In your coaching session, you may ask questions, create a budget that works with your current expenses and income, and discuss your financial goals. The coach will provide information, tools, resources and guidance to help you reach your goals.

Coach - Jessie Ghiglieri

To book your free appointment, please email financialwellness@clark.edu
Appointment hours:  Monday - Friday - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Financial Wellness workshops are offered each term. Topics like Better Banking, Managing Debt, Understanding Credit, Financial Preparedness, and Economic Impact to Your Finances are offered.

Visit the Financial Wellness Workshop schedule for more information about upcoming events.

If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in an event, you should contact Clark College's Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-992-0901 VP, or visit Disability Support Services (PUB 013) as soon as possible.

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.

How to budget in College:

• Budgeting Worksheets
• Budgeting Calculators
• Budgeting Apps: Mint & Wally

Creating a Monthly Budget:

• How to create a monthly budget

• Free online courses

• Paying for College

  • Clark - Paying for college
  • 8 expert approved tips for paying for college
• Where to buy, rent, and sell textbooks
• Types of credit
• Credit reports & scores
• How credit cards work
• Free credit check

• Podcasts

  • Planet money
  • Smart money

• Newsletters

  • Protect Yourself from Predatory Financial Practices

  • Real Estate Programs for First-time and Low-income Home Buyers

  • Student Loans and Paying for College

• Saving for an Emergency fund vs Rainy-day fund
  
  
• Saving for emergencies
  
  
• How to save money on items
  
  
• 50 ways to save on everything guide

Meal Planning

• Frugal meal planning
• Cooking & shopping on a budget
• Simple cheap meals

Cheap Things to do

• Cheap things to do in the Portland Metro Area
• Cheap things to do in Vancouver, WA

College Budgeting

• Living on a college budget 101
• Save and shop
• Side hustles

• 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.
    
    
• 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. 
    
    
• 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?
    
    
• 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.
    
    
• 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.
    
    
• 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.

• 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.
  
  
• Free AARP Tax Assistance for 2022 Taxes: Please view the flyer for in-person locations or if you want to do your own taxes virtually but want some "help", you will need to submit a request and someone will call you back and set up an appointment. 
  
  
• 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.