That does not mean buy now, pay later is inherently evil. If you already have the money and are simply using the service to spread out a payment, it can be convenient. The problem begins when it becomes a way to afford something that you could not actually afford in the first place.
Buy Now, Pay Later: The College Student Trap Read More »
The transition from the underclassman to the off-campus (or Clarimont) lifestyle has many upsides—bigger rooms, a kitchen, a pool, and a more adult way of living—but there are many large (and expensive) changes that are coming your way. You may be furnishing your new apartment or figuring out how to make a grocery list for
The Budget Guide to Upperclassman Living at Emory Read More »
At the end of the day, college budgeting is about being aware and intentional with your money, especially when prices continue to rise. While inflation may feel out of your control, how you respond to it isn’t.
My Wallet vs. Inflation: A College Survival Guide Read More »
Usually, you have to work for money, but sometimes you don’t. College might be the last time in your life
where you can get rewarded just for being there, and every student should know that.
When Money Grows on Trees: Applying for Scholarships Read More »
Instead of packing your bags and flying across the country to Las Vegas, the wonder of sports betting today is as easy as firing up your mobile device and tapping a button. But it was not always that easy. Deregulation has exploded the market in the wake of the 2018 Supreme Court ruling striking down the federal ban on sports gambling. As a result, mobile apps and constant advertising have seemed to fill the national consciousness with ideas of jackpots, parlays, and big wins. Despite these advertisements of glory and riches, from a personal finance perspective, sports gambling poses serious risks to your savings and long-term investing potential.
Betting Your Future: Why Sports Betting is Bad Personal Finance Read More »
Federal student loan collections were scheduled to resume in early 2026, including wage
garnishment for borrowers in default. While those actions are currently paused again, the
pause is temporary. The government’s authority to collect has not gone away.
Borrowers who use this window to understand their loan status, avoid default, or resolve
existing defaults will be far better positioned than those who wait for enforcement to
resume. In this moment, proactive engagement is the most powerful form of financial
protection.
Student Loans, Wage Garnishment, and What Borrowers Need to know in 2026 Read More »
It’s essential for us to stay informed about potential discounts our IDs may offer so we don’t pay more than necessary. It’s important to utilize these free of charge/discounted services as they can save money, create plans, and provide information that was formerly blocked by a paywall.
Cancel Those Subscriptions… Here’s what your Emory ID can get you for Free! Read More »
Above all, remember to stay flexible and keep moving forward! One of the worst things for your New Year’s resolutions is an all-or-nothing mindset. As Mike Tyson put it: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” When life throws you a curveball–and it will–the most important thing is being able to adapt and alter your plan. If you get a little thrown off or need to shift your financial goals, that’s okay! What’s important is steady progress, mindfulness with regards to your money, and commitment to your overall vision.
Festive Finance: 6 Resolutions for the New Year Read More »
Shifting the focus from stuff to value is a core financial literacy skill, and one that pays dividends well beyond the holidays.
Festive Finance: Gifting on a Budget Read More »
Let’s be real–college life isn’t exactly cheap. Between tuition, housing, partying, coffee runs, and spontaneous Target trips, saving money isn’t exactly the easiest feat. This means saving money wherever you can is a must–that’s where thrifting comes in!
College Isn’t Cheap, But Thrifting Is! Read More »
Thanksgiving is about connection and gratitude—not credit card debt. We hope that these resources help you to pull off a feast that feels luxurious without spending a fortune.
Festive Finance: Thanksgiving Recipes That Are Delicious on a Dime Read More »
Are you looking for a
platform to teach you financial literacy basics? Well, you are in luck! The Office of Financial Aid and Emory
Financial Literacy is proudly offering free access for Emory University students to the newly updated CashCourse!
CashCourse: Your Free Financial Friend – An Update Guide Read More »
Thinking about education abroad this summer? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your adventure!
✈️ What to Know About Summer Education Abroad 2026 🌍 Read More »
Atlanta is home to a variety of gorgeous greenspaces, and the weather right now is perfect for taking advantage of them.
ATL on a Budget: Fun Things To Do This Fall That Won’t Empty Your Pockets Read More »
AI is everywhere, we wanted to see how helpful it could be creating a budget. Turns out, it can help.
Hey Chat, Make A Budget For Me! Read More »
No internship? That doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.
What matters is how you use your summer—whether you’re leveling up your people skills at camp or building a micro-empire on Depop. These gigs aren’t just jobs; they’re launchpads.
