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Let’s break down three habits you can start this summer (plus a few bonus tips!) to stay ahead of the financial game.
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If freshman year was a blur of ramen noodles, bookstore sticker shock, and figuring out what “interest accrual” means, you’re not alone. But sophomore year is your chance to level up—not just academically, but financially. This is the perfect time to build a few smart habits that can seriously pay off by the time you graduate.
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Let’s break down three habits you can start this summer (plus a few bonus tips!) to stay ahead of the financial game.
Think of this as your financial “wake-up call.” Most students don’t realize how quickly those $4 coffees and weekend takeout runs add up. Start by looking at your bank or card statements from the last 30 days. Group your expenses—food, school supplies, entertainment, subscriptions—and see where your money is going.
Samantha, a sophomore psychology major, started tracking every dollar she spent for a month and realized she was spending over $90/month on delivery fees alone. With that insight, she started meal prepping and saved over $300 in just one semester.
Use a free app like Mint or Rocket Money, or a simple Google Sheet to track your spending. Keep it realistic—you don’t need to go full accountant mode. Just know what’s happening. We have a bunch of budgeting tools on our FREE student portal. Be sure to check it out!
No one’s asking you to stash away thousands. But a little consistency goes a long way. Set up an automatic transfer—maybe $10 every Friday—from checking to savings. Label it “Study Abroad,” “Textbooks,” or even “Fun Fund.”
Consistency beats intensity. That $10/week becomes $520 in a year—without you even thinking about it.
Some banks (like Chime or Ally) round up your purchases and drop the spare change into savings. You won’t even notice it’s happening, but your future self will thank you.
You’d be surprised how many students think scholarships are just for high school seniors. Not true. Tons of scholarships are open to current college students, especially those going into specific majors, community-focused, or need-based opportunities.
If you’re 18 or older, now might be the time to open a student credit card and start building credit. Use it only for small, regular purchases (like gas or a streaming service) and pay it off in full each month.
Why? Because having a solid credit score can help you rent an apartment, get better loan rates, and even land a job after college.
Pro Tip: Don’t get carried away. Use your credit card like a debit card and only charge what you can pay off completely.
It’s easy to think, “I’ll deal with my finances later.” But the small things you do now—tracking your expenses, saving a little each week, applying for scholarships—add up way faster than you think. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about starting.
Let’s keep you on the right track by avoiding these common missteps:
✅ Download a money tracker app or open a spreadsheet
✅ Set one savings goal for the semester
✅ Check our student portal for new scholarships
✅ Talk to a parent or mentor about your fall budget
Sophomore year is your chance to hit reset and take charge of your finances. These habits might feel small now, but they’re building the foundation for your future freedom. Start now, stay consistent, and know that every dollar counts.
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