Wellness Wednesday: Flourishing Finances

Make a Budget and Stick to It

Making a budget is an important first step towards achieving financial wellness. Budgeting helps you track your spending habits and stay within your means. Navigating this process can be overwhelming, but Wellness and Recreation is here to support you. The Money Matters Challenge is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to build the financial tools they need. Over the course of two weeks you will discover strategies and resources for engaging in mindful spending and building financial awareness. Each week three students will be randomly selected to earn prizes. Registration closes Friday, March 22. 

Student Discounts

Taking advantage of student discounts can help you knock down some of your expenses. Many companies offer discounts for their products and services, including Adidas, Spotify and Amtrak. NC State students and families also get special discounts through the VIP discount program on entertainment, hotels and services, and at local restaurants, like Cafe Carolina and Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Financial aid for education comes in many forms. PACK ASSIST is NC State’s scholarship portal where students can apply for and receive funding toward their academics. After completing a general application, students can then apply for college-specific opportunities. Unigo is another resource that matches you with options to help pay for college, including grants and loans. Be sure to visit the Student Services website for more information on all the financial aid opportunities available at NC State.

Buy Used

Whenever possible, seek out used items instead of new. For textbooks, you don’t have to go far. University Libraries have at least one copy of most required textbooks and offer two-hour loans. For long-term use options, Wolfpack Outfitters sells new, used and virtual textbooks, and they offer a price comparison tool to help weigh your options. If you’re in need of clothing or furniture items, check out local thrift stores and resale apps, like Facebook Marketplace.

Make Your Meals at Home

With so many food options available, it can be difficult to make optimal choices. Meal planning can help you craft a well-rounded weekly menu. To get more out of your meals for less, aim to limit how often you eat out. Prepare yourself with the necessary tools, like food storage containers, a lunch box and a meal planning app or journal, and meet with a campus dietitian for personalized advice. 

Dine for free at our next Howl and Chill: Grillin’ and Chillin’ on March 19 on Harris Field. Connect with other students over a cookout-style meal, lawn games and music. 

Reach Out

While there are several ways to manage your money, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If finances are impacting your well-being, consider seeking on-campus resources. The Pack Essentials program is a one-stop shop for resources and services, designed to help meet student’s financial, nutritional, housing and academic needs. To figure out which programs and services you qualify for, complete the Pack Essentials application located in the MyPack Portal. 

The decisions we make now can have long-term effects on our financial future. To ensure your success and well-being, remember to budget, cut costs where you can and take advantage of the resources available at NC State. It is an investment in yourself that you won’t regret.