After tuition is all paid for, any left over money from financial aid is generally refunded back to you. Yeah, the word is officially out and the money is most definitely in your wallet…. Or maybe it isn’t. Sure money that is just given to you out of nowhere, does feel good but truth is, as young “mature” adults we can be a bit irresponsible at times, especially financial wise.
Refund checks are meant for personal expenses, such as transportation, daily costs, and most importantly books. Don’t forget that loans are meant to be paid back, as soon as you finish school. Be technical about it, loans add up each year, especially if you’re looking into graduate school. Don’t spend your refund check carelessly for the sake of spending it, don’t be greedy, don’t take out more than you need! Don’t foolishly take out a $6000 loan when you know you only need $2000. Truth of the matter is you are going to spend your refund check on foolish things that will barely affect your future.
If you don’t have a permanent source of financial means, you might need some of that refund check on a rainy day. Instead of you going out and spending it on shoes, clothes, cars, etc. (unnecessary items that won’t mean anything in the next 10 years) put it aside and you’ll have something to fall back on as an alternative in case your sources fail.
The only thing you should be spending a serious amount of money on at this day and age is your education. It is your personal investment and can be the key to your success. You have the ability you just have to exert the force. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so do yourself a favor, save yourself the stress, and don’t go crazy, especially over a refund check. Learn how to budget and live below your means according to your necessities. Think about your future and think carefully.