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7 Money Habits for College Students

April 13, 2021  |  Porte Team
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Table of Contents

The little financial habits you cultivate can impact when and how you reach your financial goals. As a college student, it’s particularly important to practice weekly and monthly money habits now to help you stay on a path towards financial freedom. 

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1. Create a “want” list

Looking for a simple way to resist impulse purchasing? Create a “want” list. Before handing over your money for an item that isn’t a need, write the item on a list. Revisit your list every few weeks to see if the items are still “wants.”

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2. Check your balance

It only takes a few minutes to check your account from your bank’s mobile app or online account center. These few minutes can potentially save you money in the long run. When reviewing your account(s) check the accuracy of your recent transactions, and your account balances. These habits keep your money secure and may also help you avoid account (e.g. overdraft) fees.

  • Porte makes Checking Your Balance easy: By enabling notifications in the Porte app you can receive notifications about transactions, monthly statements, and overdrafts.³ You can also set alerts for when your balance goes below a certain number.

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3. Change one small thing

Commit to making one minor adjustment to your weekly routine each week. You can start with brewing your favorite morning beverage at home, learning how to cook your favorite takeout dish, or by riding your bike instead of driving. At the end of each month take note of how these small changes impacted your monthly budget.

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4. Donate

Consider setting aside money each week to contribute to a cause you are passionate about. Even donating $5 goes a long way for charities and nonprofits. Want to give back in other ways? Check out our GivingTuesday blog post for ideas and resources to help you give back to your community.

  • Porte makes supporting a charity easy: With Porte’s #DoorToChange⁴ program, your spending habits can automatically spread goodness year-round. In the app select Support a cause that matters to you from the dashboard. From there, select a partner charity to receive donations when you use your Porte card. These donations don’t cost you anything and support great causes.

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5. Review your budget

By reviewing your budget monthly you’ll not only be able to see if you’re sticking with your budget, but it also creates an opportunity for you to evaluate your budget. Is your budget realistic? Has your monthly income changed? Answer these types of questions and you’ll be able to see what changes you can make to your budget to help you reach your financial goals. Not sure where to start? Read our Beginners Guide to Budgeting Like a Boss.

Porte Makes Reviewing Your Budget Easy

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6. Autopay your bills

If you’re able to, set your bills on autopay. Not only is it convenient, but it will also help you make payments on time (goodbye, late fees!). Sometimes companies will even offer incentives if you enroll in autopay.

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7. Go on a money date

With your partner, or a friend, schedule time each month to check in on your financial goals. Not only will this help keep you accountable, but it’s also a great time to celebrate your achievements, make new goals, adjust your goals, or brainstorm solutions to challenges.

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The bottom line…

The small changes you make as a college student to your weekly and monthly money habits can have big payoffs down the road to financial freedom.  

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