College Central®

Ask around. The Network works.®

Personal Finance
Saving On Campus

Kimberly Griffiths -- Whether you're a student or the parent of a student, here are several helpful tips on defraying today's high cost of education.

Consider buying used textbooks. The Internet is now a wonderful resource for researching affordable places to purchase your books. Before the Internet, students were at the mercy of buying their books from the college bookstore at inflated prices.

Sell the books back when you're finished with them unless you feel they are necessary for future reference. Investigate used textbook resources online, including Varsity Books, www.varsitybooks.com; Half.com, www.half.com; and Barnes and Noble, www.barnesandnoble.com.

If you live on campus, is an automobile really necessary? The expense of maintaining the vehicle will require money that could go to pay for tuition, books, living expenses, etc. Minimize now to maximize later.

Try to get a job at the school you're attending. Very often, colleges and universities provide tuition breaks for employees. If this is not an option, but you must work, consider an employer that offers a tuition reimbursement program. Typically the stipulation will be that your studies correlate with your position.

If you live close to a college or university, suggest that your child attend at least the first two years commuting and living at home.

The first two years are the fundamentals of academics and whether you pay $100 per class or $3,000, the content is the same at any accredited school. If this isn't possible, at least investigate the least expensive living arrangements for your child.

One Paycheck at a Time Inc. is the leading source for sensible debt reduction solutions. Its products include the One Paycheck at a Time paperback (ISBN: 1591133327), as well as an ebook format, and the eTools program. The author of the book and president of the company, Kimberly A. Griffiths, has been through the vicious cycle of debt herself and has made it her personal goal to share her experience to help others. More information can be found about the company and its products at www.1PaycheckataTime.com.

© 2006 Kimberly A. Griffiths

Return to top

The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.