Five Common Financial Mistakes that College Students Make
- Written by Oliver James
Dealing with your finances without the supervision of a parent can feel both bracing and scary. Certainly, the newly discovered freedom to earn and do things on your own can be exciting, yet the strain to do everything consummately can be overpowering. To help you with remaining on target, here's a rundown of the most widely recognized financial mistakes undergrads make so you can make certain to keep away from them.
Mistake 1: Not spending according to the budget or do not have one
One of the biggest mistakes from where everything starts to fall apart is not having a planned budget to spend your money. Students make this mistake all the time, and things get out of hand when they realize that something is wrong. Though taking little steps such as saving money in your emergency fund or using a cash envelope for spending money can sound mundane. But these things can actually make a difference in your life. Good financial health is built on a budget and sticking to it. It might seem daunting to spend strictly according to the budget, but it will probably help you get through the college days.
Mistake 2: Picking the wrong classes or not attending college
Every class you take up in college costs you money. So, do you think it is a financially irresponsible decision to skip college? You are probably throwing away your money in the trash every time you skip a class. Eventually, it increases your chances of the plausibility of failing that class too. Picking the wrong classes and not finishing it could make your finances at peak. You probably end up with low financial status and no interest in studies. You must choose your classes wisely and make sure you pay attention to it. Many students don't pick up their classes strategically and end up not taking them and completing their course later on. This, add more semester fees in their budget.
Mistake 3: Misunderstanding the terms of the loan
Taking student loans for further college studies is a huge financial burden. Before accepting it, students must be aware of what they are getting themselves into. It is highly important to know the terms and conditions of the loan and how much it will cost them. They are nothing like scholarships as they need to be repaid in time, and if someone fails to do. So, he/she has to bear the consequences. So, you must understand how it works. A good starting point to learn more about the terms and conditions of student loans would be to look online at help guides. These will help you to make a more informed decision on which loan is best for you.
Mistake 4: Avoiding free opportunities like scholarships and college financial aid
Not applying for financial aid programs or scholarships is a no-brainer. It should be a priority for children to fill out a form of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to attend college. They must apply for as many scholarships as they can in private institutions and schools in which they want to take admission. By doing this, they probably have a better chance of qualifying in one of them. According to the statistics, billions of dollars go unclaimed on both scholarships and Federal Pell grants each year. So, what’s holding you back? Grab the free opportunity to get admission in a college and save your parents money.
Mistake 5: Racking up credit card debt
Credit card misuse is something not only seen in college students but adults also. It is one of the most serious mistakes no one should get caught up in, else it will take more than a few months to correct it. Students see credit cards as free money and start using it on unnecessary things like drinks, food, and transportation, etc. Community College Review also penned down about the issue and stated, "If your primary reason for attending community college is to save money, then you should take your financial aid very seriously". The credit score and financial future of the student go down the line when they are unable to repay the balance in full.
