Money Matters June '18- August '18 | Page 8

LESS THAN 80

by Paul Goebel, SMMC Director

With less than 80 DAYS until the first class day of the Fall 2018 semester, the SMMC team thought this would be a good time to share some helpful tips to be best prepared for coming back to campus this fall:

1. HAVE A MONEY PLAN. Most students keep a plan about money in their heads. This is a good start, but not a goal. Adopting a more formal approach can help prevent a money issue from escalating to a problem or crisis during the semester. Contact the center to learn how to become a Money PRO.

2.MINIMIZE STUDENT LOAN DEBT. When determining whether to accept student loans or not, always remember to base your decision on what you need and not what is simply offered. Many students and families don’t have the ability to pay for cost of attendance expenses out of pocket. Whenever you need to consider loans – also consider the fact that you will repay them one day.

3.CREATE/UPDATE YOUR BANKMOBILE ACCOUNT PROFILE. All students expecting to receive refunds from the university need to create their personal BankMobile account. Refunds are released to BankMobile by the university for disbursement. Not activating your BankMobile account or keeping your disbursement choice current can cause unnecessary delays in receiving any refunds.

4.PLAN YOUR MONEY EVERY MONTH. Starting and ending every month and every semester with money in your wallet and bank account is a great feeling. If you are using a financial aid refund to pay bills, make sure your plan helps the refund last until the next disbursement date in January.

5.USE FLEX DOLLARS. Flex dollars associated with the university’s meal plans are semester specific – meaning they expire at the end of each semester. Remember to use ‘em or lose ‘em.

6.USE CAMPUS RESOURCES. Knowing what the campus has to offer can help make campus life a lot easier and feel more like a community. Our campus has a lot to offer students. You just need to know how to make connects and get connected. Check out OrgSync - orgsync.com/login/university-of-north-texas for more information.

Remember! If you need help making your money last this fall or have money questions come see the SMMC team. We are located in Chestnut Hall Suite 313. You will also see our team members all across campus at outreach events and class presentations this fall. However we can help – let us.

We help Eagles soar!