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Financial Literacy

A college education is one of the most important investments you can make. A Rutgers degree can ensure a bright future lies ahead, but understanding how to manage your finances, make smart decisions about borrowing and prepare to pay back loans are also important steps to success.  Check out the following resources to improve your financial literacy:

Please see the side menu for financial literacy information from specific schools. If your school is not listed and you require additional assistance, please contact your regional One Stop Student Services Center.

Money Basics

The resources in this section will help you to understand basic money concepts. These include:

  • Managing Your Funds
  • Using Banks/Credit Unions
  • Information and Tips for Using Checking Accounts
  • Virtual Money Management
  • Cashing Paychecks
  • Types of Insurance and Their Importance
  • Information on When and How to File Taxes
  • Planning for Retirement

Budgeting

The resources in this section will help you to understand budgeting. Tips included are how to:

  • Track Your Income
  • Track Your Expenses
  • Build a Budget
  • Better Balance Your Budget

Debt and Borrowing

The resources in this section will help you to understand borrowing money and the debt that is accrued by doing so.  This section includes information about:

  • Debt
  • Loans
  • What to Consider When Taking Out a Loan
  • Cosigners and Their Purpose
  • Interest Rates vs. APR
  • Compound Interest
  • Variable Interest Rates
  • Knowing How Much Money to Borrow

Loan Repayment

The resources in this section will help you to understand your options when repaying Federal Loans. The information contained in this section includes:

  • Information About Repaying Loans
  • Repayment Plans and Options
  • Parent Responsibility for Loans
  • Viewing Your Loan Borrower Information
  • Student Borrower Responsibilities
  • Consolidating Federal Loans
  • Tips to Save on Your Student Loans
  • Loan Forgiveness

Graduate PLUS Loan Repayment

The resources in this section provide information about Graduate PLUS Loans and the repayment process. The key topic areas are:

  • Repayment Options
  • Preparing to Repay Your Loan
  • Overview of Monthly Payments
  • Consolidating Federal Loans
  • Defaulting on Your Loan
  • Loan Deferment and Forbearance

Parent PLUS Loan Repayment

The resources in this section provide information about Parent PLUS Loans and the repayment process. The key topic areas are:

  • Repayment Options
  • Preparing to Repay Your Loan
  • Overview of Monthly Payments
  • Consolidating Federal Loans
  • Defaulting on Your Loan
  • Loan Deferment and Forbearance