Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• Set clear and realistic financial goals
• Be intentional with your money
• Set aside money for emergencies
• Budget for expenses that make you happy
• Talk to people about money

For many people, talking about or navigating finances can cause anxiety. However, taking the initiative to learn more about money management and how to wisely save and spend can help you practice financial self-care and reduce some of that anxiety. Here are five tips for practicing financial self-care.

Set clear and realistic financial goals

It’s important to have clear financial goals for the future. Whether they’re immediate goals, like saving $15 per week by making coffee at home, or long-term goals, like paying $50 extra per month on your student loans, having something clear and realistic that you want to achieve is key. We recommend setting a small monthly goal first to give you the momentum to tackle a bigger goal the next month!

Be intentional with your money

Knowing when and how to be intentional with your money can prevent you from overspending. We recommend doing three things before buying something you may not need:

1. Sleep on it! If you give yourself time to think about it more, you may realize you don’t actually want or need it.
2. Play “Would I rather?” For example: “Would I rather buy this pair of jeans now or save the money for a new phone instead?” This can help you prioritize your long-term goals.
3. Consider how much use you’ll get out of the item. Can it be used more than once? Is it practical? Does it bring you joy?

If you’re still undecided, try using the value-based spending formula. When you want to buy something, take the cost of that item and divide it by your hourly pay (if you have a job). For example, if your pay is $15 per hour, a $30 pair of jeans is 2 hours of work. Doing this will help you consider how much you actually want or need that item. 

Set aside money for emergencies

Having a “rainy day” fund, or money purposely set aside for emergencies, can lessen your financial burden if something unexpected happens. If you need to get your car fixed or go to the dentist, you can pull from your emergency fund without throwing your budget off. We recommend setting aside 5-10% of your monthly income to go into this fund, whether it’s putting cash in a separate envelope or opening a second checking account. If your employer pays you through direct deposit, ask if you can split your deposit into two accounts (checking and savings), that way a portion of your paycheck can be deposited into your savings account without even thinking about it. It may not seem like a lot at first, but it could make a big difference in the future!

Budget for expenses that make you happy

Financial self-care doesn’t have to be all about saving! Treating yourself to something every once in a while is a great way to stay motivated. Set aside some fun money each month to spend on something that makes you happy, such as clothes or going out with friends. Use our budgeting guide to learn how to break down your monthly expenses and calculate how much money you could put towards guilt-free spending (we recommend 10% of your monthly income).

Creating a budget for the first time? Check out our budgeting tips here! 

Talk to people about money

When you talk about money with others, you lessen the stigma that surrounds it. Talking about money sounds uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be! There’s no shame in confiding in the people you trust about your financial situation and goals. Try partnering with a friend or family member to be your budget buddy. You can both make budgets and compare progress at the end of each month. Having someone to hold you accountable can offer you encouragement to keep going, and make you more likely to achieve your goals!

Do you have any questions about practicing financial self-care? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Understand the financial aid offered to you
• Reapply for financial aid each year you’re in college
• Manage your money 
• Apply for scholarships
• Familiarize yourself with financial aid resources on campus

Starting college is an exciting milestone! This new chapter of life can also bring the responsibility of managing your finances—something that might be new to you. This may be the first time that you are fully independent and responsible for things like  your tuition, meal plan, and money for your everyday needs. Financial aid can be a huge help, but it’s important to know how to manage that money wisely. We’re here to show you how to apply money management strategies to the financial aid you receive so you can make the most of your college experience without unnecessary financial stress!

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Understand the financial aid offered to you

Financial aid helps cover the cost of college, including things like tuition, room and board, books, and class fees. Whether you’ve received grants, scholarships, or loans, understanding your financial aid package is the first step in managing your money effectively. Be sure you understand key financial aid terms and the types and amounts of aid that were offered to you for the current academic year. This can give you a good idea of how much you will need to budget or save–two essential parts of good money management–to cover essential college or living costs. 

