Life Kit: Money Budgeting for college students
Sep 9, 2025
Yaneli Espinal, author and host on financial literacy, shares invaluable insights for college students stepping into financial independence. She discusses budgeting strategies to manage student loans and emphasize the importance of seeking scholarships. The conversation also touches on balancing part-time jobs with studies and how to navigate the complexities of credit cards. Yaneli encourages open discussions about financial challenges, fostering a supportive community among peers to ease the transition into college life.
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Sad Bench: Early Homesickness Story
- Mariel Segarra describes feeling extreme homesickness and sitting on a 'sad bench' when dropped at college.
- She uses the story to reassure first-years they are not alone in early struggles.
Lack Of Support Masks Student Financial Risk
- Many 18-year-olds sign loan agreements with little guidance, creating long-term risk.
- Open conversations about money reduce shame and reveal peers facing the same struggles.
Cap Your Student Debt To Expected Salary
- Do not borrow more student loan debt than your expected first-year salary multiplied appropriately; keep total debt under your expected annual salary upon graduation.
- Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to estimate likely starting pay for your field.
