Budgeting and Finances

Now that you’re into your program and the initial costs are out of the way (tuition, books, etc.) it’s a good time to assess where you are in terms of your budget and what (if any) action you need to take.

Money matters check-in

Review the questions below to help you assess your finances.

• How does the estimated expenses and income that you put into your budget compare with your actual spending and income?
• Are your expenses higher or lower than you thought? Is your income meeting your needs? If your costs are too high, what can you do to reduce them? Or what can you do to increase your income?
• In times of need, it can be tempting to turn to a quick-fix financial solution such as credit cards, payday loans and lines of credit. Are these things you have accessed and/or considered? These options can have long-term impacts, so it’s important to do your research first. Ask yourself the following questions:

• • What are the terms of borrowing and interest rates?
  • How will this impact my short-term goals? Long term?
  • Are there other resources with better borrowing terms and lower interest that I can seek out instead?
• Be sure to check out our financial aid resources.
• Maximize your spending power by using student discounts.
• Did you know NSCC has an Urgent Aid program that can provide financial support for those financial challenges that are unanticipated? Search Urgent Aid on Connect to find out more about eligibility requirements, what we mean by “unanticipated” and the application process.