As shoppers recover from the expense of the holidays, many are making a fresh fiscal start this New Year’s, determining to stick to their financial resolutions. The USA.gov Web site recently published a list of the twelve most popular New Year’s resolutions. They include managing debt and saving more money.
According to Saint Mary’s business professor Jill Vihtelic, there are a number of small things people can do to help themselves stick to a budget. They include shopping around for necessities like car and home insurance, paying off your credit card in full each month rather than paying the minimum, and leaving a little bit of room for fun. “Reward yourself when you have successfully spent less than budgeted for the period,” advises Vihtelic. “Having some fun will reinforce good spending habits for the future.”
Our savvy business students agree. Below, five seniors share their favorite money-saving tips for college students. 
Sara Niemann '10
“Before buying something, take 10 minutes to roam around the store and think about whether you really want it. Sometimes advertisers do such a great job, they make us want to buy the same shirt in four different colors. If it’s a really big-ticket item, ask the store to hold it, if possible, and then take a few days to consider whether the purchase is really worth it.”—Sara Niemann '10, Greeley, Colorado
“If you have a credit card, only use it for small purchases. When the bill comes, pay it immediately. With this comes the advice to only use a credit card when you know you have the money to pay it off.”— Aimee Cunniff '10, Park City, Utah 
Aimee Cunniff '10
“Before the start of each semester set a monthly budget based on what you spent the prior semester and try to identify the areas where you can cut back.”—Amanda Huthwaite '10, Little Silver, New Jersey
“Use your meal plan to the fullest—going out to eat quickly adds up!”— Jennifer Mooney '10, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
“Utilize your bank's online tools. I do my banking at Chase and I can access both my savings and checking account online and via text message. Students often incur overdraft fees that can easily be avoided.”—Claire Orfanos '10, Northbrook, Illinois
