want to think about now, but it’s imperative to have an idea of what you’ll be paying once you graduate.

Related Article: Financial Tips for Teenagers

Thinking about your child’s future is probably already hectic, but we can work together on figuring out the right financial steps to be taken. First Financial has specific ways of helping our members prepare for their kids, teens, and college grads. You might also want to talk to a financial advisor in The Investment and Retirement Center, about 529 college savings plan options.*

Want to see more articles like this? Subscribe to First Financial’s monthly newsletter for financial resources and advice.

*Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and The Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using The Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or The Investment & Retirement Center.

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What We Wish We Knew About Finances in College

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Being on your own for the first time is one of the most empowering feelings. Whether you’re living in a dorm, an off-campus apartment, or are commuting from home – college life will give you your first taste of independence. And while adulthood may sound glamourous, there’s certainly more responsibility to manage – and that includes your finances.

One of the most important factors of growing into adulthood is how you manage your money. Those habits you make now will have a lasting impact on your financial wellness down the road. Here’s what we wish we knew about money management when we were in college.

Start building credit, but avoid credit card debt

You might be thinking more about classes right now, but after you graduate college – your credit score will have an even bigger impact on your life. Your credit score essentially determines your creditworthiness to lenders when you apply for a credit card or a loan. So, if you have a low score, it will be far more difficult to buy a car or even secure housing in the future.

Start by working on building your credit now. You can do this by applying for a credit card and having your parents added as authorized users (or vice versa). At First Financial, we offer a Visa® First Step Credit Card that’s specifically designed to build or establish your credit.*

Having a credit card is crucial for building credit, but you need to also make sure you’re paying it off in full each month. It can be easier than you think to pile on credit card debt. Some people use their cards like they’re free money, but in reality – you should only be making purchases that you can afford. Otherwise, paying your balance will become more difficult and interest will quickly add up.

Check out our blog post on credit card tips for beginners to learn more.

Always have an emergency fund

Part of adulting is having a back-up plan for when things go wrong. And most of the time, that means having a lump sum of emergency funds in case you have a large medical expense or car repair. As you get older, saving money will become increasingly important – so getting in the habit now is a great way to set yourself up for success.

Open a separate savings account and deposit a small amount of money into it regularly from any paychecks or gifts you receive. The amount you choose should be based on what you can afford. Even starting with putting away $25 per paycheck is a great, because it will add up overtime. The goal is to eventually allocate 20% of your paycheck to your savings, but everyone has to start somewhere!

Utilize student discounts

Companies know college students are on a budget, and many create affordable deals and memberships just for them. Don’t overlook how much money you can save by asking for a student discount. Trust us – you’ll miss it as soon as those perks go away! Many services like Amazon Prime, Hulu, Amtrak, and more offer discounted subscriptions and fees for students. Even insurance companies may offer lower rates for those in high school or college full-time.

While it’s important to balance your classwork while managing your money, you should also prioritize fun and safety. College goes by faster than you think – and the more you learn and enjoy yourself during these years, the better!

Want to see more articles like this? Subscribe to First Financial’s monthly newsletter for financial resources and advice.

*APR varies up to 18% for the Visa First Step Credit Card when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. This APR is for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. No late fee will be charged if payment is received within 10 days from the payment due date. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a VISA Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

 

4 Financial Tips for College Students

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Many U.S. colleges and universities are already back in session, as we approach the Labor Day holiday. If you’re back in school or just beginning college as a freshman, you already know you have a lot more freedom – but there’s also more responsibility. The financial decisions you make now, can often determine whether you can live comfortably in your financial future. Having some guidelines at this stage in your life can help cut down on unnecessary spending, and can also help you save more for your future.

Here are some tips to consider as you are making your own financial decisions:

1. Save for an Emergency Fund – Always have extra finances set aside in case you encounter a sudden emergency. This will help you to avoid debt and can save you from a sudden financial restriction. A good rule of thumb is to save around 10% of the money you get. One easy way to do this is to have another bank account for your emergency funds. That way, your normal expenses will come from your main account and your emergency savings will be kept separate so as to not be tempted to use it.

