College Admissions Consulting How College Students Can Set Financial Goals Written by Aimée Yorsaneron March 3rd, 2026 Before I joined the college finance team at College Coach, I was the associate director of financial aid at Babson College. Prior to my stint with Babson, I worked as an assistant director of financial aid at Berklee College of Music, MIT, and Boston University. I've spent most of my professional career working in financial aid and have assisted traditional undergraduates, adult learners, and master’s degree students in financing their educations. I have a master’s degree in human resource education, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a certificate in coaching. Learn More About Aimée advice for students, financial literacy, College means independence, not just when it comes to choosing courses or where to eat dinner, but in financial planning and budgeting. This first taste of increasing financial responsibility can be a challenging learning process, but there are simple steps you can take to stay on track (and you may even be able to save money in college). Identify financial goals. This starts with knowing what you want to accomplish with your money in the next semester or two. Is there a play or concert you’ve been hoping to go to? Maybe you are dreaming about warmer weather and spring break with friends. What do you want to achieve with your money? With a goal in mind, it’s time to track your spending. Tracking all expenditures for a few weeks will give you a good idea of where your money is going. Identify areas where you’re spending too much and where you can dial back your purchases. Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals around your financial priorities. Goals that are measurable are easier to accomplish. Decided that your priority is to save up some spending money for that study abroad trip you’re taking this summer? Design a budget that will help you achieve this SMART goal. Track your progress and regularly review your budget. Is it working? Do you need to adjust? Are you staying within your means? Setting financial goals as a college student is a low-impact way to practice the real-world skills of budgeting and long-term planning so that, when you get your first full-time job and are beginning your professional life, you'll be better prepared for “adulting.” Your future money success starts today. Meet our team of college finance experts, former financial aid officers who know the ins and outs of college financing. Meet The Team Related Resources Read | Posted on March 31st, 2026 Seven Things Waitlisted Students Should Do Read | Posted on February 27th, 2026 Budget-Friendly Spring Break Travel & Money-Saving Tips for Students Read | Posted on February 3rd, 2026 What Does It Mean When a College Sends You Mail?
