Centennial Bank

Many college students are finishing up their first semester of college, and, as they probably found out quickly, it’s not cheap to live outside mom and dad’s nest. While college is the one of the few times in a person’s life it’s acceptable to be broke, it’s important to keep a savings account in mind.

Ideally, a college student’s savings account is one that has been growing since youth. Perhaps it was started by mom or dad or, even, grandparents. As time went on and the pennies added up, and, if it wasn’t used for that first car, it’s grown into a nice little nest egg in time for college.

Suddenly, with books, supplies and food to buy that nice stash of money looks tempting to tap into. However, with a down economy and a suffering job market, there’s a chance that savings account will benefit a student more after college than during.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to continue to bolster that savings account while attending college.

• Pay on that credit card every month – Unlike a debit card, it’s nice to be able to swipe a credit card and not have the transaction directly affect your checking account. However, paying nothing more than the minimum every month on the card’s balance will hurt you in the long run.  
• Save your change – Don’t leave that piggy bank at home! Take it to college and put your pocket change in it every night. Glue the plug shut so you won’t be tempted to reach into it. Change adds up to real dollars in a hurry.
• Avoid late night meals – Late night runs with friends to fast food joints are a timeless college tradition. Go ahead and tag along, but don’t eat. Not only will you save the money, you’ll avoid those extra pounds.
• Cut coupons – Your grandparents probably do this, and you probably laugh at them. But coupons are easy to find – check out the free newspapers on campus – they save real money at the grocery store/
• Eat cheap food – It’s not mom’s home cooking, but Ramen noodles, Easy Mac and oatmeal will fill you up and save you cash.
• Brew your own coffee – We all know those all-nighters are easier with a cup of java, but instead of the $4 cup from the campus coffee shop, how about snagging mom and dad’s old coffee maker and a $0.99 can of coffee from the store?
• If you eat out, look for the deals – When you do decide to join friends for a meal out, check the newspaper and restaurant marquees for deals. College bars and restaurants have great specials almost every day and night. Take advantage!

Centennial also offers customized college savings accounts that are designed with the college student in mind! Check out some of our savings account options or get in a touch with a Centennial banking officer today to find out more!