Give yourself the chance to succeed financially and academically.

You’ve graduated high school and now college is a time of new experiences. That can mean new friends, new faces, new responsibilities and … lot’s of new money issues.

Coastal can help you manage your money with an easy to manage checking account with a check card, free access to COLTS - online banking, C-Pay online bill payment service, and e-Statements. We offer an outstanding ∞ Infinity Visa Credit Card program and we offer a free budget tool and free financial counseling from Accel.

And, before you start college, make sure to take these steps to insure that you thrive and succeed financially while you’re in college:

• Before you begin college, talk to your parents, older siblings and older friends to get a good idea of what college life will be like financially. Ask them about how they manage their money, what they experienced when they were your age, and what you can expect. These words of advice can be very useful, and you will probably learn more than you expected from their experience. You may also wish to check out books from the local library on the topic of money management or budgeting.
• Make a budget and stick to it! Having a budget will put your mind at ease about your finances and allow you to take control of your money instead of letting it take control of you.
• Learn how to economize. College life can be expensive, but it also offers many opportunities for saving money. Start out by searching for coupons (local newspapers are a good place to start). Coupons can be especially useful when it comes to eating out. Restaurants in college towns often offer great savings in coupon books distributed on campus. Also, buy your textbooks used, borrow books or check them out at the library if possible. Give up or cut back on cigarettes and/or alcohol--both of which can be very expensive. Instead of spending $4 to $8 going out to the movies, rent a few and stay in with friends. If you get them on the right nights you can usually rent movies for around a dollar each. Turn economizing into a personal challenge and see how much money you can save yourself.
• Take advantage of the free and cheap activities on and around campus. Universities are famous for having excellent entertainment at a low, low price. Instead of going out to a movie or a professional show, go see your school's theater or music department performances. English and writing programs at universities usually offer author readings and lectures throughout the year. Joining a club, group or organization insures you will always have something to do and someone to do it with--even if it's stuffing envelopes or making phone calls.
• Value your education. Keep in mind that obtaining a college education may require sacrifice on your part. However, it provides you with the opportunity to learn and eventually seek employment in the field of your choice. It is also well known that college graduates earn more in their lifetime than someone without a degree. What you are sacrificing and working for is well worth your effort!