College students, whether returning or entering, have it rough. With tuition steady increasing, financial aid packages drastically decreasing, and the job market so unpredictable, it's hard to keep an optimistic view on your financial health. It's not, however, impossible. There are a few things you should keep in mind this coming school year to keep you in the black and out of the red:

1. Live within your means: Whether you're earning your own money or getting help from your parents, don't allow your cash to burn a hole in your wallet. Live off necessities and limit your splurging. Unforeseeable circumstances can and will arise, and you want to be sure you're prepared to handle them.
2. Use your credit for emergencies only: That means don't let the cash-back or rewards persuade you to use your credit card as your debit card. Use your credit wisely! Use that as a last option. Credit cards should only be used in the event an emergency arises. If you absolutely can't help but use the card, be sure you only charge what you can pay back.
3. Have no shame: Never think that the little things to get extra cash are beneath you. If you're collecting bottles and cans to recycle in order to keep up with your Starbucks habit, then do that. If you're doing odd jobs on the weekends instead of sleeping through the morning well into the afternoon, then you're on the right track. Every little bit helps!
4. Make sure your bills are paid: When you're in a dilemma between paying your bills and purchasing Starcraft II, bills should always prevail. Paying your bills should never be an option. Not paying them will come back to haunt you.
5. Don't blow your financial aid on things unrelated to school: I received over $3,000 in scholarship money coming in to my freshman year of college, and it was all gone before Thanksgiving break. I can honestly say I can't account for where that money went, and I can guarantee it was not all towards school related expenses. This got me in a lot of financial trouble later on, when I realized how much books really cost. Use your financial aid for things like course materials, parking permits, and anything else pertaining to school.
6. You don't need a new laptop every year: Just because you saw your friend with a new MacBook doesn't mean you need to trade in your 2 year old one. Laptops are good for at least 4 years. If you notice it's going slow, clear out your hard drive, buy extra RAM, and find other means for speeding up your computer. Buying a new one is just shelling our unnecessary money.
7. College students can survive off 1 star meals: The tales of Ramen noodles and PB&J are not myths; college students do not need to eat at 5 star restaurants every weekend. Stretch your food budget out. You can survive off less than you think. Grab a grocery store sale paper, clip some coupons, or stick to your meal plan. Avoid those high end places at all costs.
8. Surplus? Save it! You always hear that you should save for a rainy day, and it's true! You just never know when you need that savings fund, and it hurts when it's not available. When you have more money than you expected, don't blow it on that shirt you saw in the mall last week. Build that rainy day savings account.
9. Look for cheap ways to entertain: Yes, new movies come out every weekend, but that doesn't mean you have to spend $10 and up to see it just so you can stay up to date. Utilize those college deals for entertainment. $2 movies are just as good, free concerts are awesome, and visit your student union for discounts on local amusement.
10. Be responsible: Learning how to manage your money when you're young is so much easier than when you're out of college with a mountain of student debt, no job, and facing the possibility of bankruptcy. Be responsible now with your money so you won't have to face the dire consequences later.

Follow Through:

Almost 25% of students who started looking for employment or internships before they finished the spring semester found a position. However, if you are of the unfortunate 75%, there are a few things you can do to still snag an internship or get your foot in the door.

We challenge you to optimize YOUR summer vacation. Check out our tips below and submit your story by August 31st for a chance to win a book scholarship for the Fall semester!

1. Explore an interest that you set aside during the school year. There's no better time than now to pursue something you're passionate about!

2. Take a summer class at a local community college that is completely unrelated to your major. You may find the pace and subject to be refreshing and to shed a new perspective.

3. Volunteer in your community. There's no better way to rub elbows with some pretty powerful people in your community! Roll up your sleeves and get started.

4. Get fit, mentally and physically. If you've ignored your health over the past nine months, it's time to get in shape and look great doing it. Exercise will help you feel better and build your confidence as you attend interviews and meet new people.

5. Make a 12-month plan. Take some time to re-think your job-hunting strategy and to re-examine your true interests. Methodically plan your next 12 months in terms of your education, career, health, finance, personal development, and more. Sign in and check out our Rain Resources for help and guidance!

Our phone lines and email boxes are completely open. Let us know how we can help -- no matter how big or small the task might be. We are here for you!