Smart financial advice from local experts.. Dollars & #ense Savings Hacks for College Students While college remains one of the best ways you can invest in yourself and your future, it doesn't change the fact that the costs of attending college only continue to grow. Focusing on your education should be your top prionty while you're in school. However, developing strong saving habits can not only cut costs while you're attending college, but those habits can also help you be more responsible with your money once you've graduated Set a Budget While this may seem simple and obvious, creating a budget is the first step in any successful savings strategy. Outline what your monthly expenses are, including things like going out with friends on weekends, and figure out how much money you have. If you're working while in school, your goal should be to have your income be more than your expenses. If you're living off money you made during the summer, figure out how much you can afford to spend so that it lasts you throughout the en- tire year. Be realistic about allowing yourself some "fun" money or your will set yourself up for failure from the start. Save on Supplies While your school's bookstore may have the latest and greatest when it comes to logoed swag, shopping there won't help you when it comes to saving money for your school supplies. When it comes to notebooks, pens, pencils and backpacks, you're much better off going to a local big box store. Additionally, buying new course textbooks from the campus is usually more expensive than exploring other options. Whether it's purchasing a used copy of the book, using an older version of the text book or exploring book rental programs online, find- ing alternative textbook solutions can save you hundreds Use the Right Tools College is busy, so you'll need the right tools to help you keep track of your cash to continue paying the bills! Our eSanking tools (such as Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit) are a great way to stay on top of your spending and saving Get a Part-Time Job Even if you're considered a full-time student, you probably have some free time outside of attending classes, doing your home work and studying for exams. If you find yourself with extra time, getting a part-time job is a great way to earn extra money and start saving. If you can find a job on campus, you can save money and find a job that will work with your class schedule. But, don't be afraid to look for a job off-campus. Just be clear with any potential employers about what your class schedule is and set realistic time expectations for yourself. Develop a Strategy that Works for You college. All you need to do is develop a strategy that works for point that can help you develop strong savings habits that will serve you well throughout your lde. Get started on a sound savings strategy by opening a savings account with Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust we'd be hap- py to help your money grow! Contact us at any of the branches listed below or visit www.fmmarinette.com to get started today |lM TARMERS & IIERCHANTS BANK &TRUST DIC Me Marinette Branch 2811 Roosevelt Rd. Crivitz Branch 114S. Hwy 14 715-854-7445 Downtown Marinette 1644 Ludington St. 715.735-6617 715-732-4411 www.fmmarinette.com Smart financial advice from local experts.. Dollars & #ense Savings Hacks for College Students While college remains one of the best ways you can invest in yourself and your future, it doesn't change the fact that the costs of attending college only continue to grow. Focusing on your education should be your top prionty while you're in school. However, developing strong saving habits can not only cut costs while you're attending college, but those habits can also help you be more responsible with your money once you've graduated Set a Budget While this may seem simple and obvious, creating a budget is the first step in any successful savings strategy. Outline what your monthly expenses are, including things like going out with friends on weekends, and figure out how much money you have. If you're working while in school, your goal should be to have your income be more than your expenses. If you're living off money you made during the summer, figure out how much you can afford to spend so that it lasts you throughout the en- tire year. Be realistic about allowing yourself some "fun" money or your will set yourself up for failure from the start. Save on Supplies While your school's bookstore may have the latest and greatest when it comes to logoed swag, shopping there won't help you when it comes to saving money for your school supplies. When it comes to notebooks, pens, pencils and backpacks, you're much better off going to a local big box store. Additionally, buying new course textbooks from the campus is usually more expensive than exploring other options. Whether it's purchasing a used copy of the book, using an older version of the text book or exploring book rental programs online, find- ing alternative textbook solutions can save you hundreds Use the Right Tools College is busy, so you'll need the right tools to help you keep track of your cash to continue paying the bills! Our eSanking tools (such as Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit) are a great way to stay on top of your spending and saving Get a Part-Time Job Even if you're considered a full-time student, you probably have some free time outside of attending classes, doing your home work and studying for exams. If you find yourself with extra time, getting a part-time job is a great way to earn extra money and start saving. If you can find a job on campus, you can save money and find a job that will work with your class schedule. But, don't be afraid to look for a job off-campus. Just be clear with any potential employers about what your class schedule is and set realistic time expectations for yourself. Develop a Strategy that Works for You college. All you need to do is develop a strategy that works for point that can help you develop strong savings habits that will serve you well throughout your lde. Get started on a sound savings strategy by opening a savings account with Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust we'd be hap- py to help your money grow! Contact us at any of the branches listed below or visit www.fmmarinette.com to get started today |lM TARMERS & IIERCHANTS BANK &TRUST DIC Me Marinette Branch 2811 Roosevelt Rd. Crivitz Branch 114S. Hwy 14 715-854-7445 Downtown Marinette 1644 Ludington St. 715.735-6617 715-732-4411 www.fmmarinette.com