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The Smart Money
SBCC Presents a Student's Guide to Financial Fitness
Let's Start With the Basics
When it comes to reaching your goals, a quality college education is only half of the equation. Young adults who adopt savvy financial habits during college are more likely to be successful, and less likely to enter their next stage of life in debt.
The more you learn, the more you earn.
47.1%
Nearly half of community college students say they do not have confidence in their financial literacy skills.
2x
Adults with financial literacy skills enter retirement with approximately twice the wealth of those without.
Start Here
Money matters can be complicated, but we’ve got you covered! Follow the helpful links
below for more information on key financial literacy topics.
Explore Banking Basics
Before you can start saving, you’ll need a bank account and a well planned budget. Click the links below to explore the basics:
- How to get started
- Accounts, services, fees and interest
- Checks and ATM withdrawals
- Savings accounts and investments
Explore Budgeting Basics
The key to financial freedom is planning not just for the future, but for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Click the links below to explore these topics:
- Setting financial goals and developing financial planning habits
- Identifying and categorizing expenses
- Improving and maintaining credit
- Balancing college with a career
Explore Budgeting Basics >
Tools and Resources
Calculating Costs
Housing and living expenses in California coastal cities rank among the highest in
the nation. Keep close track of your housing, living, transportation, college and
leisure expenses by building and sticking to your own, custom budget plan!
Checking the Boxes
The U.S. Department of Education suggests 10 simple things students can do to get
on the path to financial success, from seeking every possible source of financial
aid, to maintaining safe, secure online spending habits. Are you doing everything
you can to get ahead?
Self-Guided Success
Staying on top of your finances takes discipline, but with a positive attitude and
work ethic, you can train yourself to make smarter decisions with your money every day. Start with this three step “self affirmation,” suggested by the Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau.