Deciding to go back to pursue a post-secondary education can be an exciting, new chapter — however, it’s also one that may come with questions of financial uncertainty. Making the choice to further your education requires a complete understanding of your budget, your financial goals leading up to graduation, and maximizing your ability to save on unnecessary spending.

Fortunately, there are clear-cut ways to budget that will help relieve the burden and help you focus on your education.

Take Advantage of Technology

Balancing finances while attending post-secondary takes focus and planning, and with the help of technology it’s completely doable. There are budgeting apps available for students to take advantage of, each with its own unique platform.

Sticking to a budget is crucial in order to continue on the road to that degree or diploma without the added financial stress.

Buy Second-hand

Textbooks are often one of the biggest costs associated with post-secondary education, and whatever your discipline, it’s likely that you’ll need to buy at least a few of them. Thankfully, most campuses have used book stores on the premises where students can purchase their materials for a significantly lower price.

Additionally, social media can be a useful tool when it comes to purchasing second-hand. There are often groups dedicated to swapping textbooks and other supplies. Being able to save money on resources that you’ll likely only need for one semester will allow you to pocket the additional funds and put them towards other necessities or into a savings account, giving you a solid head stary as you begin saving for next semester.

Know Where to Look for Help

The pressures of post-secondary education can take a toll on your finances. It’s not uncommon to find yourself struggling to maintain steady capital. An efficient way to take charge of your finances and remedy any short-term financial setbacks is through payday loans.

While these are temporary measures, working with a payday lender can offer fast relief and easy access to funds without the red tape often found through traditional lending options. Given you’ll have enough on your plate with your studies, they only require basic banking and employment information.

In addition to the option of payday loans, students can benefit from regional and federally-supported grants and bursaries for post-secondary degrees. A quick Google search can help you identify if you qualify for financial assistance or grants. If you’re currently working, ask your employer if they offer a form of tuition assistance. Lastly, there are often a number of established businesses that offer scholarships.

Look for Student Discounts

Your student card and email account are gateways into a world of savings — there are a number of companies across many industries that offer student discounts. Whether it’s established retail brands, cell phone plans, or transportation resources, it’s one of the easiest ways to save money.

Understanding where your options fall will help you establish your overall budget as you begin this new chapter — one where you’ve minimized the financial pressure so you can focus on making the most of your education.