As an OSU student, one of your biggest recurring expenses is your OSU bill each term. It’s essential to build a plan each term for covering your costs. Use this guide to help: Calculate Your OSU Bill 🔗. Also remember to consider expenses outside of your OSU bill. To manage your full financial picture, explore strategies here: Create a Budget (Non-OSU Expenses).

If you are new to the U.S., review this handout for helpful basics: Money Basics for International Students.

This page is for you if you’re:

Facing a funding gap
Feeling mostly okay but want to stretch your money further
Seeing a surplus some terms and want to use it on purpose

Creating a budget is the first step; optimizing it means adjusting as your situation changes (hours at work, scholarships, financial aid, etc.) so you can reduce stress, stay on track, and make limited resources go further.

How to use this page

Decide what’s happening in your budget right now (gap, okay, or surplus).
Open the section that fits you best: Ways to Save, Ways to Increase Resources, or What to Do with a Surplus.
In that section, pick one category (like food, housing, textbooks, or jobs).
Consider choosing 1–2 ideas to try in the next few weeks.

If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Meet with a CAFE Peer Mentor or a Basic Needs Center (BNC) Peer Navigator for help thinking through your options. The Basic Needs Center (BNC) is also a great place to build community around housing, food, and living on a budget.

Helpful Strategies & Mindsets

To make it easier to try the ideas on this page, you might experiment with one or two of these approaches:

No-spend or low-spend days: Choose 1–3 days where you only pay for true needs (like rent, medication, and essentials) and notice what spending you actually miss.
Subscription check-up: Review streaming services, apps, and other recurring charges. Pause or cancel anything you are not really using — you can always add it back later.
24-hour pause rule: For bigger purchases, wait at least a day before buying so you can decide with a clear head instead of in the moment.
One category at a time: Instead of trying to change everything at once, focus on improving just one area this month (for example, food, transportation, or housing).
Tiny habit savings: Connect a small money action to something you already do. For example, every time you get paid, move a few dollars into savings, or every time you pay your OSU bill, transfer a small amount to your emergency fund.
Weekly 10-minute money check-in: Once a week, take a few minutes to look at what is coming in, what is going out, and anything you want to adjust for the week ahead.
Values check: When you spend, ask yourself: “Does this match what matters most to me right now (such as stability, family, health, or graduation)?” This can make budgeting feel more connected to your life and goals.

You do not have to use all of these. Pick what feels manageable, adapt it to your situation, and give yourself permission to learn as you go.

Ways to Save

One of the fastest ways to improve your budget is by reducing expenses you control. Review the categories below and try the ideas that fit your situation. Use included campus resources first — you already pay for many through student fees.

Creative Ideas
Please note that these are just ideas — take what works for you and leave the rest.

Tuition & Fees

• Take only the credits you need and plan with an academic advisor.
• Consider taking fewer credits for a lower, more manageable OSU bill. Note: Check with Financial Aid or any funding source to see if this affects your aid, and meet with an academic advisor to understand the impact on your graduation plan.
• Degree Partnership Program (DPP): take 100/200-level classes at a community college while enrolled at OSU (pay the community college tuition & fee price for the courses you take at the community college).
• For non-residents: consider some online (if allowed by your major) and summer in-person courses during the summer (summer in-person is billed at resident rates).
• Fully utilize services covered by student fees (health center, CAPS, Dixon Rec, ASOSU Legal, library, etc.).

Textbooks & Course Materials

• Borrow or rent your course materials.
• Buy used/older editions.
• Share/split with classmates.
• Ask instructors about free/low-cost options or open educational resources (OpenStax, LibreTexts).
• OSU Library resources: library reserves (check out textbooks), computers & accessories, chargers & adapters, study aids, wellness & connection, kits & passes, misc.
• Sell books back promptly; ask professors if they have spare copies.
• Use an Emergency Loan (short-term bridge) if timing is tight.

Food & Groceries

Maximize free & low-cost food resources
• Use the BNC Food Pantry and explore SNAP if eligible; follow @EatFreeOSU for free meal alerts.
• Find community food pantries, hot meal sites, and produce distribution events using 211.org.
• Check Oregon Food Bank Food Finder and Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon for local options.
• If you’re on a meal plan: lower unused meals, switch to smaller plans, or use Make Cents + Orange Cash more intentionally.

