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Steering Clear of College Debt

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Remember Why You Are There

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h, how easy it is to get distracted from your main goal while in college.

Sometimes, students allow their social lives to take precedence over their education, which is the reason why you are attending college in the first place. Your social life could create quite a dent in your budget. The costs of club entry fees, drinks, meals, etc. can add up quickly. However, you can have a social life without overspending. By attending free social events and spending some good, old-fashioned time at home with friends will save you money and strengthen social bonds.

There are a misguided few that believe that investing a ton of money in their wardrobe is the smart thing to do while in

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college, but in actuality, it is to the contrary. Spending copious amounts of money on clothing will not add any wrinkles to your brain nor will it help you pay back the student loans you are taking out just to finance expensive fashion. Maintain your focus on the ultimate goal, which should definitely be graduating college while accumulating the least amount of debt as possible. Sweats, jeans, and t-shirts during your Steering Clear of College Debt

college years are much more attractive than insurmountable student loan debt!

Finding alternative sources of transportation can significantly cut the costs of living during your college years. Most colleges and universities offer shuttle or bus services for students. And if you live on campus, you can purchase a bike or scooter to get you around without applying stress to your budget. If you have Steering Clear of College Debt

access to neither of the previous options, public transportation also gives deep discounts to students as well.

Remember your main goal is to study hard to achieve a higher education that will create a gateway to acquire higherpaying jobs, a wider variety of career choices, and increased life earnings that can provide the lifestyle and stability you so desire.

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Keep Your Eye on the Prize

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n youth lies the illusion that there are no limits to your indulgences. Sometimes, college students take out loans that exceed the needs of their education. Refund checks to buy a new car, new computers or other technical gadgets, clothes, big-screen TVs, etc. are very enticing to the average money-strapped college student. You figure that you’ll have plenty of time after shopping, traveling, and partying 4

to face the issues of adulthood.

But what is important to remember is that the extra few thousand dollars you receive at the beginning of each semester or quarter quickly adds up and before you know it, you owe an extra $20,000 on top of your educational expenses in student loans.

Try avoiding this situation, as it leads to nothing but financial hardship for you in the future.

Steering Clear of College Debt

Student loans should be exclusively for your tuition, housing, lab fees, and books.

The key to avoiding such dire situations after graduation is to set parameters, stay focused, and stick to the plan. Know your limits. The line between needs and wants should not be blurred. Be realistic about your needs as a college student.

Remember that there are greater rewards in the future.

Steering Clear of College Debt

So lead a frugal lifestyle during college and then enjoy the fruits of your labor after you graduate. A diet consisting of ramen noodles during your four years in college is better than ten years of eating ramen noodles after college. It is vital that you keep your eye on the prize. The goal is keep your debts as low as possible now so that you may forgo extreme financial troubles in the future.

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Friends with Benefits

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t is common knowledge that one of the best perks about attending college is that you are exposed to a variety of people of all races, creeds and colors with differing personalities and talents. Your years attending college is a great time to get out there and hone your social and networking skills. In the process, you will make friends with all sorts of skill sets that can garner rewards far beyond just friendship. Making diverse connections within your collegiate community can save you money in areas such as: Beauty and physical upkeep.

(For ladies, this could mean

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befriending a fellow student that has a talent for styling hair and for men, befriending a talented barber.)

Various repairs. Has your car broken down, or has your computer crashed into oblivion?

Having a friend that is a tech geek (no pun intended) or a friend that really knows cars can save you a lot of money on these costly and unforeseen expenses.

Is there a class that is kicking your behind? Your suitemate or someone else you know on campus that you have created a friendship with could also be a free tutor.

There is much to be gained in reaching out to others and making friends while in college that goes beyond just saving a few dollars. Most of the friendships you make in college end up being lifelong friendships, which could also lead to advancement in your career later on down the road.

You never know who may be heading the HR department at a company you wish to work for; it may just be your old roommate from college!

Steering Clear of College Debt

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t is like you have escaped from Alcatraz when the thought of going off to college crosses your mind. You picture yourself leading a life of absolute and unquestioned freedom, something that you did not experience living under your parents’ roof during childhood. But when it comes to saving money to keep college debt at bay, one must consider three options when deciding the type of boarding to have during their college years.

These three options are: 1. Continue living with your parents 2. Living on campus in a dorm (or designated student housing) 3. Living off campus (whether alone or with others) It is enticing to want to get away from the protection of our parents; however, this is the least expensive housing option for those wishing to reduce expenses. The second least expensive is by simply living on campus, which, in most cases, is included in the tuition. Students

Steering Clear of College Debt

Living It Up!

are not required to pay for utilities or recurring rent, so it saves students lots of money.

The most expensive route one could take when considering housing is living off campus.

When living off campus, be prepared to pay for rent, utilities, food, and also transportation costs to and from campus. If you can afford it, that’s fine. However, the goal is to save as much money as you can and curtail any unnecessary expenses. Being smart about the financial decisions you make during your college years could pay off not only in the here and now but in the future as well.

Take the time to assess your needs. Your wallet will thank you for it later.

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Read The Entire

How to Survive Hard Times Series Managing Bills During Hard Times Seek Assistance Attitude Adjustment Budgeting When You’re Broke Avoiding Scams Vehicle Repossession Creating Your Own Employment Opportunities Homeless Prevention Finding Money Beware of the Company You Keep!

The Student Loan Blues Steering Clear of College Debt

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