Money, Money, Money!

Hey guys!
I got my second guest write last night from my friend Britney. Recently she found a pretty cool way of budgeting and I know for a fact that all of us college kids out there are seriously unable to budget. However, it's a really cool website and absolutely free so even some of the "adults" could use it! Here's more:

Being 21-years-old is tough. I don’t want to complain. It’s also fun, but transitioning into the real world—not so much fun.

Approaching the end of college (well…), starting my first real job and attempting to deal with my bills is overwhelming. I’m also planning on moving out in the next couple of weeks and the whole process is completely unknown to me. I wish there was some kind of manual for acting like a grown up, but sadly I can’t find it online.

One of my biggest concerns, and I think everyone’s, is how to become financially independent when I make less money than I spend. I have come to learn that this is impossible—I know crazy right?

It’s not like I’m going out to bars every night and shopping all the time either. I’m talking about paying for gas, school expenses and groceries—very unglamorous. After accumulating credit card debt (that might have been slightly my fault, but Europe is a life experience and you can’t put a price on that!) and spending many a days in tears over the state of my finances, I have gotten a little on track.

In an attempt to be responsible, I have signed up for mint.com. The website keeps track of all your bank accounts, student loans, credit cards, car payments, etc. Did I mention it’s free? It also keeps track of where you spend your money. From what I understand from all the articles I read, this function is the secret to being moneywise—knowing where your money goes.

It has handy little pie charts to tell how much you spend each month on gas, food, shopping, and entertainment, whatever you want. It also compares how much you spent this month compared to what you spent over the last couple of months. The website lets you create budgets, so you can keep track everyday of how much you have left to spend.

When I first found mint, I was a little wary about giving up my usernames and passwords to all my financial accounts, but after researching it I feel secure in the site. Using mint has helped me make realistic budgets and in knowing where I spend my money I’m more conscious of it. I would recommend it to everyone. I mean I might still be poor— there is that little thing about having more bills than I make—but it isn’t out-of-control anymore. - Britney Barnes

P.S. Brit and I bought a lotto ticket on Monday, and I'm sad to report that we didn't win =[ Next time? ;)