Plan & prep to reduce costs
• Plan ahead: create a weekly meal plan using what’s already in your kitchen plus weekly store sales.
• Cook with others: host “cook-together nights” to share ingredients, recipes, and leftovers.
• Meal prep: make large batches of soups, pasta dishes, beans/rice bowls, or roasted vegetables for multiple meals.
• Pack food: bring lunches, snacks, and coffee/tea from home to reduce spontaneous purchases.
• Before shopping, make a list and stick to it; avoid shopping hungry.

Cook smart & use ingredients efficiently
• Cook meals based on inexpensive staples: rice, beans, pasta, oats, eggs, lentils, frozen veggies.
• Choose recipes that share ingredients (e.g., spinach in salads, smoothies, omelets).
• Try a monthly “pantry week” to use what’s already on hand and cut waste.
• Freeze leftovers or seasonal produce; consider canning if you have the space and supplies.

Stretch your grocery budget
• Choose store brands, compare unit prices, and shop sales cycles.
• Buy non-perishables (rice, pasta, canned goods, oats) in bulk when discounted.
• Explore discount stores (WinCo, Grocery Outlet), ethnic markets, and local produce stands for lower prices.
• Use clearance sections for meat, bakery items, or produce you can freeze.
• Consider Too Good To Go or local restaurant “end-of-day” deals.
• Start a small herb or vegetable garden — even a windowsill garden can help.

Family-focused tips for working adults
• Cook in bulk on weekends; freeze portions for busy workdays.
• Prep grab-and-go items for kids (fruit, yogurt, veggies) bought in bulk and portioned at home.
• Utilize school district meal programs (including summer and break options).
• Consider a CSA (community-supported agriculture) share with a friend or neighbor to split cost and produce.
• For households with limited time or energy, lean on slow-cooker/instant-pot meals or simple theme nights (“pasta night,” “taco bowl night,” etc.).

Related resources:
OSU specific
Basic Needs Center
Make Cents + Orange Cash
OSU Cascades Student Support Program
Non-OSU specific
211.org
Oregon Department of Human Services Food Resources website
Oregon Food Bank Food Finder
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
Benton & Linn County food pantries and meal sites
Deschutes County NeighborImpact

Housing & Utilities

Explore lower-cost housing options
• Apply for lower-cost rentals (triple economy, co-ops, Family Housing - ideas for students).
• Join wait lists early — spaces fill fast.
• If renewing a lease, ask about loyalty discounts, signing a longer lease for a lower rate, or transferring to a smaller/older unit in the same complex to save on rent.

Reduce housing costs through shared arrangements
• Share rent or utilities with roommates.
• Sublet during times away (summer, internship, travel).
• Share streaming services, household supplies, and internet with housemates.
• Consider renting out a spare room or hosting a short-term renter (traveling nurse, graduate student, vacation renter) if appropriate and allowed.

Cut utility expenses with simple adjustments
• Use smart thermostat settings; lower heat or limit A/C when away.
• Switch to LED bulbs; unplug devices when not in use; use power strips.
• Add weather-stripping or draft stoppers; close blinds/curtains strategically.
• Wash laundry in cold water; line-dry clothes when possible.
• Run full dishwasher/laundry loads to reduce water and power use.

Financial planning and protections
• Ask about payment plans or aligning rent/utility due dates with payday.
• Compare renter’s insurance annually — rates vary widely.
• If you’re a homeowner, re-shop home insurance annually and check for: bundling discounts, higher deductibles (if financially safe), property tax deferral programs, and energy-efficiency rebates for upgrades.
• Consider refinancing if mortgage rates drop and you plan to stay long-term.
• Request a free or low-cost home energy audit through your utility provider to identify personalized savings opportunities.

