Students: adopting good financial habits from the start of the academic year

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4 min
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By Birdee

Back to school guide, get off on the right foot: our financial tips for students 📚

With all the reunions, new encounters and exciting new courses, the excitement on the eve of the start of the new academic year is at its peak. But wait... what about your budget? If the idea of juggling tuition fees, accommodation, food and outings seems overwhelming, you're not alone. The good news? Adopting good financial habits as a student from the start of the academic year can not only ease this pressure, but also set you on the path to a financially responsible and worry-free adult life. Come on board with us and discover the tips that will make you a budget management pro, without sacrificing the little pleasures of student life!

3 TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR STUDENT BUDGET LIKE A PRO FROM THE START OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 😎

  1. Organization and budget: the secret of clever students! 📝

Being a student is a heady mix of freedom, learning and, let's face it, that famous ketchup pasta 🍝 sign of a tight student budget. The secret: organise your budget and your spending! 

As a student, managing your budget is essential if you want to get the most out of your spending. Take stock of what you receive each month, between financial aid, the grant, the student job, the sandwich course or the generosity of Aunt Gertrude. Once you've drawn up your budget, make a list of your fixed expenses: accommodation, bills, transport, insurance, credit, etc. List them as a priority and don't forget those hidden costs like the student loan or, yes, your Netflix subscription. 

Next, set a budget for your variable costs: food, leisure activities, going out for coffee between courses, etc. Allocate a realistic but reasonable amount to these expenses.

Finally, remember to set aside a small amount, however small, for the unexpected.

Tips 😎: Create a table on your computer or in a notebook with two columns: your income on one side and your expenses on the other. Update it regularly (once a week) to manage your budget and avoid finding yourself in the red at the end of the month. There are applications like Smart'Budget for managing your money on a daily basis as a student!

 

  1. Management and economics: the kingdom's festivities without ruining the king! ⚡️

Once you've established your budget, optimise your spending by changing a few consumer habits, such as : 

- Preparing your meals: eating out or buying takeaway food can quickly become expensive. Learn a few basic recipes and save easily every week. It's healthier and saves you time. 
- Do low-cost activities: games nights, picnics: you don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time. You can also take advantage of free or reduced-price student events offered by your university or town.
- Favour public transport over the car: avoid taking the car unnecessarily and cut costs by favouring cycling, scootering, public transport or car-sharing.
- Find the best deals: check out anti-waste applications, student rates, second-hand offers, free activities, promotions and offers. Your student card is the golden key to getting help! 

Do you have time on your hands and want to boost your income? Find a student job to suit your university timetable!

  1. Saving and looking ahead: the future belongs to students who get up early! 🔥

Don't panic, we're not asking you to get up at 5 a.m. every morning to save, but simply to anticipate your future. As a student, now is the perfect time to invest. Investing for the long term is the best way to reap the rewards. And make no mistake, owning a fortune is not a prerequisite for investing. 

At Birdee, we offer investment solutions suitable for students with small starting amounts. So if you've got a bit of money to spare and want to make it grow, now's the time! Our mission? To democratise responsible investment. For as little as €50, invest in our portfolios of sustainable and ethical securities and reap the long-term benefits. 

Gaining financial maturity also means understanding that every euro you save today has the potential to grow over time. And even if your objective is not to buy a house or a car in the immediate future, you will have projects to finance in the future: travel, marriage, a new home... So why not start saving now?

What investments should I set aside?

To put money aside, whether for a future project or to deal with the unexpected, we advise you to open a bank savings account or even a PEL. 

The key to managing your student budget? Perseverance. Over time, managing your budget will become second nature.

So, dear students, are you ready to conquer the world? With this advice, you'll be well equipped to manage your student budget and enjoy student life with complete peace of mind. Happy back-to-school and don't forget, investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. So get set, get ready... Save money! 🚀

Discover our solutions for investing as a student!



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