Category: Finance

  • B.C. Scholarships for University Students

    B.C. Scholarships for University Students

    British Columbia 4-H Scholarships

    Valued at $1,000 and available to fourteen lucky but well-deserving students, this scholarship really is applicable to many B.C.-born ones. With vast countryside and agriculturally minded neighbourhoods, 4-H is a huge part of many people’s lives. Why not use 4-H connections to their fullest extent? This is extremely easy to apply for and is only for those going into post-secondary education.

    http://www.bcscholarships.ca/register.php

    University of Victoria Entrance Scholarships, Thompson Rivers University Scholarships

    There are ten of these available and they are all valued at $1,000. Every student that applies for university should immediately apply for the proper entry scholarships right after. These particular scholarships are applicable to Canadians coming from Canadian secondary schools. If Canadian citizens finishing secondary school outside of the country want to apply for these entrance scholarships they must apply as Out of Province applicants.

    http://www.bcscholarships.ca/register.php

    B.C. Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

    Aiming to help full-time students with permanent disabilities, this grant replaces around $1,000 in B.C. loan funding. You are probably eligible if you already qualify for a federal student loan, are enrolled full-time and have a Canada Student Loan program certified permanent disability.

    https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-students-permanent-disabilities

    B.C. Completion Grant

    This grant is geared towards full-time students who have successfully completed each year of their university studies; it means having a portion of their B.C./Canada integrated student loan debt reduced by the B.C. government. Based on your assessed need and the amount of your B.C. student loan, StudentAid BC will automatically consider you for this one. Applicants must have no dependants and be in their first four academic years of loans.

    https://studentaidbc.ca/repay/repayment-help/bc-completion-grant

  • November –December 2016 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    November –December 2016 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    10 Words or Less Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 1, 2016

    Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2017.

    Scholarship address: https://www.studentscholarships.org/easy.php

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

    Amount:  $70,000

    Provided by: TD

    Deadline: November 18, 2016

    Donor TD Bank Group

    Renewable: Yes, 4 year(s)

    Number Available: 20

    Scholarship application: https://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/banking/student-life/scholarship-for-community-leadership/index.jsp?cm_sp=cFALL000-886


    Spirit of Innovation Challenge- A STEM Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: November 9, 2016

    Scholarship Address: http://www.conradchallenge.org/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Odenza Caption Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: November 30, 2016

    Scholarship Address: https://www.facebook.com/odenza/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Thinking ahead…

    Best Price Nutrition & Health Scholarship

    1 x $1,000

    Deadline: Dec 31, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.bestpricenutrition.com/scholarship.html

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    The Dalton Camp Award

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: December 1, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.friends.ca/DCA/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Burger King Scholars Program

    Scholarship Value: $50,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Application Address: https://bkmclamorefoundation.org/who-we-are/burger-king-scholars-program/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Legal Templates Business Plan Annual Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Application Address: https://legaltemplates.net/scholarship/#Business%20Plan%20Executive%20Summary%20Scholarship

    Via www.studentscholarships.org

  • Scholarships: Misconceptions and Why They Really Are Worth Your Time

    Scholarships: Misconceptions and Why They Really Are Worth Your Time

    There are plenty of misconceptions about scholarships that prevent numerous high school students from applying for them. This results in students missing out on the recognition and money. Let’s tackle some of these of misconceptions, and help guide you to get you the rewards you deserve!

    Misconception 1: I don’t qualify for any scholarships or awards.

    This is a false impression many high school students tend to fall into. There are an incredible amount of scholarships and awards for students out there just waiting for you to find! There are scholarships designed for nearly every kind of student, in just about every field of study you can imagine. This means there may very well be a scholarship you qualify for. The problem tends to be that many students are simply unaware of the types of scholarships out there, and in turn believe they are not qualified to receive one. So, what are some resources you can use to find the right scholarships for you? One useful resource in finding different scholarships is to visit the Scholarships and Awards section of your post-secondary institution’s website. This will introduce you to all scholarships available specific to your institution. Going one step further, you can often search for scholarships specifically designed for individual program. Another great tool is your province’s learning information services website. Here you can take a look at specific scholarships and awards available to students in your province. As well, the Canadian government website offers plenty of scholarship opportunities for students. Here are a few useful websites that can link you to scholarship information.

