Learning Objectives
Define savings opportunities for college students
This assignment will help you explore areas where you may be able to save money in your budget.
Part I
Part I Directions
Monitor what you spend money on for a week.
Use the template, below, to record your findings.
Weekly Spending Tracker
Total Income:
DayExpensesMondayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
TuesdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
WednesdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
ThursdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
FridayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
SaturdayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
SundayCollege-Related Expenses (tuition, books, etc.):
Rent/Board:
Food:
Transportation:
Leisure:
Misc.:
At the end of the week and after reviewing your spending habits, did anything surprise you?—such as, “Who knew that I was spending so much on pizza and parking?”
Part II
Part II Directions
Carefully analyze the personal spending you monitored for a week during Part I of the activity.
Identify the three spending categories in which you spent the most money.
In which two of those categories could you cut costs? For example, perhaps you spent the most money on rent, food, and leisure. Rent is typically a fixed amount, but you may be able to brainstorm ways to save on food.
Identify three strategies you will implement this month to save money.
