How to Avoid Debt in College
Most college students have some kind of debt to cover after graduation. Some have more than others, but the vast majority will have bills to cover immediately when they get out of school. This can be an incredibly stressful experience for someone, especially if he or she is having trouble finding a job. Luckily, there are some ways students can avoid this pressure-filled debt and start their lives fresh. Here are a few tips to help you make sound financial decisions in school.
Get Scholarships
The easiest way to avoid going into debt will be to get financial aid to cover your costs. Scholarships and grants don’t have to be paid back at any time, and they can provide all the money you need to cover tuition, fees, supplies, and more. You can find scholarships online or through local organizations, depending on where you live. If you get more money than what you actually need, consider it an opportunity to save. You could literally get paid to go to college if you apply for the right amount of aid. It’s just a matter of being willing to do that.
Live at Home
Most students want to move out the moment they turn 18, but that move can come with a ton of financial responsibility. If you have the ability to live at home for just a few more years, you may want to do that to save money. Sure, you’ll have to follow some rules that you may not like, but you’ll be able to save in the process. The financial freedom you’ll get later on will be well worth the struggle.
Pay in Cash
When you pay for the things you need in cash, you are less likely to overdraft an account or spend more than you should. You only have a finite amount of money to work with, so you’re forced to control yourself. Those little plastic wonders are great for convenience, but they can also lead you into a lot of debt very quickly. It’s in your best interest to avoid them at all costs.
At the end of the day, you just have to consciously look at your finances and determine what you can and cannot buy. If you have to look like a dork because you have two year old sneakers on, so be it. Establish a clean financial slate for yourself, and you’ll be much better off in the long run.
It is difficult to remain debt-free for a long time especially if you are in college. The best thing to do is to manage your debts properly to make sure that you can pay it off.