If you are a to-be college student (or you are a college parent) , it is important to understand the weight that budgeting should have in your life from the get go of your post high school education. While many young adults may feel that budgeting begins once you get old, that is simply not the case. Whether or not your parents are funding your college career, practicing habits now of savvy financial planning is going to have influence on your life in the many years to come. During the season of college you are given the opportunity to live life with a bit more freedom than that of a high school student, but also with much less responsibility (and stress) as the average full time working adult. Believe it or not he stress you feel as a college student and the many sleepless nights are only preparing your for adulthood, time becomes less and less available when you work full time, are married, raising children, etc.

In order to begin the healthy habits of financial planning today so that you may prevent debt for yourself tomorrow, consider these few tips geared for you college aged individuals. First off, paying for food just might be one of your biggest expenses next to your living arrangements; so planning to have money for this is important. For some students, you may be living in a dorm on campus; if this is the case you may have the option for food to be added on to your plan, or perhaps it is included. Even with that, you will still want to budget for snacks in your room, food out with friends for your all-night study session, and frequent coffee runs.

Unlike the public or private schools before you start college, books are not provided for you by the school. Any text book you need for college must be purchased on your own; meaning you must not only set aside the time to buy them, but also the funds—they can be pricey. Depending on what year student you are and your emphasis for your studies will depend on how much you pay a year in college books. Ask people in your field of study to get a good idea. Don't forget that you will need supplies too, and for some of you adults out there, your parents may no longer take you to buy new pencils when you run out, so save up!

Remember, as a college student, you are going to need a computer; most likely a laptop if you intend on note taking in class. You can save money during the purchase by saying you are a student in most places, so don't forget; a few dollars here and there will add up years down the road. Next, you will want to have a budget set for your entertainment fund at school. Do you think that you will want to go to the movies with your friends often, or enjoy nights on the town at fun restaurants? If so, save up; this is never worth going into debt for.

Traveling expenses are also important to take into consideration. Do you plan on going home to visit your family? If so, how often? Do you plan on driving your car or using the bus or train? Gas prices are not cheap, so it is important to make sure you are leaving funds set aside for your travels. Spend time with your parents talking about money, create a budget and decide whether you will need to work to help supplement your income. Budgeting and planning now is going o save you not only a headache later on, but also from having to face debt at an early age.