For emergencies or housing crises
• BNC Housing Help – Emergency housing support and navigation (OSU specific).
• Family Housing (UHDS) – Options for student families (OSU specific).
• ASOSU Legal Services – Help with tenant rights, disputes, and lease concerns (OSU specific).
• OSU Cascades Student Support Program – Additional local housing and resource support (OSU specific).
• 211.org – Rental assistance, utility support, shelters, and community programs.
• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Federal heating/electric assistance; helps prevent shutoffs and provides seasonal bill support.
• Housing Authority Programs – Emergency vouchers, rent burden relief, subsidized units, long-term Section 8 waitlists.
• Homeowner-specific programs – Mortgage forbearance or hardship programs through lenders, property tax hardship deferrals (in many states), weatherization assistance, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs for home repair.

Dependent Care

Lower-cost childcare & shared support
• Join a babysitting co-op or nanny-share; rotate supervision with trusted friends or neighbors.
• Trade hosting playdates or after-school care to reduce paid childcare hours.
• Share rides to children’s activities, camps, or school to save time and fuel.

Use community & campus programs
• Use early childhood education centers, after-school programs, and summer day camps with sliding-scale fees.
• Visit libraries for free family events, story time, homework help, and parent groups.
• Use campus childcare when available (OSU: Dixon Kits, Our Little Village when open, etc.).
• Look for YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Parks & Rec, and faith-based youth programs with reduced-cost memberships.

Make the most of tax savings and employer benefits
• Explore Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) to pay childcare with pre-tax dollars.
• Claim the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (federal).
• Check whether your employer offers childcare subsidies or back-up childcare programs.
• Track receipts for childcare, camps, and after-school programs so you can use tax benefits fully.

Related resources:
OSU resources:
Family Resource Center
OSU Cascades Student Support Program
Non-OSU resources:
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) Oregon – Find childcare and understand subsidies.
211.org – Local childcare assistance, Head Start/Early Head Start, emergency care options.
Oregon Department of Early Learning & Care – Childcare subsidy programs.

Transportation & Auto

Use lower-cost transportation options
• Use the OSU bus pass, bike programs, or campus shuttles.
• Walk, bike, or use a scooter for short local trips.
• Carpool with coworkers or friends to reduce gas costs and parking fees.
• For evenings, use ASOSU SafeRide (Corvallis/OSU community).
• Consider telecommuting or hybrid work options (if offered) to reduce commuting days.

Save on vehicle use & fuel
• Combine errands into one trip to save time and gasoline.
• Use gas rewards programs (Fred Meyer, Safeway, Costco, Shell Rewards, Upside).
• Track gas prices using GasBuddy or similar apps.
• Drive more efficiently: avoid rapid acceleration, maintain steady speeds, remove heavy roof racks, and keep tires properly inflated.
• When possible, avoid peak traffic to reduce idle time and fuel burn.

Reduce car ownership costs
• If possible, reduce to one vehicle per household and share transportation.
• Buy a fuel-efficient, hybrid, or reliable used car rather than new; research total cost of ownership.
• Shop car insurance annually; compare quotes using tools like The Zebra, Gabi, or NerdWallet.
• Increase deductibles (only if financially safe) to reduce monthly insurance premiums.
• Join roadside assistance programs (AAA, insurance add-ons) to avoid costly emergency tow fees.

Prevent problems & cut auto maintenance costs
• Keep up with basic maintenance: oil changes, tire rotation, brake checks, and fluid top-offs.
• Use local community college auto programs (sometimes offer low-cost maintenance done by supervised students).
• Compare prices for repairs — independent shops are often cheaper than dealerships.
• Use coupons or specials for oil changes and regular maintenance.
• Learn simple DIY tasks: changing wiper blades, replacing air filters, topping off fluids.

Alternatives to owning a car (working adults & families)
• Use regional public transit for longer commutes when available.
• Explore car-share options (Turo, Zipcar) for occasional vehicle use.
• For families, coordinate carpools for school drop-offs or extracurriculars.
• If living in a multi-generational household, combine rides to reduce overall vehicle use.
• For medical appointments, many counties offer medical transportation programs for eligible individuals (especially OHP/Medicaid).

Related resources:
OSU resources:
OSU Transportation Services
ASOSU SafeRide
Non-OSU resources:
211.org – Transportation support programs, reduced-fare bus passes, and local shuttles.
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – Transportation support for qualifying individuals (especially for employment or medical reasons).
Local Transit Agencies – Reduced-fare cards for seniors, disabled riders, and low-income households.
Nonprofits & community programs – Some organizations offer gas vouchers, repair assistance, or donated vehicles.
Job Access & Reverse Commute (JARC) – Transportation support for workers with long or late-hour commutes (varies by county).

