Chapter 9: Financial Self-Management

Of the many skills you can learn in college, financial self-management is one of the most important. Having a sense of control over your finances is not only satisfying, but in the long term, reduces stress and increases your likelihood of completing a degree on time. As a first-year student, you may be independent from your parents for the first time in your life and solely responsible for managing your money. You may find this to be especially difficult since you have multiple obligations of your time, you may be unemployed, or only working part-time. This chapter will focus on money management techniques, so you can feel more confident about your ability to live within your means, develop a realistic budget, reduce debt, and protect your identity.