    JPD also lists a number of different scholarships each month from across Canada!

    Misconception 2:  I just don’t have the time; scholarships take forever to apply to!

    Time is a huge factor for students. It’s something we never seem to have enough of, and we tend to stray away from anything we think will take too much of this precious resource away. There are many scholarships that only require a small amount of time to apply for. However, while the time it takes to apply for scholarships varies, it’s important to remember that whether the scholarship requires a ten page essay, or simply the submission of your high school transcripts, it is worth your time! Post-secondary comes with enough to think about, scholarships provide a way to take some finical stress off your plate. Applying for scholarships is an important way to set up your your financial future throughout your post-secondary education. Making time to research and apply for scholarships may provide beneficial finical relief for your future. So while it may take some time out of your day, your future self will be glad you did.

    Misconception 3: Scholarships won’t make a difference in my post-secondary finances.

    The average Canadian student attending post-secondary education pays between $2,500-$6,500 in tuition per year. Not to mention the cost of books, as well as on-campus living. Full time students in Canada averaged paying more than $66,000 for a four year program.  That can be pretty scary to think about. Thankfully, scholarships are available to help you with it. Scholarships vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars, allowing the opportunity to pay for the cost of semesters or even years of post-secondary! Applying for multiple scholarships allows for more opportunities to gain this type of financial relief.

    So, what steps do you need to take to finding the right scholarships for you?

    • Use your available resources to search for all the scholarships you qualify for.
    • Carefully read and understand what is needed to apply for each scholarship.
    • Understand the benefits your chosen scholarship provides.
    • Apply, apply, apply!

    Sources:

    http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/post_secondary/cost.page

  • How to Apply for Entry Scholarships

    How to Apply for Entry Scholarships

    When you apply for post-secondary education it is important to consider all the money that is available for your specific field of study. University is extremely expensive, and with all the free money out there it should be a part of your admissions process to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Entry scholarships are based on past academic performance so the first step is to have sound grades; Advanced Placement credits are especially valuable during this process. For some of these scholarships you are immediately considered once you are admitted; this means that if your grades are great you stand a good chance. For the ones you must apply for, there is more to consider. Be proactive and hunt that money down.

    Do your research.

    Each school you apply to will have a scholarship portion on their website. Figure out which ones you qualify for and apply to each one. Some entry scholarships can hold a value of up to $50, 000. That’s a full ride! Do not play around and approach applying for these scholarships like a job.

    Speak with an academic advisor.

    Academic advisors may be able to give you advice on how to stand out of the pack when applying for entrance scholarships. They may also be able to alert you of any you may have missed and guide you through the process.

    Create a strong letter of intent and/or complete an application form.

    When doing this it is important to list all of your accomplishments and goals. Having references sometimes helps and a list of volunteer work will always put you a step ahead. When writing the letter do not write it like a work cover letter but rather a proposal and an admission of passion for your future career and studies. Have another person edit the letter and/or your application, and make sure that you are aware of any family or work advantages (union, status etc.) and mention these in your application

    Self-report grades.

    You can mention your grade strength in the letter of intent, but many universities require you to have your former transcripts mailed to the school. For undergraduate programs that will be your high school grades, and for graduate studies that will be the transcripts of all the schools you have formerly attended.

  • Scholarships for University Students in Western Canada

    Scholarships for University Students in Western Canada

    Scholarships are an excellent way for university students to gain financial aid during their post-secondary education. Here are a few scholarships available to be won for students attending university in Western Canada, and some resources you can use to discover other available scholarships.

    Alexander Rutherford Scholarship

    Province: Alberta

    Value: Up to $2500

    Purpose: In recognizing students with an outstanding combined grade average in grades 10, 11 and 12.