Healthcare & Mental Health

Reduce healthcare costs
• Use campus health services or community clinics first (usually lower cost).
• Ask for generics; compare pharmacy prices using tools like GoodRx or Costco Pharmacy.
• Use telehealth for primary care or follow-ups when possible.
• Choose urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies.

Know your insurance & avoid surprises
• Call your insurance company with questions before receiving care.
• Ask for an estimate of costs, in-network providers, and coverage details.
• Review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to catch billing errors.

Mental health resources
• Access free or low-cost campus counseling services (OSU CAPS).
• Join group counseling sessions, often lower cost than individual sessions.
• Use discounted mental-health apps such as Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer, or Sanvello.
• For adults off campus: seek community mental health centers with sliding-scale options.

Preventive care & limited budgets
• Schedule annual exams and vaccinations to prevent expensive health issues later.
• Use dental hygiene schools for low-cost cleanings and routine services.
• Ask clinics about sliding-scale fees or interest-free payment plans.
• If eligible, stay on a parent insurance plan until age 26.
• Consider an FSA or HSA if your employer offers them.

Related resources:
CAPS (OSU specific)
211.org
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) – Free health insurance for eligible Oregon residents.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) – Low-cost primary care for uninsured and insured adults.

Student Fees & Campus Perks

• Max out services you already pay for: health center, CAPS, Dixon Rec, ASOSU Legal, library tech/resources, events.
• Plan to attend free campus events and use included memberships.

Clothing

• Swap with friends/clubs; use thrift/consignment and resale apps; shop seasonal clearance.
• Build a capsule wardrobe; wash cold/air-dry to extend life.
• If in Corvallis, consider using Benny’s Business Closet and if in Central Oregon, check out the Clothing Connection.

Related resources:
Benny’s Business Closet
Clothing Connection

Maximize Workplace Benefits

• Capture the full employer retirement match if offered.
• Use FSA/HSA for tax savings when eligible; use lifestyle perks (gym, counseling) if provided.

Related resources:
FSA / HSA Info

Low-Cost Activities

Free or low-cost entertainment
• Volunteer at events for free admission.
• Host game or movie nights with shared snacks (check out games from library).
• Use community calendars to find free festivals, concerts, lectures, and family events.
• Explore Parks & Rec programs, free hiking trails, or local beaches and nature areas.

Borrow instead of buy
• Borrow outdoor gear, board games, tools, art supplies, or tech from libraries or community centers.
• Use OSU’s Adventure Leadership Institute for gear checkout (for students).
• Borrow books, audiobooks, and movies from local libraries or apps like Libby/Hoopla.

Make fun affordable
• Set a small, realistic “fun budget” each month.
• Plan potlucks, shared meals, or rotating dinner nights.
• Use discount days for movies, museums, or recreation centers.

Related resources:
FRC Events (OSU)
OSU Events Calendar
Local Parks & Recreation programming
Local public library

Technology, Internet, & Phone Bills

Lower your monthly phone bill
• Switch to a lower-cost plan or consider MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, US Mobile).
• Ask your provider about loyalty discounts, autopay discounts, or bundling savings.
• Share a family plan with trusted friends or relatives to reduce per-line costs.
• Turn on data-saving mode; use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data when possible.

Reduce internet & streaming costs
• Call your ISP annually to negotiate or match competitors’ rates.
• Look into low-income internet programs (ACP may be ending, but many ISPs still offer lower-cost options).
• Split internet costs with roommates or neighbors where allowed.
• Reduce unnecessary streaming services; rotate subscriptions month-to-month.
• Use library streaming services (Kanopy, Hoopla) for free movies and shows.

Save on devices & repairs
• Buy refurbished phones/laptops from certified sellers (Apple Certified, BackMarket, Best Buy Refurbished).
• Use repair cafés, student tech centers, or community repair shops for low-cost fixes.
• Use student or educator discounts on software (Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, etc.).

