Money Smarts Blog

Sophia POV: I used to think budgeting was something adults did after stressing over bills and taxes. But lately, I’ve realized money plays a huge role in my life already. Whether I’m saving up for a car, shopping with friends, or thinking about life after graduation, money decisions are everywhere.

Addie POV: Same. When I moved out for school, I thought I had it all figured out… until rent, groceries, and random expenses hit all at once. I’ve learned (the hard way) that managing your money isn’t just a “grown-up” skill, it’s a life skill.

So, we’re here to share some real talk about money: no boring lectures, just stuff we wish someone had told us sooner. Let’s break it down.

High school money moves (from me, an actual high schooler)

1. Get familiar with a bank account: If you don’t have a checking and savings account yet, now’s the time. A checking account helps you manage spending with a debit card, and a savings account is where your cash can chill (and grow a little interest while it’s at it). I use my credit union’s app to keep tabs on everything.

2. Start saving, even if it’s small: I set up an automatic transfer so $10 from every paycheck goes straight into savings. It adds up fast! Whether it’s for concert tickets, a new phone, or something bigger, it feels good knowing I’ve got backup cash when I need it.

3. Learn to say “no” to impulse buys: I used to blow money on energy drinks, snacks, and random stuff I didn’t need. Now, I think twice before spending. If it’s not worth the cost in a week, I skip it.

4. Keep track of where your money goes: I started using a budgeting app (or just my Notes app tbh) to track my spending. It helped me see how much I was wasting on random stuff and how much more I could save if I wasn’t so extra.

College money survival guide (from me, the “figuring-it-out” college kid)

1. Build a budget that works for you: Budgets don’t have to be scary spreadsheets. Mine is super low-key. It’s just a list of what I make, what I owe (rent, phone, Netflix), and how much I want to save. The goal? Avoid that terrifying $0 balance feeling.

2. Don’t sleep on building credit: I got a student credit card with a low limit and only use it for gas or groceries. Then I pay it off right away. It’s helped me start building credit early, which I know I’ll need later for renting an apartment or buying a car.

3. Learn the difference between needs and wants: It’s easy to say “yes” to everything (hello $7 Starbs iced coffee I didn’t need, 2 a.m. Taco Bell runs, and that random new bronzer from Ulta) but it adds up. I’ve started meal prepping and limiting delivery apps to save serious money.

4. Find free money (yes, it exists): Scholarships, student discounts, campus resources. USE THEM. I found free food at campus events, and IHMVCU has Member Advantages to area businesses. You just have to ask or do a little digging.

Final thoughts (from both of us)

Sophia: You don’t have to wait until “someday” to be good with money. Start small, learn as you go, and you’ll be ahead of the game.

Addie: And if you mess up sometimes (we all do), don’t stress. The point is to learn from it and keep moving forward. Your future self will seriously thank you.

Want help from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about? IHMVCU has free Financial Coaches you can talk to one-on-one. Whether you’ve got questions about saving, budgeting, or building credit, they’ve got your back.

Oh, and if you’re ready to boost your credit score but not ready for a credit card yet, ask about our Share Pledge Loan. It’s a low-risk way to build credit using your own savings (and yeah, it’s actually pretty smart).

No matter where you’re at, taking control of your money now sets you up for way more freedom and way less stress later. You’ve got this!