{"id":1133,"date":"2024-11-20T09:06:09","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T14:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/?p=1133"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:48:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:48:59","slug":"budget-and-finance-for-college-students-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/2024\/11\/budget-and-finance-for-college-students-and-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"Budget and finance for college students and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3a59a96dd1e174e8b663a99cdf91f296\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Do you know how to budget?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Budgeting is a crucial skill, especially when juggling tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. It may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning, managing your money can be empowering. Creating a budget helps you gain control over your finances, reduce stress, and avoid unnecessary debt. Budgeting helps you to prioritize spending on what matters to you most, whether it be your tuition, social activities, or saving for the future. This blog will walk you through practical budgeting strategies tailored for your college life, so you can make the most of your college experience without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-304ec9229617c61fea24c1d2022868ae\" style=\"color:#c41230\">The 50-30-20 Rule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/picture-two-for-budget-blog.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1165 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/picture-two-for-budget-blog.png 600w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/picture-two-for-budget-blog-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/picture-two-for-budget-blog-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Budgeting can feel overwhelming, but starting with simple guidelines like the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unfcu.org\/financial-wellness\/50-30-20-rule\/#:~:text=The%2050%2D30%2D20%20rule%20recommends%20putting%2050%25%20of,to%20realize%20your%20future%20goals\"> 50-30-20 rule<\/a> can make all the difference. Start by calculating your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/taxes\/what-is-net-income\/\">net income<\/a>, then apply the 50-30-20 to that dollar amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e466070a0946fb9ca76c635b0e4dacd3\" style=\"color:#ad102a\">\u00a0The 50-30-20 budgeting strategy suggests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>50%<\/strong> <strong>of your income is for essentials<\/strong> \u2014 think tuition, rent or mortgage, groceries, childcare, utility bills, and transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>20%<\/strong> <strong>goes toward financial goals<\/strong> \u2014 this could be paying down debt or for life after graduation. Consider working toward a goal of always having $1,000 in savings for an emergency fund. Emergency funds help to cover the cost of car repairs, unexpected health issues, or household repairs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>30% is for your hobbies<\/strong> \u2014Travel, eating out, and other things you like to do!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">This can make your budget sustainable and flexible, allowing you to handle your college expenses while still enjoying your freedom and having fun.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4a934b54670d8a9fb47d1c25cb93e35e\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Tips for budgeting while in college<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Budgeting as a student is all about finding balance. Managing expenses like tuition, books, food, family priorities, and social events can feel like a financial tightrope. Fortunately, with a few tried-and-true strategies, you can make your budget work for you instead of against you. Here are some tips to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c0147d2aed64b5413adea2eab81161f8\" style=\"color:#ad102a\">Use free student resources when you can&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Miami offers <a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/online\/student-resources\/index.html\">student resources<\/a> like gym access, tutoring, career counseling, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6e1b0737d4c8601c66cbf7d0696687b3\">Undergraduate Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/online\/student-resources\/academic-support.html\">Tutoring<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/student-resources\/career-services-professional-development\/index.html\">Career counseling<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/campus-life\/well-being.html\">Health and well-being<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/athletics\/harriers\/about\/athletics-facility.html\">Gym access<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2b3b9dce712b23a9e3c0267720d07478\">Graduate Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/online\/student-resources\/academic-support.html\">Tutoring<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/graduate-school\/research\/development-series-schedule.html\">Graduate student support<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/life-at-miami\/health-well-being\/index.html\">Health and well-being<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/athletics-recreation\/recreation\/index.html\">Gym access<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2a6ec9f2504f4ada58e36c53ce46f654\" style=\"color:#ad102a\">Automate your savings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account whenever you receive your income, even if it\u2019s just $10 or $20 each