    How to apply: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/applying-for-funding/how-to-apply/

    Website: http://alis.alberta.ca/ps/fo/pay/scholarships.html


    BC Excellence Scholarship

    Province: British Columbia

    Value: $5000

    Purpose: In recognizing well rounded British Columbia graduates who demonstrate leadership and service in their schools and community, as well as demonstrate commitment to their desired career path.

    How to apply:http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/support/awards/bc_excellence_scholarship_application.pdf

    Website: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/provincial-scholarships/bc-excellence-scholarships

    Please note: Students must be nominated for this scholarship by their secondary school in order to apply. Only one student from each school may be nominated. Students must confirm their nomination by having their school principle sign and date their application form.


    Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship

    Province: Saskatchewan

    Value: Lifetime maximum of $2000

    Purpose: To provide new grade 12 students including ABE and GED students up to $500 per year to be applied to the cost of their post-secondary institution.

    How to apply: Your post-secondary institution will apply for this scholarship on your behalf, if you are eligible.

    Website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/scholarships/saskatchewan-advantage-scholarship#eligibility


    Manitoba Youth Leadership Scholarship

    Province: Manitoba

    Value: $500

    Purpose: To recognize students in grade 12 who have engaged in leadership and citizen volunteer activities in their community during the past year.

    How to Apply:http://www.manitobascholarships.ca/register.php

    Website: http://www.manitobascholarships.ca/scholarship_manitoba_youth_leadership_scholarship_8785.php


    CABEF Awards

    Province: 1 of 6 scholarship will be awarded in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, with one additional scholarship being awarded to the rest of Canada.

    Value: $2500

    Purpose: To recognize grade 12 students entering into an agricultural post-secondary institution.

    How to Apply: http://www.cabef.org/forms/001895-01%20CABEF_SSAF%20English.pdf

    Website:http://www.cabef.org


    Indigenous Graduate Award

    Province: Alberta

    Value: $7500-$15000

    Purpose: To Encourage Indigenous students of Alberta to pursue graduate studies.

    How to Apply: Students must contact the Student Awards or Scholarship office at their individual school or visit their institutions website for further details.

    Website: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships/indigenous-graduate-award/

    Please note: There many other scholarships available to students that are not listed. The websites listed below are tools that can be used in discovering other scholarship opportunities available. As well, it is important to understand there are many scholarships available to individual post-secondary institutions. To find scholarships exclusive to your post-secondary institution, visit your school’s website and search under “scholarships and grants.” Additional scholarships may also be available under individual programs and fields of study.

    Additional Resources:

    http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home (British Columbia)

    http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/available/ (Alberta)

    http://www.manitobascholarships.ca (Manitoba)

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants (Saskatchewan)

    http://www.studyincanada.com/Index.aspx (All of Canada)

    http://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/scholarships-grants-and-bursaries-for-canadian-students/ (All of Canada)

    http://www.canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/ (All provinces)

    http://www.cpaalberta.ca/Foundation/Support-Programs/Students/Post-secondary-Scholarships (Alberta and Saskatchewan)

    http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b816/_docs/scholarships.pdf (Western Canada)

    http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/eng/forConsumers/lifeEvents/payingPostSecEd/Pages/Grantsbu-Subventi.aspx (All of Canada)

  • Relying on Others for Money

    Relying on Others for Money

    Saving for school is one of the hardest things to do- even if you have worked a part-time job and achieved scholarships; it is still hard to meet financial goals for post-secondary. You may find yourself doing something you really do not want to do; asking other people for money:

    If you ask family members …

    Some people who are in need often think of family members first when it comes to borrowing money. This is advisable if you have a close relationship with your family members as they will most likely not even ask you to pay the money back. However, for solidarity, even if you are close to your family members and they do agree to lend you a hand, try to make an effort to pay them back over time. If they refuse the notion of you paying them back, do something special for them like taking them out to dinner at their favorite restaurant or a concert of their choice.