2. Take Care of Your Credit – Being in college will likely be the first time you will encounter a credit card. Even if you manage to get a card with a high limit, you should never maximize your limit. A good rule here is to keep your credit usage at around 30%. If you end up owing too much, you could incur high-interest charges that can send you into a debt problem.

Another strategy you could follow is to only use the card if you have money to pay for the purchase right away. Save that money for when the payment is due. That way, you don’t overspend and can work toward building a good credit score. Having a high credit score can help you land better loan rates in the future.

3. Start Investing & Saving for Retirement – Starting to invest and save for your future retirement early can make a difference when it comes to your future income. You may consider working on an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), or investing in the stock market – especially once you start working. Whatever your decision, be sure that you are making your money work for you. It is also a good idea to meet with a financial advisor to help you manage any investment or retirement accounts you may have, once you do start your first full-time job.

4. Budget Your Food Expenses – Food can take up most of your budget if you’re not careful. From fast food to splurging on snacks, this can empty your wallet fast. By setting a budget for your food, you’ll think about ways to make the most out of it. You’ll begin looking for cheaper yet more filling options. Another way to approach this is to plan your groceries ahead of time. By knowing exactly what you’re going to buy, you can control the amount you spend on food. Even a bit of research online can give you access to inexpensive yet satisfying meals.

Don’t Fear Mistakes

Part of learning how to be better with money is making a few mistakes along the way. Don’t put yourself down if you made a mistake with the money you spent. Simply take note of the mistake, and try to prevent it from happening again. As long as you keep improving and developing good financial habits, you’ll be setting yourself up for your future financial success.

Article Sources:

https://www.debt.org/students/financial-tips-college-students/

https://www.meratas.com/blog/how-to-manage-money-as-a-college-student

https://www.moneyunder30.com/financial-tips-for-new-college-students

Going Back to College? What’s Truly Essential for Your Dorm

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Back-to-college shopping can get expensive. Besides tuition and books, there’s clothing, class supplies, and dorm essentials. The National Retail Federation’s Back to College survey reports that this year students (or their parents) will spend an average of $969.88 for dorm furnishings and college supplies. Of this spending, the top four categories are projected to be electronics, clothing, food items, and furnishings.

While this might seem like a small dent compared to the cost of tuition and housing, it can take a significant chunk out of a student’s savings or, worse, end up on a credit card. The question then, is how many of these ‘essentials’ are necessary? Regardless of how convincingly retailers market their back to college lists and attractively arrange their mock dorm showrooms, it’s doubtful students really need all of that.

Based on feedback from students and parents who have learned the hard way, here are a few things you do and don’t need as you start getting ready to go back to college.

1. Furniture and Appliances: Be Picky

It sounds plausible that students without full access to a kitchen would want their own microwave, toaster, or mini-fridge, but students often find that these are either redundant (many dorms have a common area that includes these appliances), take up too much space, or don’t get utilized much. Go light on the kitchen appliances, especially if you or your student is on a meal plan. On the other hand, appliances like small fans might be useful (and don’t cost much).

Colleges usually supply basic furniture, but if you need to fill in a few gaps, bring items from home or shop second-hand. After all, you’re shopping for items that will probably only get used a maximum of four years. The one furniture item many students recommend spending a little more on is their bed. Between sleeping and studying, a mattress pad and comfortable blankets and pillows will pay for themselves.

2. Personalize, But Don’t Deck It Out

Another category that eats over $100 of that survey average is dorm décor. It can be easy to get carried away with making a new space into a personal statement, especially if you enjoy decorating. Remember: it’s only temporary. Spending money on how your room looks isn’t something you’ll look back on as a good investment in your education.

On the other hand, saving money doesn’t mean you need to settle for an outdated dorm room. Put up a picture board, bring some personal items from home, hit the thrift shops, and choose décor items that are also functional (like a cushioned footstool that doubles as storage).

3. Don’t Forget Practical Things

If you’re too focused on dorm room aesthetics, you might forget to save some cash for practical items – the things that come in handy when your home consists of a tiny room shared with another person. For instance, things like adhesive hooks and non-mounted shelves for storage, power strips with USB plug-ins for those scarce outlets, and a sewing kit for missing buttons or small tears – are all practical things nearly everyone will find useful. They also happen to be inexpensive.

