Budgeting and saving are two of the smartest financial habits that you can have. Haven’t started? Make your plan and set your goals today! College can be expensive, even saving up for a car or a new bike—but building these habits now makes a big difference later. Managing your money can be stressful, so it’s ok to take it one step at a time.

Let’s start with the basics!

• 👉 Track what you earn and spend

There are several ways to keep track of your earnings and spending, digitally. Many banks have an app that gives you a summary of any income or expenses. Try apps like Mint or YNAB to stay on track. You can also find budgeting spreadsheets online, like on Esty! Some are free or only cost a $1 to download.

If you prefer to track this physically, get a notebook or journal specifically for your finances. You could also print these spreadsheets. You can also opt for paper statements or checks of income and save your receipts after purchase.

REMEMBER: Keep track of your subscriptions! Cancel anything that you no longer use to avoid overcharging

• 👉 Save a portion of any money (even $5–$10 at a time)

Designate either an amount or percentage you’d like to save, whether it’s every week, bi-weekly, or monthly. It’s most common to auto-save a set percentage of your paychecks into a saving account.

• 👉  Set a goal (books, tuition, or emergency fund)

Start small, with a realistic and achievable goal. Having a goal will hold you accountable, keep you motivated, and is a rewarding way to keep track of your progress.

Not sure where to start? Dave Ramsey, a well-known financial coach, created a helpful guide that he coined as “The 7 Baby Steps” to teach you how to save with smarts! Step #1 is to save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund. This amount set aside can be very useful for college student when sudden or unexpected expenses arise, such as buying textbooks, transportation, or even groceries. Once you’ve achieved that first goal, check out the other steps here: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps

Remember: budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about control. Building this habit may take time now, but it will save you time and money in the future!