Reapply for financial aid each year you’re in college

It’s essential to know that your financial aid won’t automatically renew. You will need to renew your FAFSA or state-based financial aid each year you’re in college to receive most forms of financial aid, such as federal, state, private, and institutional aid like scholarships and loans! Be sure to stay on top of important deadlines and deliverables so you can submit your financial aid forms on time and receive the aid you need!

Manage your money 

Depending on the amount of aid you receive and accept, you may get a refund check! Your school puts together an aid package and they take what they need for tuition, fees, and room and board if you live on campus. If the aid you accept–including scholarships, federal and state aid, or institutional aid–is greater than your tuition and fees, the leftover amount will be given to you as a refund. For example, if your aid totaled $20,000 per term and your college costs were $19,000, you will receive a $1,000 refund, given to you via direct deposit or a physical check. Receiving these funds, as well as your earnings from things like work-study or other part-time jobs, means that you’ll have money to spend and save! It is a good idea to prioritize educational or living expenses, but these are your funds to spend or save. Here are some tips to manage your money well and set yourself up for success:

• Create a budget. If you receive a refund, it will likely be disbursed, or deposited, to you in one large sum at the start of each term. It can be tempting to spend it all at once, but it’s crucial to create a budget that will help you spread your funds out over the entire term. 
• Spend wisely on college expenses. Books and supplies can be expensive, but there are ways to make your money stretch further! For example, knowing where to find the best deals on textbooks or checking to see if your school offers discounts or financial aid to cover the cost of technology can go a long way. Don’t hesitate to ask your financial aid office about these opportunities.
• Be cautious of personal loans. While it may be tempting to take out personal loans to cover extra expenses, it’s important to remember that loans need to be repaid with interest. Only take out what you absolutely need, and explore other options first, such as working part-time or applying for additional financial aid. The goal is to graduate with as little debt as possible.
• Stay persistent. If the financial aid you’ve received doesn’t fully cover your educational or living expenses, you may need to find supplemental aid. Talk to someone in your school’s financial aid office to learn about additional aid you can apply for, and seek paid opportunities both on- and off-campus if your schedule allows it. 

Apply for scholarships

Scholarships can significantly lower college-related costs! Here’s how to make the most of scholarship opportunities:

• Continue applying for scholarships. Many students think that college scholarships are only for incoming freshmen, but that’s not the case! There are scholarships available for college students regardless of what year they’re in.  Set aside time each month to search for and apply to scholarships. Be sure to check out our free Scholarship Finder to find and apply for more than 16,000 scholarships!
• Utilize scholarships for non-tuition expenses. Scholarships can often be used for more than just tuition. Depending on the scholarship’s terms, you may be able to apply the funds toward books, housing, or technology. This can free up other parts of your financial aid package to cover additional school or living costs or to save.

Familiarize yourself with financial aid resources on campus

Effective communication with financial aid experts on your campus is crucial for managing your money and staying on track financially! Here’s what to know about two important financial aid offices at your college:

• Regularly check in with the financial aid office. A college’s financial aid office helps students understand their funding options. Think of this office as your financial advocates on campus! Make it a habit to check in with them at least once per term to ensure everything is in order. If your financial situation changes, or if you’re struggling to cover your expenses, they might be able to adjust your aid package or point you toward emergency funds or additional scholarships.
• Understand your bill from the bursar’s office. A college’s bursar’s office is where tuition billing and payments are processed. Review your bill each term to make sure your financial aid has been properly credited to your student account. If there’s a balance due once financial aid has been applied, you can work with the bursar’s office to explore payment options, such as a payment plan. Never ignore a bill, as unpaid balances can lead to holds on your account, preventing you from registering for classes or receiving your transcript.

The money management skills you develop in college will come in handy for the rest of your life! By connecting your financial aid awards to smart money management strategies, you can make the most of your time in college without the burden of financial stress. These skills are also crucial to ensure that you reap the financial benefits of a college degree. Your education can unlock huge earning potential for your life and can help you build a foundation of generational wealth for your family and community.

