Sometimes, it’s hard to avoid. And sometimes, you’re 17 when you sign the loan paperwork and it isn’t until you’re 19 that you realize how much of a hole you’ve made for yourself. I’ve done what I can to make the best of it, but that’s another story/blog.

As for the no time for finances excuse. What can I say? It is just another excuse for people not taking accountability for their problems. You going to blame a credit card for giving you a loan? They never forced you to use the money, that was your own choice. There is always time to look over your finances. On your way to school, in between classes, during a boring lecture (better than drawing I guess), or first thing in the morning.

The most key thing during your years of study is a BUDGET! Not only will your loan be stretched but you can also develop necessary skills for budgeting when you start earning a wage. It’s good to start as early as possible with this one as it took me a good 3 years to hone it down to my specific needs and realistic expectations. There is an abundance of sites out there with advice about budgeting but it would be great if you the STUDENOMIST could write about how you budget. It’s always nice to get a fresh perspective!

I think this post is great for those just starting to get to grips with university/college and financial responsibility. In future, I agree that a breakdown of each subject would be good for those that want a little more advice on how to stay on task.

For example: Make packed lunches could develop on how to develop basic cooking/safety skills on a budget. Avoiding takeaways (especially after a night out) and excess treats at home. Fruit is always cheaper than packaged items and is also a lot healthier.

You get the idea and I can tell that when the site is officially launched that the articles will be more detailed.

I would also say as a bit of advice on the side that people should use this time to build up good organisational skills meaning that they always have enough time to review finances. A lot of people I speak to say they just don’t have the time to check they’re on budget but it takes me about 10 mins a week (admittedly I spend a few hours every week when I have the time to shop around for the best savings accounts and investing opportunities) but for the basics it really does not take much time at all and you really will reap all of the benefits.

So far, so good!

Regardless of how “uncool” something is when you are in your early 20s, you will be the happiest person when you are in mid 20s working towards your financial goals without the though of debt constantly clogging your mind

Living at home saves money, but it might really keep you feeling separated from college life. I guess you could also write a post on why living at home is not that bad.

I plan to move in with my mom when I graduate though, because it’s stupid to pay $600/month rent when we live in the same place. I finally felt comfortable with living with my parents while I work after I lived in Mexico for 6 months and saw how normal it is there.

I think the American culture that makes people think they need their own place is pretty wasteful. Of course, the Mexican parents seemed more understanding about their kids going out and partying too.

Usually students don’t take full schedules! A college allows you to take, for example, 21 credits a semester and it’s covered by your tuition. If you take 16 credits, you’re leaving money on the table. If you loaded up on classes, not only are you taking full advantage of your education, but you might be able to graduate a semester early – and then really save some money! Of course, this requires certain sacrifices for time and also lots of self-motivation.

Since I went to a private and expensive college, by graduating a semester early, I saved around $20,000.