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Budget and save

What’s a budget? 

A budget is a spending plan that shows how much money you’ll make and spend over a set time. By being intentional with your spending, you can take control of your money and become financially independent. To get started, review all your sources of income, like school funds and work income. Then, calculate what you plan to spend money on. 

You should prioritize “needs” like tuition, rent, and food. It’s okay to set aside some money for “wants” or optional expenses like your Netflix subscription or eating out with friends, too. And don’t forget to set aside money for emergencies. That way, you’ll be prepared if something unexpected happens. 

Four steps to creating a college budget: 

Set a savings goal 

Before you start saving money toward your education, it’s important to have a clear plan and well-defined goals. Follow these steps to figure out how much you need to save: 

  1. Decide on a type of school. Options may include community college, university (public or private), or trade/technical school. Costs will vary with each school. 
  1. Estimate future costs. You don’t have to know the exact amount but try to estimate the total cost of attendance. This may include tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, and other expenses. 
  1. Set a savings goal. Based on the estimated costs, start working toward that goal. 

Tip: Set up automatic monthly transfers from your checking to your savings account or find a safe place to set aside cash from each paycheck. 

1/3 rule 

What do you do if you don’t meet your savings goal in time? Don’t worry! 

Consider whether the 1/3 rule will work for you. The 1/3 rule is based on the idea that people rarely pay for a major expense in one big lump sum. Rather, they spread out the costs over time by combining savings and debt with current income.  

1/3 of the cost might come from past income (savings), 1/3 from current income, and 1/3 from future income (loans).  

Investing your college savings 

Paying for college may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It just takes planning!  

Consider the following ways to invest (using money to try to make a profit or produce income), with a plan to use the funds for future education: 

Mutual funds – mutual funds are pools of money managed by a financial advisor or bank investment specialist. Earnings depend on mutual fund performance.  

  • Pros: you can spend the funds on anything, and there is no limit to how much you can invest 
  • Cons: earnings are subject to yearly income taxes, and mutual funds may affect your financial aid eligibility 

Qualified U.S. savings bonds – U.S. savings bonds are issued by the Department of Treasury. Since the money is assured by the government, savings bonds are seen as low risk.  

  • Pros: savings bonds are federally tax-deferred (purchasers are allowed to postpone paying taxes) 
  • Cons: the maximum investment allowed is $10,000 per year, per type of bond, and if earnings aren’t spent on tuition and fees, interest earned will be included in federal income and subject to tax 

529 Plan – a 529 plan is an education savings account that offers federal, and some state tax benefits, when funds are used for college. Explore the Texas College Savings Plan. 

  • Pros: earnings and withdrawals are completely tax free when you use the money for college 
  • Cons: earnings are subject to income tax and a 10% penalty if the withdrawal is not spent on education