If you have more questions about money management or financial aid, Get Schooled is here to support! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Loans
• Insurance

As you gain more independence entering into adulthood, the necessity of loans and insurance becomes more of a reality. While you may know about student loans, it’s also important to know about other types of loans that can help you pay for things like cars or housing in the future, while understanding your various insurance options that can protect you from unexpected expenses. Here’s what you should know about shopping for loans and insurance. 

*Note: Before making any big financial decisions, we strongly advise you to talk to a parent/guardian or a trusted adult. They can help you make informed choices about taking on debt that can ensure your financial stability and success in the future.

Loans

Taking out a loan can be a helpful way to finance your expenses, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of any loan before taking it on. Make sure to compare different lenders and shop around for the best interest rates and fees. A key thing to consider with any loan is to look at the total loan amount plus the total interest and decide if whatever you are trying to buy is worth that. While loans can help you invest in your future, it’s important to ensure that you are not living beyond your means or the money you have in the bank. Being smart about your debt and keeping your credit score high are keys to long-term financial health.

Read more below about three common loans that you might need as you get your first job, go through college, and enter adulthood.

Car Loans

A car loan is a loan that you take out to buy a car. These loans are usually offered by banks, credit unions, and car dealerships. When you take out a car loan, you will need to make regular payments over a period of time, typically 2-5 years. The amount you’ll need to pay will depend on the loan amount, interest rate, and length of the loan. Car loans are considered “secured loans,” because if you aren’t able to pay them back, the lender can take back what you bought– in this case, your car. Your car in this example would also be called “collateral.” This makes it so the lender feels secure in lending the money.

When considering a car loan, it’s important to research different lenders and their interest rates. You should also factor in the cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs when calculating how much you can afford. A car is not just a one-time expense, but an ongoing investment that requires regular upkeep.

Another factor to consider is whether to get a new or used car. New cars are generally more expensive, but may have better fuel efficiency and come with a warranty. Used cars, on the other hand, may have higher maintenance costs but can be more affordable up front.

Personal Loans

Personal loans are another type of loan that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as paying off credit card debt, paying for expenses at school not covered by student loans, or covering unexpected expenses. Unlike car loans, personal loans are “unsecured,” meaning you don’t need to put up collateral (like a car) to secure them. However, because they are unsecured, personal loans often have higher interest rates than secured loans.

Before taking out a personal loan, it’s important to assess your financial situation and determine whether you can afford the monthly payments. You should also compare interest rates and fees from different lenders to find the best deal. Be wary of lenders who advertise “no credit check” loans, as they often come with high interest rates and fees.

Rental Loans

If you are struggling to pay rent, a rental loan may be an option to consider. Rental loans are short-term loans that can help cover the cost of rent when you are experiencing financial hardship. These loans are typically offered by nonprofit organizations or government agencies and often have low interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

Before applying for a rental loan, it’s important to talk to your landlord or property manager about your financial situation. They may be able to offer a payment plan or work with you to find a solution that works for both parties. If you decide to apply for a rental loan, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand the fees and interest rates involved.

Insurance

Many things that you may need a loan to pay for also come with insurance. Insurance is a protection from large expenses that may come up later. Sometimes insurance is a requirement by law and sometimes it is something you may seek out for security and peace of mind. Read more about three common insurance plans you may come across.

Car Insurance

Car insurance is required by law in most states and can help cover the cost of damages or injuries in case of an accident. The cost of car insurance varies depending on several factors, such as age, driving record, and type of car. Liability insurance is the minimum coverage required by law and covers damages to other people and their property. Comprehensive and collision coverage can provide additional protection for your own vehicle and medical expenses.

When shopping for car insurance, it’s important to compare rates and coverage options from different insurers. Make sure to ask about discounts that may be available, such as safe driver discounts or discounts for students with good grades.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is another important type of insurance to consider. Without health insurance, a single medical emergency can quickly become a financial burden. Health insurance can help cover the cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

If you are under 26 years old, you may be eligible to stay on your parents’ health insurance plan. If not, you can purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace or receive it through your employer if it’s offered. When selecting a plan, make sure to consider the premiums, deductibles, and co-payments, as well as the coverage for specific services that you may need, such as mental health or dental care.

