College Students: Financial Checklist & Survival Guide

The college experience in the time of COVID-19 is sure to be unlike any other semester.  In our August edition of Viewpoints, we shared how college and university campuses are preparing for the return of students for the fall semester.  Continuing on that topic, we wanted to share financial and mental health tips for college students in the linked articles below.

While these articles are intended for college students, they provide helpful reminders and strategies for all of us to live our best lives.  You’re never too old to learn!

Back to School Financial Checklist for College Students

CNBC shared “The go-to money guide for cash-strapped college students” where they explain how students can manage money.  In this guide, they provide tips and resources for college students to get their finances in order and set themselves up for a successful financial future.

The “Back to school checklist for students” is divided into the following sections, and you can access the full guide HERE:

1. Why it’s important to build good money habits in college
2. Creating a budget 101
3. What to consider when opening a checking and savings account
4. Why you should open a credit card in college
5. How to responsibly use your credit card
6. Common financial terms you should know

Surviving Virtual College

The Daily Pennsylvanian newspaper asked University of Pennsylvania upperclassmen and professors for advice about how to succeed in college amid the coronavirus pandemic.  Their favorite takeaways are summarized in the following points, and the article can be accessed HERE.

1. Get to know your professors.  Go to virtual office hours.
2. Establish a routine.  Don’t just roll out of bed.
3. Meet people virtually and find creative ways to get involved in the university community.
4. Disconnect from technology.
5. Take care of yourself, and don’t try to do too much at once.
6. Manage your expectations and go with the flow.
7. As you adapt to the challenges ahead of you, remember that no one has everything all figured out.

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment, strategy, or product or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter, will be suitable for your individual situation, or prove successful. This material is distributed by PDS Planning, Inc. and is for information purposes only.  Although information has been obtained from and is based upon sources PDS Planning believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy.  It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report.  Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of PDS Planning and are subject to change without notice.  PDS Planning assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Consultation with a qualified investment advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this publication should be construed as legal or accounting advice.  If you are a client of PDS Planning, please remember to contact PDS Planning, Inc., in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives.  All rights reserved.