Budget 101

Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees

At orientation we were inundated with information about all sorts of things; from FAFSA forms to meal plans. No one ever really elaborated on the best way to handle finances or learn to budget when it comes to how much to give your new student. Perhaps this is because it will vary based on need, ability, preparedness to handle the responsibility, what an allowance should cover, and so on. I first realized that we needed a budget plan when our daughter announced, during our fifteen minutes together during orientation, that she was excited to learn that there are places near campus that provide student discounts on manicures.

Budget 101. I wanted to sign her up right away but realized that it wasn’t just her that needed this class, but we, as her parents, needed to have a better handle on how much we would be doling out, how often and what the parameters for spending our money (as opposed to her savings from her high school job) would be. Did we expect her to have a job while at school and if she did, would she be able to prioritize and keep her grades at the top of the time management challenge? We needed a solid plan and we all had to develop an economic skill set with guidelines and rules….quickly.

I started questioning friends with kids in college. Having gotten enough varying answers to make my head spin, I decided we needed a family meeting. First family rule; I will not pay for alcohol. I am not sticking my head in the sand and pretending kids won’t go out and drink, but I don’t have to pay for it either. They can use their summer earnings for that stuff. Books and school supplies were to go on my credit card (which was also there for emergencies.) Food, depending on whether your student has a meal plan, lives in an apartment (even on campus) may vary. We chose to put $125 cash a month on her Knight’s UCF card, which can be used in dining halls, campus restaurants, and grocery stores; as well as give her an additional allowance of $75 a week. How did we come up with this number? Basically, after polling other parents whose students also didn’t have a meal plan, but had a kitchen, $75 was right in the middle of the census. If our daughter chooses to use her allowance up on pedicures and sushi, then peanut butter and jelly can help to balance her budget. The point here is that we are not looking for our daughter to suffer (I assure you she has never endured any sort of agonizing hardship), but rather to learn to budget her money. It is our goal to not have to support her after college and believe this may ease her into that realm.

Not Just Ramen

Did you know that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole-wheat bread is a complete and ideal meal and cost-efficient too? Even though jelly has sugar, the combination of peanut butter and bread provides protein, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. Honestly, it is a perfect, little meal. Athletes eat PB & J’s regularly to give them energy. Possibly the best part is that it costs less than fifty cents per sandwich. There should be no guilt involved in reminding your students that if money is tight they can resort to P, B & J.

Mention to your student to take a look around campus for free activities. There are many; as well as over 600 clubs at UCF. Getting involved in one or more almost guarantees things to do and ways to socialize. Often club activities are included in membership or are fairly priced. Game night is also a fun option. I was surprised to find board games mentioned when talking to students (that lived off campus). They explained that some nights it was fun to just stay in with a bunch of friends and play. Of course, I am sure some turned into drinking games. I am not condoning that; just sharing.

Obviously, none of this is set in stone. It all depends on your family’s personal choices and financial decisions. Perhaps your student has a job while at school and won’t ask you for a thing. Maybe that job is to pay for the extras; like nights out, a spring break cruise, or next semester abroad. Maybe your student despises PB & J (although tuna fish makes a fair alternative). Remember, of course, that other than meal plan options (which have to be adjusted early in the semester), things can be changed if they don’t seem to be working.

More Budget Ideas

Consider having your students get their own credit cards.  It is a great way for them to start learning how to budget themselves while building their credit for when they are out on their own. Our credit card recommendations.

In the meantime, you may want to mention to your students to keep their eyes open for student discounts. For instance, Chipotle gives students a free drink, Joanne Fabric gives 10% off, Midas charges $50 per axle when they get their tires replaced, and CPK gives students 20% on Tuesdays, all by showing a student ID. Some students choose to donate plasma at Biotest Plasma Center in Research Park. It is a quick way to get cash; you can make $100 your first time donating and $40-$60 every time after that. Drink plenty of water beforehand.

One last note: There are many ATM’s and banks near and on campus. There is a Bank of America and Chase ATM in the Student Union, a Fairwinds Credit Union right outsides the Student Union and Addition Financial Federal Credit Union right outside the arena, a Suntrust ATM outside of 63 South (close to the dorms and RWC) and a new Chase bank right on University next to Plaza and a Bank of America on Research Park right off Alafaya.

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