Top 10 Résumé-Worthy Summer Side-Hustles for College Students (That Aren’t Soul-Sucking) Read More »
As a student, taking control of your finances for the future is of utmost importance. Here at
Emory Financial Literacy, we’re committed to empowering students with essential financial
skills for life beyond campus
Unlock Financial Success: Tools and Resources at Emory University Read More »
Think about the last time you bought something just because you saw it trending on TikTok. Was it that aesthetic water bottle? The viral sweater? A fancy gadget you didn’t really need? Now, imagine flipping the script—what if the newest trend wasn’t about buying more but about buying less? Welcome to Underconsumption Core—where spending less is not just smart, it’s cool.
Underconsumption Core: The New Wave of Student Financial Freedom Read More »
by Kimble Schiller Even if you’re on a budget, you still want to show your Valentine that you care. Here are some things to do to show your love to your wallet as well as your significant other this Valentine’s Day: ♡ Cook a Romantic Dinner TogetherPlan a menu, cook together, and set the table
How to Celebrate a Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day Read More »
If you’re an Emory student looking for a user-friendly platform to learn about financial literacy and how to budget, CashCourse is an excellent resource to explore. CashCourse is budgeting and financial education software that all Emory students have access to for free, and it is designed to offer personalized financial education.
Navigating CashCourse: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
by Kimble Schiller Ways to Save Whether for a specific goal or just as security against life’s unpredictability, it always pays to save. If you have extra money sitting around in your checking account, it is probably not doing any work for you. Plus, you risk it losing value to inflation. Today’s money can grow through
Make Your Money Make Money Read More »
But let’s be real—while Halloween is a blast, the financial burden that comes with fall activities can be daunting, especially for college students on a budget. Fear not! Lucky for you, we’ve conjured up a list of 5 affordable fall-inspired activities to do with friends in the Atlanta area that won’t haunt your wallet.
Don’t Haunt Your Wallet: Affordable Halloween Activities in Atlanta Read More »
When you were moving into your freshman year dorm, you probably anticipated heating up
ramen to fuel your late-night ECON 101 or CHEM 150 study sessions. I know I sure did. But
what I did not really know was whether to invest in an electric kettle, use the communal kitchen
microwave, or rent a MicroFridge unit from Emory University to make my midnight Maruchan.
Renting vs. Buying: A Guide for College Students Read More »
I suggest to anyone starting this journey of budgeting to give yourself grace and take it one step at a time. Start small and then once you feel you have found a rhythm, add steps. Going all in at the one-time can be overwhelming and if you are like me, you end up defeated and talking to a speaker box in a drive thru.
How To Start Food Budgeting Read More »
As we prepare for a new year, we wanted to address one common question get. What are the differences in Dooley Dollars and Eagle Dollars? Hopefully this chart helps! Thanks to @emorycard and Disha Kumar for putting together this information. This can also be found on our Instagram page, but we felt it was important to list
The Differences in Dooley Dollars and Eagle Dollars Read More »
If you’re a college student who is interested in one day reaching financial freedom, then youhave undoubtedly encountered dozens of untrustworthy ‘investors’ who promise that by usingtheir secretive new algorithm, you’ll get rich quick. As you begin your investing journey, it’simportant to know what tactics might work and which ones are just myths you should
Some of the Internet’s Biggest Investing Myths & How to Avoid Them Read More »
In the previous article we briefly covered different types of insurances. The purposeof this one is to dive deeper into car insurance, as it is one of the few types of insurance that ismandatory. We will talk about how to choose the right insurance for you and what factors impact the cost of it. Basically,
How to think about Car Insurance? Read More »
Insurance might not be the most exciting topic for college students, but it’s a critical aspect
of adulting that often goes overlooked – until it is needed. As you navigate your academic journey and prepare for life
after graduation, understanding various types of insurance is essential for safeguarding your future.
Let’s delve into the world of insurance, breaking down the pros, cons, and why it’s never too early to
start thinking about it.
Demystifying the World of Insurance: A Guide for College Students Read More »
Congratulations! You’ve just received your first paycheck, what are you going to do with it now?
Making Your First Paycheck Count: A Guide for Financially Savvy College Students Read More »
Whether you’re looking for something to do with your partner or just looking for a fun Galentine’s day adventure, here are some budget-friendly ideas for Valentine’s Day 2024 in Atlanta!
Budget Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta for Valentine’s Day Read More »
Ever noticed your bank account going down and are unsure of why? Here are some quick money mistakes to avoid from our team’s financial literacy peer mentors!
