As college students, we often find it challenging to balance school and financial responsibilities. For some of us, financial aid provides scholarships and government assistance that help cover our educational expenses. Others may have support from family, while many still must rely on employment to afford tuition, books, and necessary school supplies.
Whether you’re receiving financial support or covering expenses on your own, learning how to budget and save money can be incredibly helpful, not only during your time in college but also later in life. Developing strong financial habits now can lay the foundation for a more secure future.
College can be expensive, and on top of tuition and fees, we also have other personal wants and needs, like eating out, enjoying entertainment, or buying items for our own comfort. These costs can increase quickly.
Here are two helpful ways to manage your money as a college student:
The 50/30/20 Rule
Budgeting your money means organizing your income to manage expenses in a balanced way. The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting method that can help you stay on track. It works like this:
- 50% of your income goes toward needs (rent, bills, food, school supplies).
- 30% goes toward wants (entertainment, eating out, hobbies).
- 20% goes into savings.
This method is especially helpful for students with part-time jobs or work-study positions. If you receive financial aid or student loans, keeping track of the total amount borrowed and saving 20% of any refund checks could help you pay off your balance after graduation.
Even if you receive a refund check from your student loans, consider saving a portion instead of spending it all. That money will have to be repaid eventually, so being intentional with it now can ease your financial burden later.
Tracking
Another great way to budget is by simply tracking your expenses. Look back at your recent purchases and ask yourself: which of these were unnecessary? How much could you have saved by avoiding them?
Once you identify spending patterns, consider setting up a basic spreadsheet to track where your money is going. You could even open a savings account specifically for school-related or emergency expenses.
Start small—even saving $5 at a time can add up. Building financial discipline now will make a big difference later on, reducing stress and setting you up for success.
Budgeting as a student doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use the 50/30/20 rule or just start tracking your spending habits, taking steps now can help you feel more in control of your money. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about how well you manage what you have.
Ashlynn Lane
Ashlynn is currently a pre-health student at Southern Arkansas University. She is pursuing a career in the medical field, with a particular interest in veterinary medicine. She has a strong passion for nursing animals and aspires to contribute positively to the veterinary profession. In her free time, she enjoys skating, shopping, and dancing.
