Money Talk Doesn’t Have to be Awkward. Many students are uncomfortable talking about money – here at BRCC Financial Aid, we talk money all day, every day. This page is dedicated to helping you find the resources you need to make smart financial decisions before, during, and after your time at BRCC.
Money Misconceptions
Students often come to us with wild ideas about what they can and can’t achieve financially, such as:
Budgeting
Myth: “Budgeting is too complicated for me.”
Reality: You don’t need an accounting degree to track your cash. Budgeting is just a fancy way of saying, I know how much money I have coming in and I know how much money I’m spending.
There are lots of very simple ways to track your budget to stay ahead.
Saving
Myth: “Only rich people can save money.”
Reality: Saving isn’t a “rich person” club; it’s a habit. Whether it’s $5 from a paycheck or the change from your coffee run, it all adds up.
Planning
Myth: “Financial planning is for when you’re out of school, not when you’re a broke student”
Reality: Realistically, the less money you have, the more important a plan becomes. Financial planning isn’t just about the stock market or real estate; it’s about making sure your rent is covered, your gas tank is full, and you know what to do when a surprise bill hits.
Resources
Please note that many of these products offer both a free and a paid version. We recommend using the free versions!
BRCC does not endorse any of the products or services listed and receives no remuneration from any of the organizations listed.
Budgeting
- How to Make a Budget (Consumer.org)
- Dave Ramsey’s budgeting website and app Every Dollar
Note: use the “Start for Free” option. There is no need to upgrade to the paid premium version to access the budgeting features. - Nerd Wallet’s Favorite Free Budgeting Spreadsheets
Saving
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Guide to Building an Emergency Fund
- How to Save Money
- Ten Ways to Start Saving Money
- NerdWallet’s 28 Proven Ways to Save Money
- Seven Money Saving Tips You Might Have Overlooked
Planning
- Understanding Your Credit Score
- Your Credit History Explained
- Ask Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
This site allows you to browse financial topics and ask questions about the financial concepts you want to learn more about. - Planning Calculators
This site offers a variety of calculators to help plan for your financial future.
How BRCC Can Help You with Financing Your Education
Applying for Federal and State Financial Aid