Tech-based savings habits
• Track recurring charges.
• Set alerts to flag price increases or duplicate subscriptions.
• Use browser extensions for automatic coupons (Honey, Rakuten, Capital One Shopping).

Related resources:
ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) – If reinstated or replaced, check eligibility.
EveryoneOn.org – Low-cost internet providers by ZIP code.
FreeGeek (Portland) – Low-cost refurbished computers.
Local library systems – Free Wi-Fi hotspots and tech gear checkout.

College Savings (Not OSU-specific)

• Use 529 or ESA plans with small, automatic monthly contributions.
• Ask family/friends to contribute for birthdays/holidays instead of gifts.
• Take community college classes via Degree Partnership Program for lower tuition.
• Earn credits via AP, IB, CLEP, or dual-enrollment.
• Apply for micro-scholarships (RaiseMe).
• Work on-campus for tuition remission benefits (e.g., GTA/GRA).
• Use employer tuition assistance programs.
• Join competitions or leadership programs with tuition awards.
• Consider a lower-cost state school option.

Related resources:
ESA & 529 Overview

Other general resources to browse:

Ways to Increase Resources

Sometimes, trimming expenses just isn't enough — especially as a student or working adult managing rising costs. Another key part of optimizing your budget is finding ways to increase your financial resources. This might include earning additional income, applying for scholarships or grants, or accessing campus and community support programs. Growing your resources gives you more flexibility and breathing room in your budget.

The Peer Navigators in the Basic Need Center (BNC) and the Peer Mentors in the Center for Advancing Financial Education (CAFE) are very skilled at helping you consider your unique situation and build a plan.

Creative Ideas
Please note that these are just ideas — take what works for you and leave the rest!

1. Campus & Entry-Level Employment

OSU student jobs
• Apply for on-campus student jobs with flexible schedules (work-study and non-work-study).
• Choose roles that build skills tied to your major or future field to boost earning power later.

International students
• Explore CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Seek on-campus positions that fit your visa parameters.
• Build a skill portfolio (projects, volunteering) to strengthen applications for post-graduation work.

Seasonal & temporary jobs
• Work summer jobs and save aggressively (camps, golf courses, festivals, tourist areas).
• Take holiday retail, warehouse, or gift-wrapping roles; explore delivery or event support.
• Join short-term event staff for conferences, concerts, or athletics.

Side hustle ideas (that fit around other jobs and/or school)
• Offer services on your own schedule: pet sitting, house sitting, babysitting, yard work, cleaning, organizing, or basic tech help.
• Turn a skill or hobby into income: music lessons, language tutoring, photography, art/graphics, or crafting.
• Focus on low-start-up ideas: things you can do with what you already own (laptop, phone, bike, existing skills).
• Set a realistic time boundary (for example, “no more than 5–8 hours per week”) so side hustles don’t interfere with school, rest, or care-giving.

Increase income at current job
• Ask about increasing hours during busier seasons (start with a specific request, like adding one extra shift per week).
• Track your contributions (projects you helped with, problems you solved, positive feedback) and use those examples in a raise conversation.
• Look for higher-paying roles within the same workplace (lead positions, trainer roles, shift supervisors) and ask what skills or steps would help you qualify.

Working-adult angle:
• Look for part-time evening/weekend roles that complement your main job (tutoring, front desk, remote customer support).
• Consider union, government, or benefits-rich employers where even part-time roles may include retirement or health benefits.

Related resources:
OSU Student Jobs
Career Development Center
International Student Employment
Local postings on Indeed, state workforce sites, and temp agencies.

2. Research, Campus Roles, Scholarships & Aid

Research & academic roles
• Apply for paid undergraduate/graduate research positions.
• Ask faculty about grant-funded assistantships or lab positions.
• Participate in paid research studies (human subjects) when appropriate.

Scholarships & grants (OSU & beyond)
• Meet with CAFE and the OSU Financial Aid Office to explore department-specific options, emergency funds, and more.
• Apply every year for OSU-wide and departmental scholarships via ScholarDollars.
• Apply for state scholarships (OSAC for Oregon residents) and consider The Ford Family Foundation awards.
• Use National & Global Scholarship Advising for competitive national and international awards.
• Target niche awards (veteran, parent, study abroad, undocumented, Cascades, grad, students with dependents).

