Manage your money
We’ve got simple, straightforward suggestions to help you manage your money.
table of contents
Talk with us
Have a question about banking or budgeting? We are happy to talk with students about budgeting and financial planning. Just reach out, we can definitely help!
Phone: 617.258.8600
Email: sfs-fin-ed@mit.edu
Please include your full name and MIT ID# in your email.
Events and presentations
We are always planning events and presentations to help you learn more about managing your finances. So check back regularly.
How to budget
The basics of budgeting are simple: track your income, your expenses, and what’s left over—and then see what you can learn from the pattern.
How to bank
Not all financial institutions are created equal. We’ll guide you to choose one that is a good fit for you, and help you start building your savings and credit.
How to save
Making the most of your financial resources is smart both in the short term and the long run.
by the numbers
Educational opportunity
57%
The percentage of people who cannot cover an unexpected $1,000 emergency.
simple strategies
50/20/30
One common approach to budgeting is the 50/20/30 strategy, which helps you make good choices by keeping things simple.
Credit cards
22%
The percentage of college students nationwide who have made a late credit-card payment. Learn to build good credit from the start.
Key terms for money management
- Fixed expenses
- Fixed expenses are those which do not change from month to month. This can include your rent, utilities, credit card bills, and other monthly payments.
- Flexible expenses
- Flexible expenses are costs that are easily changed, reduced, or eliminated. Spending money on entertainment and clothing are flexible expenses. Even expenses that must be incurred, like groceries, are considered flexible because the amount you spend can vary.
- Credit score
- A measure of creditworthiness based on your financial history. It is most often represented as a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900, and is sometimes called a FICO score. You can develop a good credit score by paying bills and loans on time.