Back to College? 3 Tips to Manage Your Money Smarter This Semester

Heading back to college is exciting, but it can also be expensive. From tuition and books to late-night pizza runs, it’s easy for costs to add up fast. The good news? With a few simple habits, students can take control of their money and set themselves up for financial success. Here are three tips to get started:

1. Build a Realistic Budget Around Your Spending Habits

Many students create a budget at the start of the semester but struggle to stick with it. Instead of guessing, track your spending for 90 days to get a true picture of where your money goes – whether it’s food, transportation, or streaming subscriptions.

With the CPB mobile app, you can see your full financial picture in one place, including checking accounts, savings, credit cards, and even loans. This makes it easier to set a budget based on your actual habits, not just estimates, so you know how much to spend and how much to save.

2. Keep an Eye on Credit Cards and Loans

Credit cards can be a helpful way to build credit history, but they can also lead to overspending if you’re not careful. Make it a habit to pay off balances in full each month to avoid interest charges. For student loans, know your repayment terms early – even while you’re still in school – so you’re not caught off guard after graduation.

The CPB mobile app can help by tracking multiple accounts and loan balances together. You’ll always know how much you owe and when payments are due.

3. Plan Ahead for the “Extras”

Even with a tight budget, unexpected costs pop up…things like textbooks you didn’t budget for, club fees, or trips home for the holidays. If you have a part-time job or other income, try setting aside a little each month for these extras.

If you don’t have steady income, you can still plan ahead by using the CPB mobile app to spot spending patterns and shift money from non-essentials (like fewer food deliveries or streaming subscriptions) toward those extra costs. That way, when something comes up, you’ll have a plan instead of scrambling.

Final Thoughts

College is about more than just classes – it’s also a chance to build lifelong money habits. With a smart budget, responsible credit use, and a plan for the extras, students can manage their finances with confidence. And with CPB’s mobile app, keeping track of it all is easier than ever.

Ready to make smarter financial moves? Download the Central Pacific Bank mobile app today and put your refreshed budget into action.

Learn more about our digital banking tools here.

The content provided in this material is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, financial, legal, or investment advice. The information is of a general nature and does not address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. For personalized advice regarding your financial situation, please consult with a qualified professional.