Rental Insurance

If you are renting an apartment or house, rental insurance can provide protection for your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other disasters. Rental insurance can also provide liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property.

When selecting rental insurance, consider the cost of the premiums and the coverage limits. Make sure to read the policy carefully and understand what is covered and what is not. Some policies may have exclusions for certain types of losses, such as floods or earthquakes, so it’s important to assess the risks in your area and consider additional coverage if needed.

Financial independence can come with some complexity, but educating yourself now can set you up for future success! Have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• What is generational wealth?
• Build a strong network
• Be proactive about your career goals
• Money management
• Stay focused on your goals
• Start saving early
• Learn and start investing
• Think like an entrepreneur
• Seek out support and resources

The historical inequities in access to education, employment opportunities, and financial resources for Black and Brown communities make it challenging to find success in college, accumulate wealth, and pass that wealth down to future generations. While these inequities exist, it’s essential to acknowledge that building generational wealth is possible! Here are some strategies that can help you build generational wealth as a first-generation college student or college student of color, while also navigating the pressures and challenges you may face.

What is generational wealth?

Generational wealth is the financial legacy that you can pass down to future generations. This can include both money or assets, like bank accounts, investments, earnings from a business, and more. Inheriting generational wealth can provide a path towards financial stability and access to resources or support systems that can empower someone to achieve their goals and aspirations, without having money as their #1 concern.

Building generational wealth is particularly important for communities who have historically faced systemic barriers to wealth accumulation, like Black Americans and first-generation college students. Without the benefit of generational wealth, first-generation college students and college students of color may have to rely heavily on scholarships, loans, and part-time jobs to finance their education. This added financial pressure can make balancing academic and financial responsibilities even more challenging.

Build a strong network

Networking is an important part of building generational wealth, and can be especially valuable for first-generation college students. This is often called “social capital.” These are the relationships that you invest in early and can pay off big! By building a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers, you can gain access to opportunities and resources that can help you succeed. Your network can help you meet new people, make professional connections, and maybe even land a job or internship. By building a network, you can tap into those opportunities and even repay them down the road!

Be proactive about your career goals

As a first-generation college student or college student of color, you may feel pressure to secure a high-paying job or career path that can provide financial stability for your family. While it’s important to be mindful of your financial goals, it’s also important to pursue a career that you’re passionate about and that aligns with your skills and interests. Take advantage of career services offered by your college or university (usually at the career center), and seek out internships or job shadowing opportunities that can help you explore different career paths. You can also conduct informational interviews with professionals in your desired field to learn more about the job market and what skills and experiences are required to succeed.

Money management

Managing your money wisely is an important tool in building wealth. This can include budgeting and saving money, as well as managing student loan debt and maintaining a great credit score. Be sure to also take advantage of free financial literacy resources out there, like our money management tools!

Stay focused on your goals

You may face challenges and setbacks on your path to building generational wealth. But by staying focused on your goals and persevering through difficult times, you can achieve success and create a lasting legacy for your family. Remember why you started your college journey, and stay motivated by your vision for your future. Seek out positive role models and mentors who can inspire and guide you, and stay committed to your personal and financial goals.

Start saving early

Saving money is one of the key components of building generational wealth. The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Even if you’re only able to save a small amount each month, it can add up over time. Consider opening a savings account specifically for building generational wealth. You can set up automatic transfers from your checking account each month to make saving even easier! As your savings grow, you can start looking for investment opportunities that can help your money grow even faster.

Learn and start investing

Investing is another important component of building generational wealth. By investing in stocks, real estate, or other assets, you can grow your money much faster than you would by simply saving it in a bank account. Of course, investing comes with risks, so it’s important to educate yourself about the different investment options and their risks and rewards.

Think like an entrepreneur

Starting a business can be a great way to build generational wealth. You can learn and train yourself on key entrepreneurial skills right now!

