No doubt, this year has been financially difficult. Worse still, the fallout continues. Every week, another crisis jumps from around the corner to surprise us.
To a student, future may seem bleak. Will there be a jobs available? Will they pay enough to survive? The best way to be prepared is to not go into the job market already burdened. And since so much debt originates from this time of year, having a responsible holiday season is the place to start.
University blogs have been busy with great ideas for gifts and even better advice for shopping. Below is a round-up of our favorites.
Stonybrook University put together a wide swath of helpful tips for a safe online shopping experience. The advice covers a broad range of topics and laid out as a checklist of safety:
- What to be watchful for while using your credit card online
- What to do if you’re a victim of fraud or encounter problems with the online store
- Links to extra resources for more information
The Student Money Management Center at the University of North Texas put together a Top 10 list for “surviving the economy this holiday season“. Individually each point is a good idea, but together these tips become a necessity of a wary economy.
North Carolina State’s “Enjoying the holidays without going broke” is very thoughtful and inspiring. Writing for the Family and Consumer Sciences NC Cooperative Extension, Christine W. Smith covers gifts that can be inexpensive…and life-changing: Making gifts, helping those in need, and forgiving past grudges—what the spirit of the holidays should be about.
In the same vein, but less egalitarian, come practical recommendations from Texas A&M. “And may all your Christmas budgets be in the black” from Kathleen Phillips gives practical advice for creative gifts and not overspending, including: Making gifts, teaching a loved one a new skill, and committing to spending time together.
On the positive side, this economic crisis will force us to control our spending and reel in our materialism. Some say this is long over due, evidenced by the large amount of credit card debt the average consumer carries. More credit cards is not the answer, but a smart selection from the best student credit cards can make a difference.
