An Office of Financial Education presentation

 One-on-One Financial Coaching to assist in  Loan repayment  Credit management  Budgeting  Scholarship and  Other money management skills.  Workshops  Join our Student Task Force to share your thoughts/ideas on how to improve financial literacy at MSU

 Cheap Entertainment  Save on Transportation  Grocery Shopping  Ways to Earn Money  Creating a Spending Plan

 Recreational cabins from the US Forest Service offer a cheap way to spend some time in the wildernesshttp:// cabins/?recid=5566&actid=101http:// cabins/?recid=5566&actid=101  Just Google “rent Forest Service cabins in Montana”

 Find a good trail around Bozeman and go for a hike  Need an idea of where to go? This can help:  Or you can make your own path! Sacagawea Peak-Bridger Range College “M” Trail-Bridger Range Spanish Peaks

 18 Galleries – displaying local artwork as well as art from around the state giving you a taste of all different styles and cultures in our vast state.  2 Antiques Stores – be sure to take a trip back in time at the local antique shops. Although some items are rather expensive, you can always find a cool knick-knack or gift for a relative, or something to add a little vintage flair to your apartment or dorm room.  Farmers Market – from June-September at Bogart Park and Gallatin County Fairgrounds  Checkout Music On Main - June 26 th -August 14 th  Stroll the Art Walk - June 13 th -December 12 th

 Get a library card! Its free for Gallatin County residents  Great place to study for your next exam  Hosts weekly events  Displays local artwork  Hours:  Monday-Thursday 10:00-8:00  Friday 10:00-6:00  Saturday 10:00-5:00  Sunday 1:00-5:00 

 Like to learn in your spare time? Check out the Museum of the Rockies  $10 admission with a student ID, or if you plan on going frequently $42 for a 1 year membership. If you go 4 times, you’re already making the most of that membership!  Your admissions sticker allows unlimited access for two consecutive days 

 Sack’s of Bozeman  Goodwill  Bozeman Community Thrift Center  Salvation Army  Nu2U Thrift  Catwalk  Second Impression  Rethink Thrift Inc.  Head West  Big Sky Consignment Check out the local thrift stores to fine unique and one of a kind items

 Visit often. Find out the days and time your thrift store restocks its shelves to get the first dibs on the latest items  Go in with a plan. It can become overwhelming with all the stuff so go when you are looking for a particular item but also go with an open mind…you never know what you might find!  Check clothes carefully for missing buttons, stains or loose threading. Can you fix it? Is it worth the cost?  Know Sale Days. Many stores offer discounts to MSU students or they might have special days where items go on sale.  Shop seasonally. Go shopping right after peak time when everyone clears out their closets. Fore example shop for boots/jackets in April and sundresses in September.

 Check out the “For Sale” section for great deals on bikes, outdoor equipment, clothing and home furniture!  Don’t forget about the FREE section.  You never know what you might find!

 The Streamline bus system offers a variety of routes to get you around Bozeman for free!  and click on routes to see your options  If you want to keep tabs on the bus location, download their app for iPhones and Android devices.

 The Bozeman Bike Kitchen is a non-profit organization that offers free to low cost bike parts and mechanical help. With their experience and reserve of parts they’ll be able to get your bike rolling in no time!  They’re located at 2104 Industrial Drive off of North Rouse Ave. They’re open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8pm so stop by and check them and get some great advice to keep your ride in top notch condition  They even have volunteer programs that will allow you to earn a bike in exchange for your time and help!  Visit their website

 Carpooling is an easy way to share the cost of transportation.  Ask your Roommate, Partner, Co-worker or friends to share a ride  Check out publictransportation.org and click on tools and calculators to find how much you commute really costs you.  For example: Assume your car gets 32 MPG, gas is $3.60 per gallon and your commute to campus is 4 miles round trip.  Your yearly cost of commuting by car is $  Plus $169 for a full year parking pass  That’s a total of $ per year!

 Price Shopping can save you a lot of money in the long run. Just because a grocery store is close by and convenient it may not always be the best deal. Shop around and find the store with the best prices on foods you generally purchase.  Many stores offer a free rewards program that can save you money every time you check out and some even offer other forms of rewards. This can save large amounts of money on store brand items such as produce and meat.  Create a meal plan for the next two weeks to limit the amount of unnecessary items you purchase as well as how many visits you make to grocery store. Planning a lunch can keep you from spending $8 in the Union Market or at your favorite sandwich shop.  Costco offers great deals by buying food and other items in bulk. Buyers beware though! Some offers are actually more expensive than other stores so always be sure to check the pricing with your favorite grocery store to ensure that you’re really getting a great deal!

 T he Bio Science Labs across from MSU offer a quick way to earn some cash by allowing them to test disinfectants, hand sanitizers and other personal care products. (Don’t worry it’s very safe and professional)  Current Studies can be found on their website under the participate section  The Bozeman Job Service often offers temporary quick jobs, as well as part time positions available in the Bozeman area.  Check out HireABobcat.com for jobs on and off-camps!

 In addition to having some extra cash, student employment offers opportunities for students to develop soft skills in an office environment and build a strong work ethic  Many companies offer Tuition Assistance that will help cover the cost of tuition just by working for them. Although some require that you work for a certain period of time so get your applications in early!  Campus jobs are excellent opportunities as campus offices understand that you are a student first and a worker second, and are more willing to give you the day off to study for a hard chemistry exam.

Think of it as a spending plan o It’s not about how much money you have, it’s about what you do with it. o Create a spreadsheet that has all your monthly expenses. This will give you a more visual representation of where your money is going. o For your expense be sure to budget the amount you can spend and follow up so that you can see how you did. The more you can save the better off you’ll be for unexpected expenses and purchases.