Kaylie: College, University, Saving Money... Oh My!

Editor's note: We challenged all of our finalists to write a blog post about "From your own experience, what is the top financial issue facing your generation?"

> Get part-time job

> Apply for scholarships

> Empty change from pockets

> Have garage/yard sale

> Apply for credit card

> Get another part-time job

> Sell stuff on eBay

> Apply for student Loans

> Sell a kidney

Thinking about all the ways to make and save money for our futures is enough to drive us insane!

I know how overwhelming it can be trying to fund our post-secondary educations.  We’re constantly told that if we want a good job we’ll have to go to College or University first.  And as if choosing a program to study isn’t a tough enough decision, we also have to figure out how we’re going to pay to build our brains!

FUNDING OUR FUTURES

This is a top financial issue for most of us and quite possibly the biggest stressor in our lives.  It’s extremely difficult to understand that one year we’re attending school for free, and the next we’ll be paying thousands of dollars to do the same.  Not to mention, costs are only rising—tuition, rent, food, books, car insurance, etc.  To top it all of, we have to focus on keeping our grades up, writing entrance essays and completing our community service hours as well.

When I got my first job in grade nine, I wasn’t thinking about funding my future.  I was concerned with paying for lunches at school, buying new clothes and getting awesome Christmas presents for my family.  It wasn’t until years later, after attending a few presentations that I realized if I wanted to go to College or University, I was going to have to start saving—immediately! 

Take it from me, don’t let this stress get you down!  Saving is possible!  It’s also great that our government offers student loans, but it’s best not to rely solely on OSAP.  It may be ‘given’ to you, but remember you’ll have to pay it back one day!

Below are a few things that I did to save for post-secondary, and some things I should have done! 

SAVING TIPS THAT HELPED ME

>> Get a second job: especially one with tips!

>> Babysit: easy cash!

>> Separate my earnings: spending vs. savings

>> Take time off: work more, save more!

SAVING TIPS THAT COULD’VE HELPED ME

>> Seek advice: budget, savings plan, separate accounts etc.

>> Pack a lunch: simple but helpful

>> Cut grass, shovel snow, etc: easy cash!

>> Carpool/Public Transit: insurance & gas prices are ridiculous!

>> Apply for Scholarships/Bursaries: free $$$! 

“Money talks; the secret is to hold it long enough to hear what it says.” – W.G.P. (William George Plunkett)

Kaylie