Seek out support and resources

It’s important to seek out support and resources to help you succeed. This can include academic support services like tutoring and study groups, as well as financial aid and scholarship programs that can help you pay for college. You can also look for mentorship programs or affinity groups that connect you with other first-generation college students or college students of color who can offer guidance and support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and to take advantage of the resources that are available to you.

Building generational wealth is a long-term process that requires patience, dedication, and hard work. By taking the right steps now, you can set yourself and your family up for financial success for years to come! Have any questions about building generational wealth or money management? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 8, 2026

In this article

• Start with the basics
• Defining key terms
• Key tips
• Ways to get started

As you start earning your own money, the thought of investing may seem out of reach. However, it’s important to remember that investing can be a valuable tool for building wealth and securing your financial future, regardless of your income or age! Here are some things you should know about investing your money as a teen. 

Note: It’s important to remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Before making any big financial decisions, it’s important to do your research and seek advice from trusted adults, such as parents or financial advisors.

Start with the basics

Investing is commonly defined as putting money into assets, like real estate or stocks and bonds, in the hopes of making a profit. Basically, you are buying something that you hope will turn into more money, or profit, down the road. It’s important to understand the basics of finance first, such as budgeting, the importance of opening a bank account, saving, and debt management. 

Defining key terms

The world of investing and finance comes with a new library of terms to understand. Here are a few key terms you’ll see commonly:

• Stocks. Stocks represent partial ownership in a publicly traded company, like Starbucks, Apple, or General Motors. When you buy a stock, you are basically buying a small piece of the company. As the company grows and earns, the value of the stock may increase, allowing you to sell your shares for a profit. For example, if you buy a stock at $20 and the value increases to $40, you could sell it and get a $20 profit!

• Bonds. Companies and governments issue bonds, or debt securities, to raise money. Essentially, when you buy a bond, you are lending money to the company or government that they have to pay back in a specific amount of time (which is usually over years). When you buy a bond, you will receive regular interest payments and be paid back for your initial payment once the bond’s term ends.

• ETFs (Exchange-traded funds). ETFs are a type of fund that allows you to buy multiple investments at once, like stocks and bonds. Instead of choosing individual companies to invest in, you can buy one ETF and own a small piece of many different companies.

• Stock market. The stock market is a platform where stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other investments are bought and sold. It is a place where companies can raise money by selling shares of their stock to investors and where investors can buy and sell those shares to make a profit.

Key tips

Investing is all about making your money work for you. As you get started, keep these tips in mind:

• Set realistic goals. Before doing anything, think about what you want to achieve. Maybe you want to save for college, buy a car, or just learn more about the stock market. Doing this will allow you to get specific with how you want to invest and how to ask for support from professionals!
• Diversify your investments. One thing you will hear is that a key to successful investing is diversification. This means spreading your money across different things like stocks, bonds, or even savings accounts. Having your money spread means you’re not dependent on just one thing.
• Be patient. Investing is a long-term game and it may take time to see benefits. You may not see significant returns right away, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. For options like high-yield savings accounts, it is best to wait years so you can see the interest add up! For smaller investments, you could wait for at least a few months to see how it plays out.
• Start small. You don’t need to have a lot of money to start. In fact, starting small can be a good way to learn the basics without risking too much.
• Consider the costs, beware of scams. Investing often comes with fees and commissions. It’s important to understand these costs and factor them into your decisions. You can avoid scams by looking for key terms like “fiduciary responsibility,” which means a company or advisor must have your interest in mind, not their own!

Ways to get started

There are many apps and companies out there that can support young people in exploring investing. Here are a few to get you started:

• Stash: Stash is an app that allows you to invest in stocks and ETFs with as little as $5. It offers personalized recommendations and educational resources to help you make informed decisions.
• Acorns: Acorns is an app that invests your spare change into a diversified portfolio of ETFs. It is a great option for beginners who want to start small.
• Robinhood: Robinhood is a popular app that allows you to invest in the stock market by buying stocks and bonds without paying any commission fees. It is user-friendly and has a simple interface that makes it easy to get started.

