Congratulations, Grads! Here’s How to Head to College Without Blowing Your Budget

Graduation season always makes me a little emotional. Whether you're the one tossing your cap or you're cheering for someone who is, this moment is huge.

If college is the next stop on your journey (or your child’s), you’re likely juggling excitement and anxiety—especially when it comes to money.

I want to help make the transition smoother.

Because while student loans grab all the headlines, there are lots of ways to reduce the cost of college—without sacrificing the experience.

🧳 Your Pre-College Money Checklist

Here are a few ways to avoid that classic “broke college student” trap:

✅ 1. Skip the Shopping Frenzy
Retailers will try to convince you that you need a mini-fridge, matching storage bins, and a $500 bedding set. You don’t. Start with what you already have, ask friends and family what they’re giving away, and save the rest for when you actually know what you’ll use.

✅ 2. Know What’s Included (and What Isn’t)
That fancy meal plan? Might not cover late-night snacks or weekend takeout. Your tuition? Probably doesn’t include lab fees, printing, or transportation. Look at your school’s cost of attendance line by line—and ask questions.

✅ 3. Make a Monthly Spending Plan
Even if the numbers are tight, giving your money a job helps you avoid the “I think I still have some left” guessing game. I recommend starting with your Magic Number (you can find additional worksheets in the Resource Center).

✅ 4. Use Financial Aid Strategically
Grants and scholarships = free money. Loans = debt. Work-study = experience and income. The right mix depends on your situation, but avoid borrowing more than you actually need. You’ll thank yourself later.

🎓 Don’t Start College Without This Guide

Before you pack a single bag, download How to Afford College. It’s my e-book with 7 clear strategies to reduce the overall cost of attendance and keep debt low—whether you’re 18 or 38.

💡Get How to Afford College HERE

It covers:

• Finding “hidden” grants
  
• Questions to ask before accepting aid
  
• What to budget for (that no one tells you)
  
• Why choosing your bank matters in college
  …and more.
  

🎧 Want More Help? I Got You.

I broke down my own grad school journey—and how I did it with less than $2,000 out of pocket—on the #1 podcast about money:

🎙 Listen to my episode of Financial Feminist HERE

It’s packed with insights for students and parents.

✨ A Note Before You Go

Two things I want you to remember as you (or someone you love) heads to college:

1️⃣ Goal #1 is to graduate.
College is way more likely to be worth it if you actually finish. Take care of your mental health, ask for help when you need it, and don’t let one hard semester derail the whole dream.

2️⃣ Be in the moment.
The relationships you build in college matter as much as the degree. These are the friends who will become your coworkers, business partners, godparents to your kids, and maybe even your first investors. Don’t miss them while you’re chasing the next thing.

💬 P.S. Want a clear plan to graduate with money in the bank?

Let’s map it out together.

In a 1:1 Power Hour, we’ll look at your budget, your aid, your goals—and make a personalized plan to keep you funded, focused, and financially well through college and beyond.

💻 Book your Power Hour here → darlabishop.com/power

Next week: Planning a summer vacation? I’ll show you how to do it without wrecking your wallet—or your peace.