    This situation is tricky if you are not exactly close to your family members. You might be reluctant to go to them in their first place. If you don’t feel comfortable asking them at all, find other sources. Otherwise, you will end up feeling uneasy until you have managed to pay them back.

    If you ask friends …

    This is similar to asking your family members for financial help. If you have a familiar relationship with your friends, it should not be a trouble for them if they are in a stable financial situation and is willing to help out a friend in need. As with close family members, some of them may not even ask you to pay it back at all. If that is the case, don’t abuse the privilege and continue to be responsible for what was lent to you and find a way to return the favour.

    In some cases, some people actually find it easier to ask for financial help from not-so-close friends than close friends as there is a saying, “Don’t mix business with pleasure.”  The choice is yours, but be careful not to jeopardize any friendships due to money.

    Looking into organizations/foundations…

    All organizations and foundations that award scholarships and bursaries work on a budget, and there are times when the funds provided are not the amount promised- or funds fall through. This is at no fault of the organization or foundation at all. As such, it is still best if you keep working on your own to earn the money for school and the funds from these organizations and foundations are simply a complimentary aid—not the main source.

    Being self-sufficient is of course every student’s goal as they work to better themselves and prepare themselves for full-fledged independence. However, there are times when you may still have to rely on other people for your education. When this happens, don’t fall into self-pity. Instead, be thankful you have people in your life you can ask for help and always be responsible for what you are given.

    SOURCES:

    https://enlightenme.com/top-10-borrowing-money/

    http://www.askamanager.org/2009/02/asking-boss-for-loan.html

    http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/03/13/asking-for-money_n_2838926.html

    http://www.aspiringmind.com/5-reasons-stop-depending-on-others/

  • October 2016 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    October 2016 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships

    Amount: $5,000

    Provided by: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

    Deadline: October 25, 2016

    Number Available: 80

    Website:  https://www.horatioalger.ca/en/scholarships/about-our-scholarships-programs/

    Application Address:  https://application2.horatioalger.org/Security/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

    Contact Information:

    Horatio Alger Association of Canada

    boursescanadascholarships@horatioalger.org

    (855) 753-9565

    Via www.scholarshipscanada.com


    The HRPA No Waiting! Scholarship Contest

    Amount: $500

    Provided by:  HRPA

    Deadline:  October 25, 2016

    Number Available: 5

    Website: https://www.hrpa.ca/

    Application Address:  http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/HRPA-Contest/index.aspx

    Contact Information:

    Ruel Navia Communications Manager

    rnavia@hrpa.ca

    (416) 923-2324 150 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, Canada. M5S 2X9


    Excellence in Ag Program ( Agriculture)

    Want to pursue a career in Agriculture? Check out this scholarship!

    Scholarship Value: $20,000

    Awards Available: 4

    Award Deadline: October 15, 2016

    Application Address:  http://www.coopag.ca/wps/portal/crs/coop/ag


    Loran Scholars

    For High School students planning on post-secondary:

    Scholarship Value: $100,000

    Awards Available: 30

    Award Deadline: October 26, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.loranscholar.ca/becoming-a-scholar/


    Centennial Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $2,500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: October 31, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.cim.org/en/Societies-and-Branches/Societies/Maintenance-Engineering-and-Reliability-Society/Awards-and-Scholarships


    Trucker to Trucker Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: November 1, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.truckertotrucker.com/truck-driver-school-scholarship-application/


    NBCC Foundation Awards

    Website: http://www.nbcc.ca/future-students/scholarships-bursaries-awards/nbcc-foundation-awards

    Amount: $200,000 is available each year in scholarships.

    Deadline: October 15th, 2016

    Application Address: http://thenbccfoundationinc.ca/students/bursaries-scholarships-awards.aspx


    Credit Education Week Canada – Essay Writing Contest

    Website: https://cewc.ca/grade-12-essay-contest

    Deadline: October 17, 2016 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

    Amount: Prizes range from $1000 to $5000, with over 20 prizes.