Be sure to check out the rest of our money management resources to learn how to be a smart spender and saver! If you have any job or finance-related questions, connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• Figure out your costs
• Save the money
• Create a budget
• Advocate for yourself

While senior year of high school is an exciting milestone, it can also come with some extra costs for students, like college applications, senior activities, yearbooks, and graduation expenses. We know that these costs can add up quickly, so in this article, we’ll share tips on budgeting for events as a high school senior!

Figure out your costs

Make a list of all your expected senior year costs, like college applications and prom tickets. This will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to save to cover it all. Examples of expenses could be:

• College application fees
• SAT/ACT registration
• Senior portraits
• Formal dances and events (homecoming, prom, etc.)
• Yearbook
• College enrollment deposit
• Graduation regalia (cap and gown)
• Senior class trip(s)

Depending on your school, you may have different types of senior year expenses. If you’re not sure, check in with an educator or counselor.

Save the money

Talk to a parent or guardian about the expenses you have coming up and what your plan is for covering them. If you need to earn some money to contribute to the costs, you can do so by:

• Finding a summer or part-time job.
• Starting a side hustle.
• Asking friends and family to help cover the cost of something as a birthday or holiday gift.
• Getting fee waivers where possible. Talk to your counselor about your eligibility to receive fee waivers for things like college applications, the SAT or ACT, and enrollment deposits.

Create a budget

Creating a budget may seem complicated, but can be an easy way to help you manage your senior year expenses. Learn about building a budget that works for you!

Advocate for yourself

If you’re worried that financial concerns may lead to you not being able to participate in some senior year activities, we highly recommend that you explore your options and talk to people who may be able to help. For example, if you’re concerned about the cost of your yearbook, check in with someone at your school to see if you can buy it by making small payments over time. You never know until you ask! Being able to advocate for yourself is an essential life skill that will be necessary in college and beyond, so now is a great time to start building it!

While budgeting for senior year can be stressful, it’s also a reminder of how much there is to celebrate and enjoy! Need more ideas or support while budgeting for senior year? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Determine your monthly income
• Determine your monthly expenses
• Balance your budget

Creating a budget (a plan for how you earn and spend your money) is a great way to start managing your finances! In this article, we’ll share effective budgeting tips for students.

Determine your monthly income

Your total monthly income is what you earn each month, like pay from jobs or income earned through a side hustle. Your income may fluctuate slightly each month depending on the hours you work, but having a general idea of what you consistently earn will be helpful in creating a budget to stick to. 

Determine your monthly expenses

Make a list of each expense you have in a given month. For expenses that vary, such as utilities or groceries, try to estimate an average that you spend on those each month. Here’s a sample list of expenses to get started:

• Cell phone
• Rent/room and board
• Utilities (electricity, water, Wi-Fi)
• Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance, public transportation passes)
• Groceries
• Subscriptions 
• Debt (credit card payments, student loans)
• Savings (how much you would like to save in a given month)
• Personal care (clothes, hygiene products, medication, cleaning supplies)
• Fun money (going out to eat, buying coffee, hanging out with friends, etc.) 

Add the total cost of these up to determine your monthly expenses.

Balance your budget

Balance your budget by subtracting your total monthly expenses from your total monthly income. For example, if your total monthly income is $1,500 and your total monthly expenses are $1,300, you should have around $200 left over. You can keep this money in your checking or savings account to have in case of an emergency (which we recommend), or you can adjust your budget by putting some of that leftover $200 into another category, like groceries or personal care.

If you subtract your total monthly expenses from your total monthly income and the number is negative, it means you are overspending and should find opportunities to cut some non-essential items from your budget. For example, you can cancel subscriptions you don’t need or use, or spend a bit less on going out with friends each month. 

Your budget can be a bit flexible and change each month depending on your financial situation, but we encourage you to try and stick to it! Need some help creating and sticking to a budget? Check out our list of free apps to help you create a budget!

