Starting college is exciting, but it also brings new responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing money. Between housing, food, books and social plans, expenses can pile up quickly if you’re not careful.
Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, building smart habits now can help you stay on top of your finances all semester long. Here are a few tips to make your money go further while you’re in school.
Meal plans aren’t one-size-fits-all. Before choosing one, think about how often you’ll eat on campus and what kind of meals you prefer. Will you cook sometimes? Grab takeout with friends? Or rely mostly on the dining hall?
Choose the plan that fits your routine and appetite, not just the one with the fanciest name. Check whether the plan is a full-year commitment or if it can be adjusted each semester. A little planning upfront can help you avoid overpaying for meals you don’t end up eating.
Textbooks can get expensive fast, but there are plenty of ways to save. Look into renting, buying used or purchasing digital versions if available. Before heading to the campus bookstore, compare prices online because you might find the same book for less through a trusted retailer. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I saved a lot by renting and using e-books when they were available. A little research ahead of time can make a big difference for your budget each semester.
One of the best things about being a student is the discounts. Tons of places—both online and local—offer reduced pricing on subscriptions, services, software and entertainment if you have a valid student ID or .edu email address.
Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Adobe and even some clothing stores offer student pricing. I always recommend checking UniDays or Student Beans for deals before buying anything. It’s worth the extra time, because the money saved can be put towards bigger expenses like student loan payments or your spring break fund.
Managing your money in college doesn’t have to be complicated. Opening a debit or credit card with BridhgBridge gives you access to powerful card management tools designed to help you stay on top of your spending. With 24/7 features like tracking purchases, setting spending limits, activating a new card, updating your PIN or even reporting a lost card, you’ll have the flexibility and control you need right at your fingertips.
Start smart with a student card today!
Category: Budgeting & Debt Reduction
Starting college is exciting, but it also brings new responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing money. Between housing, food, books and social plans, expenses can pile up quickly if you’re not careful. Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, building smart habits now can help you stay on top of your finances all semester long. Here are a few tips to make your money go further while you’re in school.
Life is unpredictable and you can be responsible for unexpected expenses at any moment. Whether it is a broken appliance, a minor accident or an urgent vet bill, having a financial cushion can make all the difference. An emergency fund acts as your safety net, helping you manage these surprises without stress or debt.
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Grocery costs have been climbing and many of us are feeling it at the checkout line. According to the Consumer Price Index*, prices rose by nearly 3% over the past year. If your weekly food bill feels heavier than it used to, you’re not alone. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you stretch your grocery budget further.
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With fraud and scams on the rise, we are taking extra steps to keep your accounts and personal information safe. As part of these efforts, you may notice that our online and mobile banking systems will now prompt you for multi-factor authentication more frequently.
Keeping your money and personal information safe is always our focus at BrightBridge Credit Union. Part of that commitment is helping you recognize the latest scams before they can cause harm. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in cases where fraudsters use alarming pop-ups or urgent messages to trick members into taking action that puts their money at risk.
Keeping your BrightBridge accounts safe starts with strong, unique passwords. Recent trends have shown an increase in people using the same password for multiple apps and websites including email, social media and online banking. While this practice seems like an easy way to remember your login credentials, it can put your accounts at serious risk.