    Application Address: https://cewc.ca/cewc-essay-contest-2016


    Cenovus Aboriginal Scholarship

    Website: http://www.cenovus.com/careers/aboriginal-scholarship.html

    Deadline: October 31st, 2016

    Amount: 10 X $3500

    Application Address: http://www.cenovus.com/careers/docs/aboriginal-scholarship-application.pdf


    College JumpStart Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: October 17, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.jumpstart-scholarship.net/faq/

  • The Risky & Rewarding World of Financial Advisors: A STEM Career

    The Risky & Rewarding World of Financial Advisors: A STEM Career

    People work hard to earn and save their money, and figuring out the best way to manage the latter is no easy task. This career option may intrigue you if you are comfortable with the responsibility of managing clients’ life savings and want to reap the rewards of helping them live the life they want to lead.

    Financial advisors can earn a myriad of credentials. These include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and more. Furthermore, a licence or designation is not required in Canada for someone to simply apply the label of “financial advisor” to themselves. This perception of an endless array of designations can cause their value to be tarnished. Some of these titles can be attained in a matter of weeks, while others require years of study. Ultimately, a financial advisor needs to be able to build an esteemed reputation and feelings of trust with their clients.

    Communication skills are a must. Be prepared to meet with clients in person in order to help them figure out their goals. In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of investments and financials, you must also be able to clearly and effectively relay this information to clients who are not experts in the field. It is vital that they fully understand the risks involved in different types of investments, from bonds to stocks and beyond. These clients may be looking to retire or fund their children’s education. You are challenged with the task of building a portfolio of investments with the right amount of risk to ensure these plans come to fruition.

    You may choose to specialize in certain areas, including retirement and risk management. This can help you make the best decisions for your client. You will have to monitor these investments, prepare reports that can be easily understood by your client, and meet with them at least once a year in order to provide updates and respond to queries.

    Although financial advisors usually work in an office setting, approximately one quarter of people in the field are self-employed. This allows for greater flexibility and opportunities, but also presents challenges in securing clients. In addition to visiting clients during evenings and weekends, you will likely be going to conferences and teaching classes to boost your reputation. Nearly one quarter of financial advisors work in excess of 50 hours per week.

    According to PayScale, financial advisors in Canada earned an average salary of $47 885 annually in 2016. The national salary range was $34 731 to $65 422, with commissions as high as $45 615. It was noted that financial advisors typically have less than 20 years of experience in the field.

    From helping clients plan the road ahead, to aiding their offspring in preparing for their own lives, financial advisors carry a great burden of responsibility. With this responsibility also comes the opportunity to have a massive impact on people’s lives. You are building the foundation for their future.

    Sources:

    Banerjee, Preet. ‘Financial advisers’: What exactly do they do? http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/not-all-financial-advisers-are-created-equal/article14028573/

    Myers, Cynthia. The Starting Salary of a Certified Financial Planner. http://work.chron.com/starting-salary-certified-financial-planner-1121.html

    PayScale. Financial Advisor Salary. www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Financial_Advisor/Salary

    Sokanu. What is a Financial Advisor? https://www.sokanu.com/careers/financial-advisor/

  • Are Scholarship Applications Worth Your Time?

    Are Scholarship Applications Worth Your Time?

    A common misconception is that it is hard to win scholarships. Many people believe that if they are not at the top of their class, no one with money for aspiring students will be interested in them. The truth is that most high school seniors qualify for a wide range of scholarships and even though good grades certainly help, they are not detrimental to the process of receiving free money. Many scholarships are need-based, talent-based and major-based, rather than merit-based. Sometimes even your location and family will determine your eligibility. So of course the answer to “are scholarships applications worth your time” is a resounding “YES!”

    Here are some blocks that often come up when considering the importance of applying for scholarships:

    Writing is not my strong suite, so who is going to give me a scholarship?

    Not every scholarship application features an essay element. In fact, a simple Google search for scholarships without essays will narrow the search for you. But for the other scholarships that require an essay, get someone to edit your work or have someone tutor you. This is a very small price to pay for the potential of hundreds or even thousands of dollars towards your education. The potential to receive free money is always with some extra time spent on the process. One cannot think heavily on the prospect of failing, but rather on the prospect of succeeding.