For more money management tips, be sure to check out the rest of our money management resources to learn how to be a smart spender and saver! And if you have any job or finance-related questions for us, connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• The Budgetnista
• Whiteboard Finance
• Tom Blake
• Budget Girl

Money is everywhere–we talk about it, earn it, and spend it. Despite this, it is still an unpopular and sometimes even awkward thing to discuss. However, it shouldn’t be! Knowing how to manage your finances is an essential part of growing and becoming an independent adult. Fortunately, with creators on YouTube sharing their wisdom with the world for free, conversations about finance are becoming more normalized! Check out these YouTubers to learn more about money. 

The Budgetnista

Tiffany (aka The Budgetnista) is a financial advisor who talks about budgeting, making plans for financial success and freedom, and practical steps to make your money work for you. Her many free resources can also help you get in the habit of planning how you will save, invest and spend your money.

Whiteboard Finance

Marko from WhiteBoard Finance shares videos on personal finance, the stock market, tips for making major purchases, and entrepreneurship. He also teaches beginners the basics of investing.

Tom Blake

Tom Blake is a Youtuber who creates videos about money, savings, income and investing! He shares his experience and practical advice on making money online, saving, side hustles and more.

Budget Girl

Budget Girl talks about budgets, good money habits, financial mistakes to avoid, and has great tips on getting smart about debt.

While these YouTubers have some great advice and tips to share, we strongly recommend talking with a certified financial professional before investing.

Do you know of any other content creators we should add to this list or have any questions about money management? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 10, 2025

In this article

• Create a budget
• Open a checking and savings account
• Know your credit score and understand why it’s important
• Learn how to use credit cards wisely
• Understand how debt works and how it can affect your life
• Invest in your future
• What are other ways I can invest?
• Talk to an expert or a trusted adult

Learning how to manage your money is an essential life skill. Figuring out how to build and maintain a solid financial future can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can be set up for success. Here are seven money moves you can start making now to build financial understanding and security! 

Create a budget

Your first move is to create a budget. Think of managing your budget like managing your social life. You wouldn’t make plans without making sure you were free first, right? The same rules apply when it comes to your money. Creating a budget will show you how much money you have, what your monthly expenses are, and if you’ve overspent. Having a budget allows you to take control of your finances, encourages you to live within your means, and helps you achieve your financial goals!

Open a checking and savings account

Once you know your budget, you should open a bank account. It is essential to understand the different types of bank accounts and how they work when making smart decisions with your money. While there are several types of accounts to choose from, the main two are checking and savings. Learn more about checking and savings accounts here.

Keep in mind that requirements for opening checking and savings accounts will vary based on the bank you choose. There may be fees associated with a checking account (like overdraw fees) if you don’t keep an eye on it.

You might think you don’t need a bank account because you have CashApp, Venmo, or PayPal. Those apps are great for quickly sending and receiving money, but do not leave your money in them. Put the money you want to spend into your checking account, and the money you want to save into a savings account so you can (1) make more money over time, and (2) guarantee your money is safe. CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal are not banks, they are third-party apps that allow you to move money. They are not FDIC insured, which means if CashApp, Venmo, or PayPal ever go out of business, all the money you had in those accounts is gone. On the other hand, checking accounts and savings accounts are FDIC insured, so if your bank went out of business, your money is insured up to $250,000.

Know your credit score and understand why it’s important

Another great money move you can make is to learn your credit score. If you are under 18, you will likely have a 0, as you cannot apply for credit yet. A credit score is a three-digit number, typically on a scale of 300 to 850, that estimates how likely you are to repay borrowed money (credit cards, department store cards, car payments, etc). This number is important because it not only determines how much money you can borrow, but also how much it will cost (in monthly payments, for example) and how long it will take for you to pay back the money you’ve borrowed.

Learn how to use credit cards wisely

Credit cards allow you to borrow money from a bank to buy things and are a powerful tool to help you build your credit. Using a credit card should not be taken lightly. There are several fees associated with using them and, if not used responsibly, can negatively impact your financial future. Your credit score largely determines what types of credit cards you’re eligible for and how much interest you will pay if you use them, which is why you want to work hard to keep your credit score high.