Money Mistakes to Avoid Read More »
First of all, what is a foreign transaction fee – it is a fee charged by a credit card company/bank for EVERY transaction made in a country outside of the US. These fees might vary depending on the bank from 1 – 5% of the purchase amount. It might not seem like much, but adding up these fees throughout the whole time one is abroad might become very significant.
Foreign Currency Payments Read More »
Have you ever thought about studying abroad over the summer? Whether it’s Australia or Morocco, Summer Study Abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn about new cultures, eat new foods, and make lots of memories. One of the biggest concerns surrounding Summer Study Abroad programs is how students are going to pay for them. If you
What to Know about Summer Study Abroad 2023-2024 Read More »
Meet our 2022-2023 peer mentor team!
Meet our 2023-2024 Peer Mentors! Read More »
by Carter Hodgson Compound – the ability of a sum of money to grow exponentially over time by the repeated addition of earnings to the principal invested. You may be thinking this definition is about as helpful as googling “fraud” and getting this definition: the action of committing fraudulent activities. But I promise you that
The Incredible Power of Compounding Read More »
As you begin your financial journey post college, paying back your student loans will play a big part in tackling your finances. Repayment options are important topics to consider when you are planning for life after college. Also, important to note is the end of the three year repayment pause post-pandemic. Interest will resume for all federal student loans in September of 2023, with repayments due in October of 2023
Freedom From Debt: Your Guide to Loan Repayment After College Read More »
Understanding these concepts can help you gain financial advantage, pay less in interest, and get ahead in your life
Understanding Loans, Principal, and Interest Read More »
By Khayriddin Muradov It’s critical for college students to better their understanding of financial literacy ideas to be prepared for the complex world out there. APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is one such important piece of financial literacy. When making financial decisions, it is crucial to comprehend APR because of its impact on borrowing expenses
Understanding APR: A Key Factor in Financial Decision-Making Read More »
Do you find yourself living off-campus this year? Perhaps you’ve opted to get an apartment with your friends, or maybe you’ve decided to live at Emory’s Clairmont campus. Either way, you want to have as much savings as possible. How do you manage this with seemingly so many more expenses?
Budgeting Tips for Living Off-Campus Read More »
Unfortunately, there may come a time when a phishing scam gets the better of you. So, what happens if you take the bait? What do you do now?
Been Phished? What Now and How to Protect Yourself in the Future. Read More »
We have all found ourselves there. We have just gotten comfy on the couch or settled in our beds, with the pillows just how we like them, ice water in hand. Whether you are waiting around or it is just before bed, you start scrolling on Tiktok and a video pops up of someone giving
Found Financial Advice on Tiktok? Where to Go Next? Read More »
Ah, the good old checking and savings accounts, which many of you likely already have. They may seem very intuitive but looking closer at them we can identify the unique features of each as well as the downsides to be aware of.
If you’ve read the article on “Opening Your First Credit Card,” then you know the basics behind credit cards and how they can help you build credit on your own. But what does credit even mean and why should you worry about it?
Understanding the Factors that Impact Your Credit Scores Read More »
It is never too early to start planning for your retirement and financial independence. We all want to have a comfortable amount of wealth once we leave the work force to pursue other activities like volunteering, golf, and travel without the constant worry of running out of money. Fortunately, you can incorporate some of the strategies below while in college and leave your 60-year-old self very happy!
Where to Start Planning for Retirement as a College Student Read More »
Meet our 2022-2023 peer mentor team!
Meet our 2022-2023 Peer Mentors! Read More »
When shopping have you ever noticed that little option at checkout that allows you to pay off your purchase in smaller installments over time? Companies such as Paypal, AfterPay, and Klarna offer this option. These “Buy Now Pay Later” (BNPL) services are point of sell installment loans that allow you to pay off your purchase
Should You Use Buy Now Pay Later? Read More »
What is Federal Work Study? The Federal Work Study Program is a form of federal financial aid offered to eligible students in order for them to earn income. This program is contingent on federal funds and is based on information provided in your FAFSA application. It allows you to gain real-world work experience with employers
Understanding Federal Work-Study Read More »
When you were a kid did you ever wondered what it would be like to own a credit card with your name on it just like your parents? Well, if you recently turned eighteen, you are officially eligible to apply for a credit card. But how does one start and not get into a mountain
Opening Your First Credit Card Read More »
If it’s something that is necessary for you to live a healthy life, it’s a need.
If it’s something that you are choosing to buy but can comfortably live without, it’s a want.
The Struggle of Differentiating a Want from a Need Read More »