    Many scholarships are small, so what’s the point?

    Some scholarships are only worth $100 to $500, or $500 to $1000. That may seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the monster fee of four years in university. But imagine if you won four of these; that is a whole semester or even a year. The fact of the matter is that when you have only $20 to spend on groceries for the week in the last days of your semester, you are going to wish you had won that little $500 scholarship. EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS.

    There is too much competition.

    Yes this is true. There are a lot of people vying for that free money. However, students apply  to scholarships in bulk and are not taking the time to follow the rules and answer the instructions and questions carefully. You will find that if you do everything correctly you will most likely be a part of that small group that is seriously considered.

    I am not a minority with strong financial need.

    Yes a lot of the scholarships out there are geared towards minorities, those with disabilities and strong financial need. But there are many out there that do not take those things into consideration; they are just not as heavily advertised. Filling out profiles on scholarship websites will provide you with a comprehensive list and allow you to mass-apply for those that will take you seriously.

  • Creating a Working Budget – 5 Tips to Remember

    Creating a Working Budget – 5 Tips to Remember

    Being a college or university student is a learning experience through and through. Not only do you learn the necessary skills to flourish in your future career, but you also learn how to survive in the real world. Among the long list of real-life survival skills you get to test out as a student, is being finance- savvy.

    Being free of financial troubles while in college or university is not as much a Herculean task as many believe, but it is indeed a challenging one, especially in these times when the Canadian dollar has hit its lowest rate in 13 years.  However, if you are completely aware of your finances from the start, it would mean smooth sailing for you. Below are some suggestions on creating a working budget.

    Note all your assets.

    The first step in establishing a working budget is to know how much you have. Students like you have a variety of sources of income, and you should note them down. Such sources include income from part-time jobs, scholarships, grants, or bursaries, and financial support from family. Include everything you have accumulated since you started your post-secondary education—even that cash gift you got from your grandparents last Christmas.

    Note all your expenses.

    Now this is the part where it gets a bit tricky. This is because expenses are never actually constant for any college or university students. There are some fixed expenses like credit card bills or phone bills, but there will always be times where you have to spend extra on school projects or supplies and other school-related stuff. Of course, college and university life also equals honing your social skills and bonding with fellow students, and you would most likely find yourself allocating your budget for entertainment expenses such as concert or movie tickets. Remember, however, that when it comes to expenses, it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate.

    Plan your emergency money.

    As a kid, you were always reminded by your parents that it is wise to save money for a rainy day; over time, you would come to realize how valuable that piece of advice was. Having a set budget for school-related costs is one thing, but what will you do for emergencies? For instance, suppose your car breaks down, and you need a new battery. Or your computer finally gives out and is beyond repair and you have to buy a new one. A true finance-savvy student is one who sets aside money for emergencies.

    Do a monthly budget review.

    Businesses and corporations make it a point to do a monthly review so they know where they stand. They know when to cut operating costs, when to hire additional staff, and when to give bonuses. You can follow their example by reviewing your budget on a monthly basis. This way, you’ll know if you have to cut down on your expenses or give yourself a treat.

    Be on the lookout for opportunities to save.

    Be open-minded and resourceful when it comes to money-saving opportunities. For instance, you probably know how textbooks can run your wallet empty, so look into options of renting books or buying used books instead. When it comes to clothing, on the other hand, keep in mind there are stores that specifically offer student discounts, so it is good to take advantage of that as well.

    Sources:

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/markets-dollar-oil-1.3405067http://www.concordia.ca/cunews/main/stories/2013/11/14/the-6-best-budgettipsforstudents.html

    http://www.cicmoney101.org/Articles/Paying-For-College-How-To-Make-A-Budget.aspx

    https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/budgeting/creating-your-budget

    http://www.styledemocracy.com/student-discounts-in-canada/

    https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/finance-and-support/managing-money/student-budgeting-tips

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/addicted-to-student-discounts/article590866/