Emergency and bridge funding
• Use the OSU Emergency Loan (up to $350 once per term) to bridge short-term timing gaps for essentials only.
• Ask about emergency aid funds through Financial Aid, departments, or student support programs.

Working-adult angle:
• Ask your employer about tuition assistance, certification funding, or professional development funds.
• Look for union, employer, or industry scholarships for employees and their dependents.
• For parents or caregivers, look for scholarships specifically for students with dependents or returning adults.

3. Public Benefits & Safety Net Programs

Food & nutrition support
• Apply for monthly food benefits (SNAP) if eligible.
• Get application assistance through the BNC or local community organizations.
• Stack SNAP with grocery rewards and coupons to stretch each dollar.

Other community-based support
• Use 211.org to search for rental assistance, utility support, childcare help, transportation programs, and more.
• Explore local nonprofits, faith communities, and mutual aid groups for short-term support.

Working-adult angle:
• Even if you earn income, you may still qualify for programs like SNAP, WIC, EITC, or childcare subsidies — it’s worth checking.
• Ask HR or an employee assistance program (EAP) about any hardship funds, loan programs, or resource navigation services.

Related resources:
SNAP at BNC
211.org
Local county and state benefits sites (Oregon Department of Human Services, etc.).

4. Side Hustles, Tutoring & Freelancing

Side hustles & gig work
• Turn hobbies into income (pet sitting, baking, tutoring, photography, crafting).
• Offer cleaning, yard work, or organizing services locally.
• Do delivery (if you have transportation) or campus-friendly gigs.

Tutoring & teaching
• Tutor courses you’ve excelled in (individual or group).
• Teach music, art, language, or software skills.
• Partner with community centers or post on vetted platforms.

Freelancing & remote work
• Offer writing, design, coding, video editing, virtual assistance, or admin services.
• Build a simple portfolio (even a one-page site or shared folder) and pitch short-term gigs.
• Use contracts/invoices and track income for taxes; set aside a portion for self-employment tax.

Working-adult angle:
• Look for flexible, project-based work that can be paused during busy seasons.
• Use your existing professional skills (e.g., bookkeeping, HR, translation, consulting) for higher hourly rates.

Related platforms & resources:
Etsy · Rover
Wyzant · Thumbtack
Upwork · Fiverr

5. Sell, Recycle, Trade & Barter

Sell items you don’t use
• Sell clothing, electronics, furniture locally or online.
• Host a multi-person yard sale to draw more buyers.
• Flip textbooks/electronics after finals or upgrades.

Recycling & BottleDrop
• Collect cans/bottles and redeem regularly.
• Partner with friends or neighbors to increase volume.
• Set up recurring drop-offs to make it routine income.

Bartering & skill trades
• Trade your skills for goods/services you need (e.g., tutoring for meals, design for alterations).
• Organize a swap with friends, neighbors, or student orgs to reduce cash costs.

Related resources:
Facebook Marketplace · Poshmark · OfferUp
BottleDrop Oregon
Community boards; student org channels.

6. Boost Income at Your Current Job

• Ask to increase hours when feasible, especially during peak business times.
• Negotiate a raise using documented performance results and concrete examples of added value.
• Take on responsibilities that qualify for higher pay (lead shifts, training new staff, certifications).

Working-adult angle:
• Schedule a yearly review with your supervisor to discuss pay, title, and responsibilities.
• Ask about internal job postings, career ladders, and training that lead to higher-paying roles.
• Make sure you are using all available workplace benefits (retirement match, tuition assistance, wellness funds).

Related resources:
Coaching via Career Development Center

7. Taxes, Withholding & Paycheck Planning

• Adjust your W-4 to reduce over-withholding and increase take-home pay (while still covering your tax bill).
• Review eligibility for education and dependent tax credits (AOTC, LLC, Child Tax Credit, EITC, etc.).
• If self-employed or freelancing, set aside a portion of each payment for quarterly estimated taxes.

