Smart Money Links

Budgeting

  • JumpStart Reality Check - This “Reality Check” allows students to view the cost of current or future (aspirational) lifestyles. After choosing from various types of shelter, transportation, food, utilities etc., you’ll be presented with the actual income needed to support that lifestyle.
  • Mint - This secure site will help you budget properly and reach your financial goals. It features real-time banking and credit card information. There is even a mobile application for on-the-go savings!
  • FinAid Annual Budget Calculator - This annual budget calculator is geared towards the college student, including their unique expenses (tuition, fees and required course materials and educational supplies) and income types (loans, grants, and scholarships).
  • Budgetpulse - Do you want the convenience of a free online budgeting app, but don't like the idea of downloading your personal financial information? Then Budgetpulse might be for you.

Credit

  • Free Annual Credit Report - Was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies and is the only true "free" site to request your credit report from annually.
  • Credit Card Payoff Calculator - Ever wonder how long it will take you to pay off that credit card? This site can tell you by simply plugging in your credit card balance and annual percentage rate.
  • CashCourse - Offers comprehensive information on credit and other financial basics that are relatable to collegiate lifestyles and beyond.
  • National Foundation for Credit Counseling(NFCC) - The NFCC is the place to go when looking for a non profit credit counseling agency.

Student Loans

  • Loan Simulator - Will show you all of the federal repayment plans you are eligible for. Simply log in using your FAFSA FSA ID and password and your federal loan amounts will populate for you, or enter your loan amounts yourself.
  • CheckMarq - View My Loan Debt will show all loans you've taken out at MU thus far along with current repayment plan options and servicer information.
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - Go here to file your FAFSA annually! All federal grant and loan awards are determined by the FAFSA. Have more questions? Check out the Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Financial Aid.
  • Student Loan Tracking - Students can use this site to track their federal financial aid loan history, check the status of their financial aid applications, and more. Please note: loans borrowed from private lenders will not be included on this site.
  • Financial Awareness Counseling - This is a new useful tool brought to you by the U.S. Department of Education, and it is designed to help students with everything from basic financial management to managing student loan debt through the course of a student's college career and beyond.
  • Marquette's Office of Student Loan Accounts and Collections - Is the thought of repaying your student loans daunting, and you're just not sure where to start? Check out SLA's site for information on loan consolidation, loan rehabilitation, deferment information and loan exit counseling.

General Personal Finance

  • Mapping Your Future - A helpful website that provides information on everything from budgeting to protecting yourself from identity theft.  Personal finance from soup to nuts, you’ll find it here.
  • Time Magazine: Terrible Financial Advice - This article from Time Magazine lets you know which common finance tips are better left on the cutting room floor.
  • The Better Business Bureau - The Better Business Bureau provides information on trusted and respected charities and businesses. If you are purchasing something from a business for the first time, using the BBB can help you steer clear of possible scams or identity theft.
  • Practical Money Skills for Life – A quick and easy to navigate website that provides information on how to budget, types of credit, consumer privacy and consumer awareness.  If being interactive is your style, try the various calculators, games and videos on this site.

Saving for Retirement

  • AARP Retirement Calculator - It's never too early to start saving for retirement. The earlier you start, the more your money will grow!

Salary Tools and Calculators

Financial Literacy Games