Satisfy Your In-School Financial Needs
Poor and college students go together like rhythm and blues. As soon as one bill gets paid “poof” another one surfaces. It’s really tough when you’re living for today with minimal means while planning for tomorrow, which is what college is all about. Toss in your occasional $25 overdraft charge and it feels like you’ll never be able to climb out of that financial ditch.
It’s embarrassing to admit but when I was in college I used to gather loose change from underneath the seat cushions of the couch in the common area. There was nothing like the taste of a Pepsi I didn’t have to pay for, and sadly couldn’t pay for. But it doesn’t have to be that way for you. There are ways to bridge the gap between now and your winter break when most students grab some seasonal work. A credit card by Citi can serve as your best friend over the short term.
The real key to credit card discipline is identifying needs and wants and only using it for the needs. Unfortunately that line sometimes gets blurred by many young adults which leads to a sizable credit card balance. Charging a $299 PS3 system on your credit card is clearly a want and not a sensible purchase while using your card for such essentials as gas and food is a reasonable need. Still, if you don’t trust yourself completely you may want to request a lower line of credit or set a credit limit alert for yourself, which Citi offers to all its cardholders.
The credit limit alert system is great because it sends you an immediate email notification if you are getting close to your credit limit. It really is a terrific way of monitoring yourself. With a modest line of credit and a credit line alert you will ensure you’re in control of your spending.
College is stressful enough without wondering if you can make it from here to there because your tank is buried on “E” or stressing out over how much money is left on your credit line. Just think of Citi as the perfect last line of defense. Oh yeah, and as an added perk you can earn points as you spend to use toward gift cards, concert tickets, video games, airline tickets, mp3 players, DVD’s and much more. Qualified applicants can even score a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfer balances for the first 6 months.
So if the seat cushions at your school come up bare now you know you have another option.
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It is a good theory but credit cards put a lot of pressure on someone, especially someone who is looking to have fun in college. The temptation and consequences of abusing it would not be worth having a credit card.
yes i know that college is very expensive. and there are people that use thier credit card for alomost everything. this is a very bad habit. i think the credit card limit is a good idea
I have an ATM card but its from my account
i think that in today’s economy it is especially hard to come by money and when you do, it has to be used in moderation
Thanks for the advice!
I’m not even in college yet, and I’m already stressing over tuition and such. Always good to know you can scour the net for such helpful advice.
i think the idea of using a credit card is good for the people who can be responsible but not all people can manage to use a credit card.
Although a limit on a credit card seems like a good idea, obtaining a credit card is still a bad idea for most college students. The transition from financial dependence to relative financial independence is difficult and the reason many are in debt after college.
good idea maybe this is what we need
thanks, that advice helped a bunch. it’s something I’m going to look into
great advice, its something I’m going to look into
This is very TRUE & SENIORS should really take ADVANTAGE of EVERY OPPERTUNITY they can.
I’m so ecstatic about going to college. Only problem is, i’m not very good with my money. This article has definitely shed light on what is necessary for me to do in order to succeed financially as a new college student.
I kind of relate to the author on struggling and I am probably going to be paying for all my college expenses in the future.
wow thanks!
I am sure that a credit card will come in handy. I am sure this will be a challenge for me. I will definitely have to request a lower limit. I do not like to owe so hopefully this will help me manage my use of the credit card.
the advice was very good. I learned something from it.
Credit cards are a bad idea. I know they say use them in an emergency, but everything can be seen as an emergency. I do believe this is a bad habit. You are already in debt with the loans you have to pay back from being in school. Why add credit card debt on top of that. A student will be better off getting a part-time job while in school or during school breaks.
I have been told that credit cards in college should be avoided and under no circumstances used. However, I am sure that when an emergency comes up such as gas or maybe something inexpensive to eat it would be fine to use the credit card. Except many college students get caught up in debt because they want to use the Credit cards on wants. That is a risk I am not sure I want to take.
So I’m thinking I need to get me a Citi Card. =)