Editorial: To avoid future debt, start creating budgets now
Let’s not kid ourselves: It’s fun to spend.
It’s one of those guilty pleasures we have, splurging exorbitant amounts of money on things we think we need.
Those late nights at the bars spending about $20 on shots of strange alcohol whose names you can’t pronounce.
The extra large order of Chubby’s Sticks you and your friends couldn’t finish and let waste in the middle of the room.
It could even be those enormous tapestries hanging on the wall with images you may not fully comprehend.
The fact is college students spend a lot of money.
It’s not a sin or vice to spend.
In fact, in this economic climate, putting money back into the economy is one of the best things an American can do right now.
But like all things, it should be done in moderation.
Committing too much money on something one knows to be unaffordable puts a huge financial strain on any individual, especially college students, who potentially face tens of thousands of dollars of debt after graduation.
Granted, you shouldn’t feel bad about having to spend money on things you need, but wasting funds on useless products is what put the economy in the position it’s in.
Therefore, college students should be able to create a budget for themselves in order to save money on essentials.
It isn’t hard. In fact, it’s common sense.
We’re adults. We should know better than to spend grocery money on parties and other luxuries.
If you allocate your funds properly, you can live comfortably with enough money left over to spend on those extra fulfillments to entertain yourself.
Don’t feel bad about spending money on yourself, if you can afford it.
If you can’t, then save your money until you have enough.
One of the worst things a college student can do in a tough economy is run completely out of money and have nothing with which to pay off student loans.
Create a budget and watch your money. The benefits of budgeting greatly outweigh the terror of bankruptcy.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: [email protected].
