Budgeting and Student Financial Resources

A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It allows you to create a spending plan that helps you to have enough money for the things you need and the things that are important to you. Following a budget or spending plan will also keep you out of debt or help you work your way out of debt if you are currently in debt. Building a budget forces you to take a close look at your spending habits. You may notice that you’re spending money on things you don’t need. Budgeting allows you to rethink your spending habits and re-focus on your financial goals.

Having a budget will decrease your stress levels because, with a budget, there are no surprises. There are many excuses that people use for not budgeting: “It’s not fun." “It’s time consuming." “It’s depressing." However the benefits – lower stress levels, no surprises, meeting financial goals, etc., make budgeting a worthwhile exercise.