paycheck. Savings will add up over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50b642d01a45482d9c3edd6872886442\" style=\"color:#ad102a\">Apply for scholarships and grants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Make sure to check out your eligibility, and apply for scholarships and grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Undergraduate <a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/tuition-financial-aid\/scholarships\/index.html\">scholarship<\/a> resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Graduate <a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/graduate-school\/admission-funding\/funding-awards\/index.html\">scholarship<\/a> resources and funding opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4d27b7b0ea32604d110dbca6bd7dc5d3\" style=\"color:#ad102a\">Set short-term and long-term goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Define what you want to save for\u2014a spring break trip, new tech, a down payment on a home, or a deposit on a new apartment. Having specific goals gives you a reason to stay disciplined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-791c4a746347f920048ea6cc101daed1\" style=\"color:#ad102a\">Track every dollar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Keeping a close eye on your spending is the foundation of any good budget. You can use budgeting apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/signup.rocketmoney.com\/budgeting\/d.html?wpsrc=Google+AdWords&amp;wpcid=19015723905&amp;wpsnetn=g&amp;wpkwn=budget+maker&amp;wpkmatch=p&amp;wpcrid=637070646389&amp;wpscid=142469461903&amp;wpkwid=kwd-262454655&amp;utm_source=AdWords&amp;utm_campaign=19015723905&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_content=landing-page-variant-Budgeting-d&amp;utm_term=budget+maker&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwq_G1BhCSARIsACc7Nxqb_P3EszqR5-DKh5ElDwKBlWbQkk6z83dSg0EhNDKYsPB7CVgfOdgaAuwzEALw_wcB&amp;lptest=landing-page-variant-Budgeting-d\">Rocket Money<\/a> to help you track your spending and keep track of your money. There are also tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.upside.com\/\">Upside<\/a> to help you earn money back on things like groceries, gas, and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4646012a714f56f8eee70b8477e92236\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Save money by submitting an annual FAFSA form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 32%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\">FAFSA<\/a> is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This allows all undergraduate or graduate students to be considered for all the available need-based financial aid and scholarships. FAFSA can significantly reduce the burden of tuition and other college expenses. By filling out the FAFSA form, you can maximize your chances of getting federal grants, scholarships, and more. The Department of Education plans to make the FAFSA available to all students on or before<strong> Dec. 1, 2024, for the 2025 &#8211; 2026 <\/strong>academic year. Keep in mind that there could be delays. Check the website regularly if the form is not available by December 1. Plan now to ensure that you have enough time to fill out the form and get any questions answered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Visit Miami\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/onestop\/financial-aid\/apply-for-financial-aid\/fafsa\/index.html\">One Stop<\/a> for more information about FAFSA, and deadlines to be considered for financial aid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/one-stop-for-budget-blog.png\" alt=\"Student at one stop asking questions about FAFSA\" class=\"wp-image-1168 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/one-stop-for-budget-blog.png 600w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/one-stop-for-budget-blog-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/11\/one-stop-for-budget-blog-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2ae88467c6b7acb57696449984fced83\" style=\"color:#c41230\">What budget strategies will you try?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Budgeting is an essential tool for taking control of your finances while still making the best of this school year. By applying these tips and strategies to your daily finances, you can confidently manage your expenses, reduce financial stress, and avoid all unnecessary debt! Remember the goal is not to restrict yourself but to prioritize what truly matters and set yourself up for success. Start small, stay consistent, and adjust as needed \u2013 your future self will thank you for the financial discipline and the smart choices you will make!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#edece2\"><em>Miami Online thanks and acknowledges <strong>Grace Osterberger<\/strong> for compiling and writing the content of this blog. Grace is a second-year student studying Commerce. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know how to budget? Budgeting is a crucial skill, especially when juggling tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. It may seem daunting at first, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9160,"featured_media":1164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[78,46,6],"tags":[103,70,28,36],"class_list":["post-1133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-save-money","category-student-advice","category-tips-tricks","tag-fafsa-2","tag-online-student","tag-student-advice","tag-student-resources"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9160"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1133"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1229,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1133\/revisions\/1229"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}