Financial Wellness
You may not have thought about financial wellness before now, but finances impact nearly every aspect of our lives. Making a solid financial plan equips you to acheive your academic goals and succeed in your chosen career. Check out the resources below for help with creating a budget and money saving tips.
If you have questions about your Financial Aid package, student loans, grants, or academic probation/suspension, please contact the Financial Aid office by visiting their page Financial Aid Office.
Financial Planning through MyPlan
MyPlan is your personal guide for career, academic, and financial planning.
- Explore, identify and clarify your career goals
- Understand how financial planning relates to your career planning
- Develop a plan for how to pay for college (now and in the future)
- Build your academic plan and understand how it relates to achieving your career goals
Your life as a student is busy, so schedule yourself time to start the activities in MyPlan that are most relevant to you. Remember, Clark College faculty and staff are here to help on your journey, so don't hesitate to contact us.
Complete this form for access to planning in MyPlan Canvas.
Plan
The choice to attend college is a big decision - and potentially a big cost, but it doesn't have to be. Check out these budgeting tools and money saving tips.
- Budgeting Worksheets
- Budgeting Calculators
- Budgeting Apps: Mint & Wally
Creating a Monthly Budget:
Learn
Save
Live
Meal Planning
Cheap Things to do
College Budgeting
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Do I need a budget, and how do I create one?
- Yes, it will help you keep track of spending and reduce debt. How to create a budget you'll actually use.
- Yes, it will help you keep track of spending and reduce debt. How to create a budget you'll actually use.
- What is an emergency savings fund, and do I need one?
- It is a separate savings that is used in case of emergencies to cover costs that come
up such as car repairs, higher bills, and medical needs. Having a savings fund can
help cover unplanned costs.
- It is a separate savings that is used in case of emergencies to cover costs that come
up such as car repairs, higher bills, and medical needs. Having a savings fund can
help cover unplanned costs.
- How much do I need to save for an Emergency Fund?
- As much as you can, even if it's $5-$20 a month. Rule of Thumb: How big should your emergency fund be?
- As much as you can, even if it's $5-$20 a month. Rule of Thumb: How big should your emergency fund be?
- Do I need to file my taxes?
- Great question. It depends if someone is claiming you as a dependent and if the state
also has taxes. What college students need to know about doing their taxes.
- Great question. It depends if someone is claiming you as a dependent and if the state
also has taxes. What college students need to know about doing their taxes.
- Can my parents still claim me as a dependent?
- Yes, your parents can claim you as a dependent after the age of 18 indefinitely if
you meet the qualifying household and financial support requirements. To meet the
qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you and either younger than
19 years old or be a "student" younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar
year. There is no age limit if the child is "permanently disabled" or meets the qualifying
relative test. Check out the IRS Dependent guidelines for more information.
- Yes, your parents can claim you as a dependent after the age of 18 indefinitely if
you meet the qualifying household and financial support requirements. To meet the
qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you and either younger than
19 years old or be a "student" younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar
year. There is no age limit if the child is "permanently disabled" or meets the qualifying
relative test. Check out the IRS Dependent guidelines for more information.
- What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card, and how do they work?
- A debit card is a method of payment that is linked to your checking account that deducts purchases
from your checking account automatically.
- Overdraft fees are added when there are not enough funds in the checking account to cover the charges.
- A credit card is a method of payment that is a line of credit that you have agreed to pay any charges
plus interest in a certain amount of time.
- Late fees are added when overdue (late) payments are made. This also has a negative impact on your credit score.
- A debit card is a method of payment that is linked to your checking account that deducts purchases
from your checking account automatically.
Resources
- Support Services for Students
- Workforce Education Services
- Clark College - Financial Aid Office
- Clark College - Emergency Assistance Grant Application
- Community Resources: 211info.org
- Food Resources - Visit the Penguin Pantry for information about food resources.
- Free Legal Consultation for registered students.
- Veteran's Resource Center help veterans and their dependents get connected with the resources and networks of support available to them at Clark and in the local community.