Page 315 - Keys to College Success

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How Effectively Do You Manage Money?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always

1. I am aware of my personal views on spending and saving money. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I know how much money I can spend each month. 1 2 3 4 5

3. I know the difference between things that I want and things that I need, and I shop accordingly. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I control my spending by using a monthly budget. 1 2 3 4 5

5. I successfully balance my responsibilities at work and at school. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I understand the benefits and responsibilities of financial aid. 1 2 3 4 5
7. I know the current interest rate, late fees, and balances on my credit cards. 1 2 3 4 5

8. I know my credit rating and its potential effect on my finances in the future. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I add to a savings account or CD regularly. 1 2 3 4 5

10. I plan to start saving for my retirement while I am in college. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower. Skim
the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new strategies.
REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW EFFECTIVELY YOU MANAGE YOUR MONEY, YOU CAN IMPROVE WITH EFFORT AND PRACTICE.

WHAT CAN MATH
do for you?

The importance of mathematics for today’s world is in the news constantly. Edu-
cational blogs and publications emphasize the need to increase interest in STEM (sci-
ence, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. The U.S. national press,
concerned about economic growth and the competitiveness of the nation’s work-
force, calls repeatedly for increased participation in STEM fields. The ever-increasing
dominance of technology and knowledge work means more focus on STEM subjects
both in school and more opportunity in those fields in the workplace.
Those of you who gravitate toward math and science and related subjects don’t
need any prodding to understand why math is important. You know that math is an
essential tool with which to learn and build your career in whatever STEM field you
pursue. But how about the rest of you? Literature and language buffs, history and
communications majors, students with no idea of a major but who don’t plan to go
anywhere near a STEM field—many of you may not see the reward of taking the math
classes your school requires. However, there are reasons to believe that your efforts
will pay off. Here are some of them.

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