Year End Wrap Up

Now that the fall semester is a distant memory and finals have become an after thought, it's the perfect time to look over your budget and put to use many of the tips we have offered throughout the semester. Use the break to reevaluate your spending habits and to take an honest look at how you did. Were you able to stick to your budget or were there times you went off track? The winter break is also the perfect time to prepare financially for the spring semester when renewal aid applications are due. So, as New Year's looms closer and the unmistakable "Ole Lang Zine" plays out, we would like to offer a few last 2010 parting pieces of advice.

First of all and most importantly- CONGRATULATIONS!!! You survived the fall semester and are coming back for more. If not more school, then more advice from the staff at Savvy Student. Such smart readers we have!

Second, in terms of personal finance create a new budget for yourself or readjust an old one. It is not uncommon to update your budget throughout the year to account for your spending habits or change in circumstances. If you spent the semester tracking your purchases and sticking to a budget then the big question is how did you do? If this holiday season drove you into the red zone, perhaps you can focus on cutting back a little in January. Either way, give yourself a pat on the back for trying to budget, and then learn from your successes or failures, making your New Year's resolution about mastering the art of money management.

Our third step for success is to plan ahead and begin the process of renewing or applying for need-based financial aid. All U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are required to re-apply for assistance each academic year by submitting the CSS Profile, FAFSA and prior year's Federal tax returns. The Profile has been available since October and the FAFSA will be up and running by January 1st. Over break you can take the time to get a jump start on your application by rounding up all family financial information and locating your FAFSA pin. All materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Services by April 29th. That leaves you plenty of time to apply, however, the spring semester goes by in a flash and you don't want to be left outside in the cold.

In addition, break is the perfect time to start a job search for the spring semester. Whether it be an On-Campus job or an internship for the summer, it's best to move quickly and be prepared. Get your resume ready and set up the necessary interviews and meetings through Hiatt Career Center.

When you've got a handle on your budgets, deadlines, and necessary career steps, you should be ready to celebrate 2011 in style and with all your finances under control.

Good Luck and Happy New Year!
Savvy Student