Learning Objectives
- Define savings opportunities for college students
This assignment will help you explore areas where you may be able to save money in your budget.
Part I
Part I Directions
- Monitor what you spend money on for a week.
- Use the template, below, to record your findings.
Weekly Spending Tracker
Total Income:
DayExpensesMondayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
TuesdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
WednesdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
ThursdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
FridayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
SaturdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
SundayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
At the end of the week and after reviewing your spending habits, did anything surprise you?—such as, “Who knew that I was spending so much on pizza and parking?”
Part II
Part II Directions
- Carefully analyze the personal spending you monitored for a week during Part I of the activity.
- Identify the three spending categories in which you spent the most money.
- In which two of those categories could you cut costs? For example, perhaps you spent the most money on rent, food, and leisure. Rent is typically a fixed amount, but you may be able to brainstorm ways to save on food.
- Identify three strategies you will implement this month to save money.