4. Start Simple and Buy for Your Needs

Despite the lure of sales and beating the long lines at the local department stores on move-in weekend (remember, there’s always online shopping with direct delivery), the best overall strategy for shopping for college dorm supplies is to wait until you’re settled in. It’s better to start with less than you need and shop for specific items than to over-anticipate your needs and be wasteful.

Want to earn cash back on all your back to school purchases this year? Apply for a Visa Signature Credit Card from First Financial! You’ll earn 1% cash back, no restrictions.*

*A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa® Signature Credit Card. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. APR varies up to 18% for the Visa Signature Card when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. This APR is for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Cash advance fee of 1% of advance ($5 minimum and $25 maximum), Late Payment Fee of up to $25, Foreign Transaction Fee of 1% plus foreign exchange rate of transaction amount, $5 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of up to $25. No late fee will be charged if payment is received within 10 days from the payment due date. Visa Signature Card Cash Back: Your First Financial Visa® Signature Credit Card will earn cash back based on your eligible purchase transactions. The cash back will be applied to your current credit card balance on a quarterly basis and be shown cumulatively on your billing statement. Unless you are participating in a limited time promotional offer, you will earn 1% cash back based upon eligible purchases each quarter.

Article Source: Jessica Sommerfield for Moneyning.com

How to Get Your Child Financially Prepared for College

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college-students-awesomeAfter high school graduation, your teen will probably be spending the summer gathering dorm necessities, picking classes and hunting for the cheapest textbooks.

One major point of focus should also be signing up for the right student financial accounts, specifically checking accounts and credit cards. With so many choices, it can be confusing for parents and students, but there are simple approaches to getting college-bound kids financially prepared.

Pick the Right Checking Account

When looking for a checking account, parents may be quick to sign their children up to their own banks or to a major bank close to home. However, that approach may not be the best for the college student.

Since college students may need cash for spontaneous occasions, it is important to have an in-network ATM at or near the college campus. Constant cash withdrawals at out-of-network ATMs can amount to plenty of fees. At the 10 largest U.S. banks, the average out-of-network ATM fee is $2.45. Furthermore, the operator of the out-of-network ATM has the right to impose a surcharge, which typically ranges from $2 to $3.

Besides location convenience, parents also have to consider their ability to fund their kid’s accounts. Parents and students should research which financial institutions are around campus and near home to find the one with a student checking account that would allow them to stay financially connected. Parents, you should also make sure that the financial institution you choose has instant transfers during the times you have to transfer money into your child’s account electronically – you don’t want a 1-2 day delay period.

First Financial’s has a great Student Checking Account available for 14 to 23 year old students!*

Sign Up for the Right Credit Card

Credit cards are less attainable by college students since the Credit Card Act of 2009 took effect, requiring anyone under age 21 to provide proof of reliable income to qualify for a card. If a student can qualify for a credit card on his or her own, it is crucial to evaluate spending and repayment habits to maximize any rewards and minimize interest paid.

For instance, a student who will be driving around campus may prefer to get a credit card that offers rewards on gas purchases. Or if a student doesn’t expect to be able to pay off their balances every month, he or she may opt for a card that doesn’t have rewards but carries a lower interest rate.

The more likely situation would involve parents adding their children as authorized users on an existing credit card account. Parents can limit how much their children can spend on their authorized cards, and when the occasion calls for it, they can raise or reduce the limits accordingly. As authorized card users, students can also start building their credit profiles, which can increase their chances of qualifying for credit cards and loans in the future.

Keep an Open Line of Communication

Do your children know what to do in the case of a financial emergency? College students may encounter dilemmas that cannot be solved with the financial means available to them.

Parents should keep an open line of communication that would allow their children to contact them in the event of financial distress, regardless of how bad the situation may be. It’s important for parents to continue providing financial and emotional support, so their kids can focus on the most important aspect of college: their education.

Click here to view the article source courtesy of Simon Zhen of US News.

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Accounts for children age 13 and under are excluded from this program.