The next generation of college and university students has just a couple of more weeks until they are ushered into cramped dorms and massive lecture halls. For the previous 15 years, school had been a burden -- but at least it was free! Now, not only are the classes getting harder, but it's going to start costing money.
Doesn't seem fair, does it?
Well, I'm not here to talk about what is fair and what isn't. You can call me a realist but I believe the best way to overcome a problem is to face it head on with every ounce of effort you can give. You can call this philosophy "the old college try".
So, when the seemingly inevitable student debt is the enemy, what should be your plan of attack?
Here's the Consolidated Credit battle plan:
•Do a pre-emptive strike -- If you know you are about to be attacked, why not beat the other side to the punch? The same philosophy works with student debt. Build up a solid defense against it by working part time and saving money throughout the next 3-4 years. This way, when that debt tries to attack you after graduation, you'll be armed with a sizable nest egg you can use to pay down the principal.
•Develop a strategy -- One of the keys to victory in any fight is good strategy. When it comes to student debt, you need to develop a spending and saving plan that will guide you through the tough times. Make a budget and refer to it regularly. Keep track of everything you spend and hold yourself accountable if you step outside the guidelines. This plan will give you attainable goals you can reach and will lead you to a victory over your nemesis - debt.
•Gather some allies -- Don't try to go it alone in your fight with debt. Enlist your friends and family to help you along the way. Utilize your friends by starting up a Facebook group that allows you to trade and borrow things instead of having to buy them. Your family can help you by giving you advice on financial issues that you may not be familiar with. Using the resourcefulness and knowledge of those people around you will help you on the financial battlefield.
•Become a lean, mean fighting machine -- In this fight, the best army is a mobile army. This means carrying only what you need and not worrying about luxurious items that only weigh you down financially. When you want something, think about if you really need it. And if you do need it, is their a less expensive version that you could purchase either new or used? Every time you don't spend money, you are saving money. By removing this financial weight from your shoulders, you be able to cut through your debt faster than a speeding bullet.
Entering college or university can be scary and nerve-wracking, but the next four years will be filled with a lot of great times. Study hard and follow my tips and you'll be a success in life, both personally and financially. Good luck!
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