Spring Break
Students yearn for financial discipline, upcoming class to aid cause
Kaajal Morar
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News
It's that time again.
It's time to buy books, notebooks and parking permits. It's time for a new school outfit, the latest iPod and the latest laptop.
It's that time to spend and spend and wonder when the spending stops.
If this sounds familiar, perhaps it's time to take control of where the money is going.
"Credit cards are killers," said Mary Calegari, a professor in the College of Business.
Students spending on a whim need to take control before it gets out of hand, Calegari added.
Freshman Indira Alicusic, a child development major said she has trouble keeping track of her spending habits.
"I'm always swiping the card," she said. "My parents pay for my school supplies, but I pay for anything else I need, and food on campus is really expensive."
Rachael Foust, a senior accounting major, has learned to take her money by the reins and keep it in check.
Foust said she created a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as an easier way to track her money. She also makes it a point to ration herself by withdrawing a set amount of money per week without returning to the bank for more.
Still, other students have trouble.
Heather Morgan, an interior design major, said she goes out to eat a lot.
"I spend money at least twice a week," she said.
Morgan said she knows how much she's spending because she keeps track of it while she's spending, but also relies on her statements in case she falls behind.
Calegari said the solution to suffering finances is to prioritize spending habits.
"You cannot be spending more than what you earn," Calegari said. "You must learn to live within your own means."
In response, the College of Business is in the process of creating a G.E. class to help students learn how to budget their money, Calegari said.
She said the class isn't offered yet, but in the next year students will have a new source for improving their financial standing.
"The class will teach students to balance their checkbook, buying a car, and credit card basics," said Calegari. "We are working on something to educate the majority of the students."
It's time to buy books, notebooks and parking permits. It's time for a new school outfit, the latest iPod and the latest laptop.
It's that time to spend and spend and wonder when the spending stops.
If this sounds familiar, perhaps it's time to take control of where the money is going.
"Credit cards are killers," said Mary Calegari, a professor in the College of Business.
Students spending on a whim need to take control before it gets out of hand, Calegari added.
Freshman Indira Alicusic, a child development major said she has trouble keeping track of her spending habits.
"I'm always swiping the card," she said. "My parents pay for my school supplies, but I pay for anything else I need, and food on campus is really expensive."
Rachael Foust, a senior accounting major, has learned to take her money by the reins and keep it in check.
Foust said she created a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as an easier way to track her money. She also makes it a point to ration herself by withdrawing a set amount of money per week without returning to the bank for more.
Still, other students have trouble.
Heather Morgan, an interior design major, said she goes out to eat a lot.
"I spend money at least twice a week," she said.
Morgan said she knows how much she's spending because she keeps track of it while she's spending, but also relies on her statements in case she falls behind.
Calegari said the solution to suffering finances is to prioritize spending habits.
"You cannot be spending more than what you earn," Calegari said. "You must learn to live within your own means."
In response, the College of Business is in the process of creating a G.E. class to help students learn how to budget their money, Calegari said.
She said the class isn't offered yet, but in the next year students will have a new source for improving their financial standing.
"The class will teach students to balance their checkbook, buying a car, and credit card basics," said Calegari. "We are working on something to educate the majority of the students."
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