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The following form has been developed to help students work out a semester or
monthly budget that they can realistically follow. It will help in the planning
and tracking of expenses each semester. Print out and complete this worksheet as
thoroughly as possible. Mark N/A on those items which do not apply to you.
The sample budget worksheet below can also be found in the
Off Campus Survival Manual or
can be printed off from PDF Format.
INCOME
| One-time
income: |
$$$$$$$$$$ |
Monthly
income: |
$$$$$$$$$$ |
| 1. Scholarships |
$ |
1. Salary/Work wages |
$ |
| 2. Grants |
$ |
2. Allotment |
$ |
| 3. Monetary gifts |
$ |
3. Stipend |
$ |
| 4. Personal savings |
$ |
4. Other |
$ |
| 5. Loans |
$ |
|
|
| 6. Other |
$ |
|
|
| SUBTOTAL |
$ |
SUBTOTAL |
$ |
| |
|
TOTAL INCOME |
$ |
EXPENDITURES
| One-time expenses per semester:
|
$$$$$$ |
| 1. SCHOOL RELATED |
|
|
Tuition |
$ |
|
Fees |
$ |
|
Books and Supplies |
$ |
|
Meal Plan (Aggie
Bucks option) |
$ |
|
Shuttle Bus Pass |
$ |
|
University Parking Permit |
$ |
|
Other |
$ |
| SUBTOTAL School Related Expenses |
$ |
| |
| 2. NON-SCHOOL RELATED |
|
|
Furniture (purchased) |
$ |
|
Linens |
$ |
|
Utilities | $ |
|
Electric deposit |
$ |
|
Gas deposit |
$ |
|
Telephone installation |
$ |
|
Garbage/Sewer |
$ |
|
Cable deposit/installation |
$ |
|
Insurance |
$ |
|
Renter's insurance |
$ |
|
Health/Medical insurance |
$ |
|
Vehicle insurance |
$ |
|
Other |
$ |
| |
|
| SUBTOTAL Non-school Related Expenses |
$ |
| Monthly expenses: |
$$$$$$$$ |
More monthly expenses: |
$$$$$$$$ |
| 1. Housing |
|
4. Recreation |
|
|
Rent |
$ |
Eating out |
$ |
|
Utilities |
$ |
Entertainment |
$ |
|
Telephone |
$ |
Trips |
$ |
|
Cable |
$ |
Other |
$ |
|
Furniture Rental |
$ |
Subtotal Recreation |
$ |
|
Newspaper |
$ |
|
|
|
Other |
$ |
5. Clothing |
$ |
| SUBTOTAL Housing |
$ |
SUBTOTAL Clothing |
$ |
| |
|
|
|
| 2. Transportation |
|
6. Monetary
Commitments |
|
|
Gasoline |
$ |
Credit Card Payments |
|
|
Maintenance |
$ |
#1 |
$ |
|
Other |
$ |
#2 |
$ |
| SUBTOTAL Transportation |
$ |
#3 |
$ |
| |
|
#4 |
$ |
| 3. Household |
|
Membership dues |
$ |
|
Food |
$ |
Car Payment |
$ |
|
Toiletries |
$ |
Loan Payment |
$ |
|
Laundry |
$ |
Gifts |
$ |
|
Dry Cleaning |
$ |
Other |
$ |
|
Yard maintenance |
$ |
SUBTOTAL Monetary Commitments |
$ |
|
Other |
$ |
|
|
| SUBTOTAL
Household |
$ |
7. Savings
Deposit |
$ |
| |
|
Subtotal
Savings |
$ |
| |
|
Total
Monthly Expenses |
$ |
What
This All Means
Compare your total
expenses with your total income:
| TOTAL EXPENSES |
= $___________ |
| TOTAL INCOME |
= $___________ |
You
income should be greater than your expenses. If that is
not the case, try to reduce your expenses and/or to
increase your income. Some strategies to consider are
listed below.
Strategies
For Saving Money
ATM Machines
Those trips to the ATM on a Friday night for $20 and then
again on Sunday for $10 in laundry money, can add up
quickly... When possible, go to the bank on Thursday or
Friday afternoons and withdraw only enough to get you
through the weekend. Make sure you plan this with your
monthly expenses. Finally, beware of other banks' ATM
charges - $1.00 each time you use their ATM machine adds
up!
Bank Accounts
Shop around for
banks and credit unions. There are those that offer free
checking accounts or a low service charge for keeping a
certain minimum balance.
Books
Textbooks aren't
cheap, yet students seldom adequately budget for them.
Buy USED books whenever possible or talk with friends
that have taken the same classes -- they might be willing
to loan you their books.
Long Distance Calls
Calling home
can add up quickly! Try making your calls when the rates
are lower. Also, certain long distance companies offer
special deals or services. Find the package that best
meets your needs. You can also try writing a letter once
in a while.
Coupons
In a college
town, discount coupons are numerous. Use food, drink, and
clothing coupons to your advantage. Keep them in a
conspicuous place so you won't forget them when you go to
the store.
Credit Cards
Look for the
lowest interest rates available or if possible pay off
your monthly balance in full to avoid a finance charge.
Also, beware of rate changes, cash withdrawals, fees,
etc. Most of all, be responsible!
On Campus Employment
A great way to earn some extra cash,
learn more about Texas A&M, and still be able to
attend classes is to secure a student worker position on
campus. Check out the student
employment website.
Roommates
The most
economical means known to save money & cut your
living expenses in half. Roommates can be found online using
Aggie
Search.
Financial Emergencies:
Contact the Department of Student Financial Aid at 845-3236.
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