Best Financial Decision in College
by Rocket FinanceEarlier this week, I was tagged by Plonkee and commissioned to tell about the best financial decision that I made in college. The fact is, and I have already shared, that I made relatively good financial decisions in college. However, those good decisions did not continue into my early years of marriage . . . but that is a different topic.
I attended a small, private college in the early ’90’s. This particular school was more expensive than a number of other options, but I strongly desired what that college had to offer. The best financial decision that I made was simply to work as much as possible – even when I did not have an immediate need for money. My evenings, weekends, and breaks were filled with work opportunities.
I believe that my work schedule helped me in several ways:
- Staying busy on weekends and evenings kept me out of trouble.
- Going to work on a Friday night kept me from spending money on gas
- Going to work on a Friday night kept me from spending money on food.
- It gave me a good excuse not to take my girlfriend on a date that might cost money.
- It forced me to use my time wisely, there was no room for procrastination.
Despite my healthy work schedule, I was still able to make time for extra-curricular activities. Believe it or not, I was able to participate in choir, a musical, a ministry group or two and play four seasons of intercollegiate sports. Mrs. Rocket also worked while in college, but she also invested more time than I in socializing on the weekends. Every once in a while, she calls me a nerd for studying or working on Friday and Saturday nights back then.
I always tell her that even though we did not know each other at the time, I was working on the weekends so that I could pay off her student loans today. 😉
10 Responses to “Best Financial Decision in College”
By Mrs. Micah on Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
I picked studying, which had some similar effects. I also worked, but spending time studying (or watching videos over the college computer network….) kept me from going out with my friends, who made a lot of runs to Wal*Mart, which = gas, food, and anything I bought there.
By rocketc on Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
Most of my college career took place before the internets. 🙂
By Save Money on Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
Wow, a lot of work. But hey if it worked out then good for you. Too many people slack off with there lives and especially in college/university. Funny how unfrugal friends can really run up your bills when your not used to the lifestyles they have.
By rocketc on Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
It is interesting to me how many people view college as a long vacation or chance to “live it up”. No wonder so many of them end up living at home when it is over.
By deepali on Apr 28, 2008 | Reply
Ack, I hope you don’t actually say that to your wife. 🙂
By rocketc on Apr 28, 2008 | Reply
Actually, I do. . . but only with a wink and a reassurance that she is worth every penny.
By Killer on Apr 29, 2008 | Reply
I hope my perseverance and lack of a social life will be as duly rewarded (with good spouse etc), because I’m not sure at this point when I’m supposed to have time to meet anyone let alone form a relationship! (Not that I’m not self-sufficient . . .)
You should start a dating advice blog, with input from Mrs. Rocket.