Financial Wellness

The CSULB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships believes that every student should be an educated, responsible, and financially heathy member of the University community. But you don't have to get there on your own. We've put together some information and resources to help you on your way (or get you back on your feet) financially.

Take a moment to review everything below. If you have questions or concerns, we're here to help.

Financial planning is the basic idea that you can manage your income and expenses in order to become or remain financially healthy. Financial planning can take various forms, including budgeting; reviewing and deciding on a debt repayment plan; and growing your wealth through savings and investments.

A great place to start is by reviewing CSULB's Financial Literacy program.This resource is available to you has a current student; alumnus; and parent. Workshop topics include budgeting; credit management; identity theft; buying a car; and insurance.

Budgeting consists of understanding your incoming funding and outgoing expenses, with an attempt either make your income and expenses balance or, ideally, to have your income exceed your expenses.

Budgeting is generally your first step towards financial wellness, as it requires you to take a close and clear look at what sort of money you have and where you're spending it. You usually start budgeting with a goal in mind, whether that is to simply reduce debt or expenses; to save up for a special cost, like a trip; or build up enough capital to begin investing.

For more information on budgeting, you can watch these short videos on FATv:

Debt can be a major hurdle on your way to financial wellness. Whether your debt is due to credit cards; loans; education; or other obligations, owing money can hold you back from progressing towards achieving your financial goals.

Usually you would start to deal with debt by learning how to budget, but sometime it helps to even understand what debt is, in general; what sort of debt you might be dealing with; and how you got into debt.

For more information on debt, you can watch these short videos on FATv:

Saving money can help you spend your money on a desired goal, like a trip or a special item. Saving can also put on the path towards investing and growing your wealth further.

There is some debate on whether you should prioritize saving or paying down debt; your financial wellness plan will depend on your specific circumstances and what will make sense for you.

For more information on saving, you can watch these short videos on FATv:

CSULB knows that you might need some help on campus. We've listed a variety of resources on campus that can help you find the assistance you need.

Enrollment Services provides workshops throughout the year on Financial Wellness; keep an eye on our Outreach page for your next opportunity.

In the meantime, spend a few minutes going through CSULB's Financial Literacy program, which can guide you through all the steps you need to get on the right path to financial fitness.