Debt does not discriminate
Full-time, permanent income is something that normally comes after one graduates. But somehow, you have to find a way to pay for tuition, room, board, pizza, coffee, books, clothes, and the list goes on. As a college student, there is a good chance you do not have a full-time job to pay for these expenses. The trick here is to go into as little debt as possible. So, before taking out a loan or putting your next purchase on a credit card, ask yourself what you are getting vs. what you are giving up financially. Student loan debt is an investment in your future. You may not think of skipping or failing classes as a long-term financial decision, but it is. Student loan debt must be paid back—with interest—whether you graduate or not. A car loan is bad debt if the monthly payments eat up a large portion of your monthly income. Credit card debt is good debt if you can pay the balance every month and on time. Otherwise, credit card debt is not good debt. If you are carrying a balance every month, try to pay it down as quickly as possible. The bottom line is this: If you wish to attain financial freedom, you will first need to be debt-free—or at least on target.

Ideally, credit card users pay off the balance in full each month and on time. They apply for only one card that does not have an annual fee but does have cash-back rewards. These folks pay only the amount they charge without paying interest. They only have to pay back the purchase price each month; they get 1-3 percent cash back on their purchases.

When you use a debit card to make a purchase or pull money from an ATM, that money is deducted automatically from your checking account. With debit cards, there is no interest or monthly bills. On the other hand, if you do not have enough money in your checking account to cover the purchase, your card may be declined, or you may incur an overdraft fee, which means a $3 cup of coffee could end up costing $35. A credit card allows you to borrow money to make purchases. If you do not pay the entire loan back in the designated time, you will be charged interest on the unpaid amount. So, while using a credit card responsibly can help you build credit, using one irresponsibly can lead to problems.

Determine your cash flow and see where you spend money every month. Include income and expenses that occur annually, semiannually and quarterly—such as sorority dues. Are you saving money each month? If not, take a look at discretionary spending. If possible, cut some things out. Finally, look at your expenses. Is there any way to lower them so you can live within your means? No? Then talk to an expert. Few college students seek professional advice, ask how to manage debt or meet with a financial aid counselor. You may want to consider taking their advice. Keep in mind that employers often check the credit reports of graduates applying for jobs; credit scores determine interest rates on future purchases-a car for instance. The better your credit score, the more you will save on interest; the less debt you have, the better your credit score.

• If you do not need it now, save and buy it later.
• Take advantage of everything Otterbein has to offer—from free workout facilities and entertainment to health center services and educational programming.
• Rent textbooks from the Otterbein Bookstore or buy them used and resell them.
• Avoid paying extra for cell phone data plans you do not need.
• Take advantage of student discounts around Westerville.
• Use coupons and rewards cards.
• Use online discount sites.
• Compare prices online vs. in-store.
• Take advantage of price-match guarantees.
• If you have a meal plan, use it!
• If you drink plain coffee or tea, take your own cup to the Bean or Roost for a huge discount. The Roost also discounts cappuccino.
• Check out the Otterbein thrift store.
• Do what you have to do now to graduate on time so you do not have to pay for an extra semester. Dropping or flunking out of college after taking out a loan is a financial debacle!
• Know the difference between wants and needs, and spend accordingly.
• Visit the Promise House – Otterbein’s very own food pantry—if you need to.