Working-adult angle:
• Review your tax situation annually after you file — if you consistently receive very large refunds or owe, adjust withholding.
• Consider how pre-tax benefits (retirement, FSA/HSA, dependent care FSA) affect your take-home pay and long-term goals.

Related resources:
IRS Withholding Estimator

8. Grants, Fellowships, Crowdfunding & Community Support

Grants & fellowships
• Search for academic and community grants to fund projects, research, or living costs.
• Apply for fellowships tied to your field to support work or graduate study.
• Enter pitch/innovation competitions with stipends or prizes.

Crowdfunding & community support
• Use crowdfunding for true emergencies or education-related costs.
• Share a clear story, photos, and updates to increase support.
• Pair with community groups, faith networks, or alumni communities for wider reach.
• Be cautious about relying on crowdfunding regularly; treat it as one tool among many.

Related resources:
Grants.gov · National & Global Scholarships
GoFundMe

Additional reading:

What to Do with a Surplus

If you end up with more money coming in than going out (for example, from a tax refund, financial aid refund, bonus, or extra paycheck), plan it on purpose so it supports your goals. A surplus represents decision-making power — use the steps below to protect your foundation, align with what matters, and decide where you want those extra dollars to go.

Protect → Align → Decide

Protect: Strengthen your financial foundation first — emergency fund, insurance, and catching up on any high-risk items like past-due bills or high-interest debt.
Align: Connect your surplus to your real priorities, values, and time horizon (short-, medium-, and long-term goals).
Decide: Put your surplus to work through saving, debt payoff, investing, investing in yourself, or generosity.

Emergency Savings

Automate deposits into a separate savings account so you aren’t tempted to spend it.
Build toward 3–6 months of essential expenses — but it’s okay to start with $500 or one month of key bills.
Keep emergency funds in liquid accounts (traditional savings or high-yield savings) so they’re easy to access when needed.

Related resource: Emergency Fund Basics (link)

Risk Management

Review your insurance coverage (health, auto, renters/home, disability, life) and close major gaps.
Set aside money for irregular but predictable expenses (car repairs, medical co-pays, home maintenance).
Update beneficiary designations and basic estate documents as appropriate for your situation.

Related resource: Insurance Planning (link)

Financial Goals & Values

Allocate surplus toward goals that matter most to you (graduation, moving costs, family support, travel, starting a business, etc.).
Break big goals into smaller milestones and set target amounts and timelines for each.
Use your long-term goals to shape near-term steps — for example, if homeownership is a 5–10 year goal, a short-term step might be building up a down-payment fund.

Related resource: Financial Goals & Values (link)

Debt

Pay more than the minimum on high-interest debts (using avalanche or snowball methods) to reduce interest costs and stress.
Check for prepayment penalties before paying extra on certain loans (especially auto or personal loans).
Monitor credit utilization and debt-to-income (DTI) ratios as you reduce balances to see your progress.

Related resources:

Debt Rules (link)
Debt Strategies (link)
Debt-to-Income (link)
Credit Utilization (link)

Investing

After you’ve addressed high-interest debt and started an emergency fund, consider investing part of your surplus for long-term goals (5+ years away).
Use tax-advantaged accounts when eligible (401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA).
Start with diversified options (ETFs and mutual funds) instead of picking individual stocks.
Investing works best over time — think long-term and avoid reacting to short-term market swings.

Related resources:

Investing Basics (link)
ETFs & Mutual Funds (link)
Bonds (link)
Stocks (link)

Invest in Yourself

Use surplus to pay for training, certifications, or credentials that increase your earning potential.
Seed a low-cost side hustle (equipment, software, website, licenses) that can generate future income.
Purchase tools that make work and school easier or open up new opportunities (a reliable laptop, software, tools of your trade).

Related resource: Meet with a CAFE Peer Mentor to brainstorm options.

Generosity

Support people, communities, and causes that matter to you — generosity can be part of a healthy financial plan.
Even small, intentional amounts can strengthen relationships, build community, and reduce money-related guilt.
Consider setting aside a small, predictable percentage of your surplus (or monthly budget) for giving, so it’s intentional and sustainable.

Optional Reading

Reflection: From all these ideas, which most interest you? Identify your next steps to learn more — or meet with a CAFE Peer Mentor to talk through options for your situation.