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Old 07-07-2005, 09:45 AM
AXOeva AXOeva is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NJ/NC
Posts: 92
I am one year out of college and I struggled with the same issue. This will be a "do as I say not as I do" moment, but good advice gleaned from my mistakes.

~If you have a credit card, don't use it! If you do, make a small purchase and pay it off in full when the bill comes. And pay the bill on time. You will want to start building credit now, but if you are not careful you can really screw yourself over. Never put groceries or eating out on your credit card. Save it for when you really need it.

~Open a savings account and make at least a small contribution every month. Even if it is $50 or $100, it will still add up. That way you have a cushion if something happens and you need money.

~Track your expenses. I don't like those little ledger books that come with my checks, so I keep a large spreadsheet and list every purchase, every check written, every deposit. I have it color coded too. One color for each credit card, my cell phone payment, Alpha Chi expenses, and Walmart purchases. (Walmart got a ton of my money in college, especially the first two years when I really didn't pay much attention.)

~Be frugal. Don't spend more than you have and don't buy anything you really need. I'm not saying be cheap, because you still want to have fun. If you don't spend money on things you don't need, you will have more to spend for that night out or impromptu beach trip.

~Get a job! (If you don't already have one) It amazed me how many college students complain about not having any money, but don't take any responsibility for it by getting a job. My middle two years in college I worked two jobs totalling 30-40 hours, took a full course load and was heavily involved in two organizations. You do what you have to do.

~If you find yourself in trouble, ask for help. Luckily I never found myself in real trouble. But if you do, swallow your pride and get help, cause it can get worse.
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