BOZEMAN ON A BUDGETAn Office of Financial Education presentation

WHAT THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION CAN DO FOR YOU

One-on-One Financial Coaching to assist in Loan repayment Credit management Budgeting Scholarship and Other money management skills.

Workshops Join our Student Task Force to share your thoughts/ideas on how to improve financial literacy at MSU

TOPICSCheap EntertainmentSave on Transportation Grocery ShoppingWays to Earn MoneyCreating a Spending Plan

GET LOST FOR A FEW Recreational cabins from the US Forest Service offer a cheap way to spend

some time in the wildernesshttp://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gallatin/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=5566&actid=101

Just Google “rent Forest Service cabins in Montana”

GET LOST, PT. II Find a good trail around Bozeman and go for a hike

Need an idea of where to go? This can help: http://www.outsidebozeman.com/places/trails

Or you can make your own path!

Sacagawea Peak-Bridger RangeCollege “M” Trail-Bridger Range

Spanish Peaks

TAKE A STROLL DOWNTOWN 18 Galleries – displaying local artwork as well as art from around the state

giving you a taste of all different styles and cultures in our vast state.

2 Antiques Stores – be sure to take a trip back in time at the local antique shops. Although some items are rather expensive, you can always find a cool knick-knack or gift for a relative, or something to add a little vintage flair to your apartment or dorm room.

Farmers Market – from June-September at Bogart Park and Gallatin County Fairgrounds

Checkout Music On Main - June 26th-August 14th

Stroll the Art Walk - June 13th-December 12th

LOCAL ART SPOTS

BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Get a library card! Its free for Gallatin County residents

Great place to study for your next exam

Hosts weekly events

Displays local artwork

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00-8:00 Friday 10:00-6:00 Saturday 10:00-5:00 Sunday 1:00-5:00

http://www.bozemanlibrary.org

MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES Like to learn in your spare time? Check out the Museum of the Rockies

$10 admission with a student ID , or if you plan on going frequently $42 for a 1 year membership. If you go 4 times, you’re already making the most of that membership!

Your admissions sticker allows unlimited access for two consecutive days

http://www.museumoftherockies.org

EVERYONE LIKES TO SHOP!

Sack’s of Bozeman

Goodwill

Bozeman Community Thrift Center

Salvation Army

Nu2U Thrift

Catwalk

Second Impression

Rethink Thrift Inc.

Head West

Big Sky Consignment

Check out the local thrift stores to fine unique and one of a kind items

Visit often. Find out the days and time your thrift store restocks its shelves to get the first dibs on the latest items

Go in with a plan. It can become overwhelming with all the stuff so go when you are looking for a particular item but also go with an open mind…you never know what you might find!

Check clothes carefully for missing buttons, stains or loose threading. Can you fix it? Is it worth the cost?

Know Sale Days. Many stores offer discounts to MSU students or they might have special days where items go on sale.

Shop seasonally. Go shopping right after peak time when everyone clears out their closets. Fore example shop for boots/jackets in April and sundresses in September.

CHECK OUT CRAIGSLIST! Check out the “For Sale” section for great deals on bikes, outdoor equipment, clothing and home furniture!

Don’t forget about the FREE section. You never know what you might find!

GETTING AROUND The Streamline bus system offers a variety of routes to get you around

Bozeman for free!

http://www.streamlinebus.com and click on routes to see your options

If you want to keep tabs on the bus location, download their app for iPhones and Android devices.

BOZEMAN BIKE KITCHEN The Bozeman Bike Kitchen is a non-profit organization that

offers free to low cost bike parts and mechanical help. With their experience and reserve of parts they’ll be able to get your bike rolling in no time!

They’re located at 2104 Industrial Drive off of North Rouse Ave. They’re open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8pm so stop by and check them and get some great advice to keep your ride in top notch condition

They even have volunteer programs that will allow you to earn a bike in exchange for your time and help!

Visit their website www.bozemanbikekitchen.org

DON’T FORGET ABOUT CARPOOLING Carpooling is an easy way to share the cost of transportation.

Ask your Roommate, Partner, Co-worker or friends to share a ride

Check out publictransportation.org and click on tools and calculators to find how much you commute really costs you.

For example: Assume your car gets 32 MPG, gas is $3.60 per gallon and your commute to campus is 4 miles round trip. Your yearly cost of commuting by car is $160.32 Plus $169 for a full year parking pass That’s a total of $329.32 per year!

SMART SHOPPING – GROCERIES Price Shopping can save you a lot of money in the long run. Just

because a grocery store is close by and convenient it may not always be the best deal. Shop around and find the store with the best prices on foods you generally purchase.

Many stores offer a free rewards program that can save you money every time you check out and some even offer other forms of rewards. This can save large amounts of money on store brand items such as produce and meat.

Create a meal plan for the next two weeks to limit the amount of unnecessary items you purchase as well as how many visits you make to grocery store. Planning a lunch can keep you from spending $8 in the Union Market or at your favorite sandwich shop.

Costco offers great deals by buying food and other items in bulk. Buyers beware though! Some offers are actually more expensive than other stores so always be sure to check the pricing with your favorite grocery store to ensure that you’re really getting a great deal!

EARNING QUICK CASH $$$ The Bio Science Labs across from MSU offer a quick way to earn some cash by allowing them to test disinfectants, hand sanitizers and other personal care products. (Don’t worry it’s very safe and professional) Current Studies can be found on their website under the participate section http://www.biosciencelabs.com/

The Bozeman Job Service often offers temporary quick jobs, as well as part time positions available in the Bozeman area. http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/local/bozeman/jobseekers.asp

Check out HireABobcat.com for jobs on and off-camps!

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS In addition to having some extra cash,

student employment offers opportunities for students to develop soft skills in an office environment and build a strong work ethic

Many companies offer Tuition Assistance that will help cover the cost of tuition just by working for them. Although some require that you work for a certain period of time so get your applications in early!

Campus jobs are excellent opportunities as campus offices understand that you are a student first and a worker second, and are more willing to give you the day off to study for a hard chemistry exam.

NOW LETS TALK ABOUT BUDGETINGThink of it as a spending plano It’s not about how much money you have, it’s about

what you do with it.o Create a spreadsheet that has all your monthly

expenses. This will give you a more visual representation of where your money is going.

o For your expense be sure to budget the amount you can spend and follow up so that you can see how you did. The more you can save the better off you’ll be for unexpected expenses and purchases.

THANK YOU!