With 2013 coming to a close, now is a good time to revisit your finances. Take a few minutes to check out five common money mistakes that can afflict many college students, so you can avoid them:
1. Not graduating in four years: Commit to a major, go to class, do the work, and graduate in four years (or less). Stay on track, visit your .
2. Overdraft fees: We鈥檝e all been there before -- made a purchase but didn鈥檛 have the funds in the bank to pay for it. And instead of your card being declined, your bank offers to cover the purchase for you -- for a $30 overdraft fee. Suddenly, that $10 pizza has turned into a $40 pizza thanks to that overdraft fee. Know how much money you have in the bank at all times, plain and simple.
3. Not paying bills on time: Paying your bills late is lame. You could be hit with late-fee charges or have your services turned off (like your cell phone or electricity). If you鈥檙e behind on tuition payments, you won鈥檛 be able to register for classes next semester or be able to get your transcripts (if you鈥檝e already graduated). Get a calendar, mark your due dates, and pay your bills on time (or early).
4. Not passing your classes: Some students have been known to lose their scholarships or financial aid due to low grades or GPAs. Get familiar with your academic requirements and try your best to get good grades to keep the scholarship money coming.
5. Parking tickets: If you haven鈥檛 figured it out by now, CU-麻豆影院 has strict , so pay attention. And if you get a ticket, don鈥檛 just use it as a bookmark -- pay it ASAP (see #3).
Avoiding these common money mistakes is possible. By being organized and responsible, you can have a successful college career -- and have money in the bank.
For more information on money and budgeting, including financial tools and resources especially for college students, visit , or schedule an appointment with Niomi Williams, CU-麻豆影院's financial literacy educator (303-492-0726).