If you have a credit card, be sure to pay off the balance every month. A general rule is that if you can’t pay off your credit card balance, it means you can’t afford what you’ve been buying with it. You can use your credit card to make purchases like gas, groceries, Netflix, and more, and then pay the balance at the end of each month. This behavior will show lenders like banks that you’re a reliable borrower and will pay off your debts. The sooner you start building your credit, the more established and reliable your credit history will be.

Understand how debt works and how it can affect your life

At some point in your life, you will want (or may need) to make a purchase that you don’t have enough money to pay for in full; such as an emergency expense, a down payment for a car, a vacation, or your education. In order to pay for that purchase, you will need to borrow money from a bank, credit card provider, or other type of lender. This means you are going into debt because you are purchasing something with money that isn’t actually yours, that you will eventually have to pay back.

Oftentimes, when you borrow money and go into debt, not only do you have to pay back the amount you borrowed, but you will have to pay off all of the interest that accrues with it. This means you will end up paying back more money than you spent to make the purchase.

The amount you pay in interest will largely depend on your credit score, and the lower your interest rate, the less money you have to pay towards your debt. People with high credit scores usually receive low interest rates (sometimes no interest at all), while people with low credit scores get high interest rates, meaning they pay more than the amount they originally borrowed. Before reaching for your credit card, applying for a store credit card, or taking on student loans, be sure you fully understand how this purchase will impact your financial future and that you have a solid repayment plan. 

Invest in your future

It’s never too early to start investing in your future. Making wise investment decisions can help you build wealth and reach your long-term financial goals faster. When it comes to investing, there are a number of great ways to get started! 

The most common investments for teens include custodial accounts, college savings plans, and retirement accounts. The great news is that you don’t need a bunch of money to get started and being young is a huge advantage when it comes to investing. Thanks to the magic of compound interest, making small (but smart) contributions at an early age can add up to a bigger impact later. Good investing is about time in the market, not timing the market, so don’t get caught up in the latest trends because you believe it will make you rich overnight. Instead, choose reputable investment companies such as Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and other companies that focus on long-term returns.

Learn more about investing as a young adult here!

Note: Investing can be risky. Be sure to talk to a parent or guardian before making any investments.

What are other ways I can invest?

Investing isn’t just about buying stocks or putting your money in savings accounts. It can also mean buying items that will last longer instead of ones you might only use for a little while. These types of investments include things like:

• Purchasing higher quality clothes and shoes
• Using a water filter and/or a reusable water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic bottles
• Buying items in bulk over singles
• Upgrading to a reusable lunch container instead of using disposable bags or packaging
• Investing in a durable backpack or laptop case to protect items you use every day

Talk to an expert or a trusted adult

Before making any big financial decisions, we strongly advise you to talk to a parent/guardian or a trusted adult. They can help you make informed choices about building credit and taking on debt that can ensure your financial stability and success in the future.

Now that you know the seven money moves young people should make, it’s time to get started! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions or need support.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Listen Money Matters
• The College Investor
• So Money
• Millennial Podcast
• Stacking Benjamins

When it comes to really understanding your money, one of the best and most overlooked methods of practice is listening to podcasts. Podcasts are great because they allow you to easily consume information outside of traditional methods like reading books or researching the web. There are many personal finance, investing, and money management podcasts available that specifically cater to college students!

If you’re looking for some financial advice, consider tuning into one of the five podcasts below!

Listen Money Matters

Listen Money Matters is a personal finance podcast that dives into the major topics all money-managing beginners need to know: maintaining a budget, managing your debit, increasing your checks, and more.

The College Investor

The College Investor tackles personal finance, student loans, understanding the job market, and investments.

So Money

Perfect for beginners, the So Money podcast covers topics such as budgeting, saving, and debt. 

Millennial Podcast

Host Megan Tan of Millennial Podcast talks with young people about the trials of coming of age in the 21st century, from money and work to culture.

Stacking Benjamins

Stacking Benjamins is a podcast series that includes conversations with financial experts.

For more support on your financial journey, be sure to check out our money management resources and connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions.

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