With the Spring semester getting started and many students receiving their financial aid for the semester, professors of finance at UTRGV shared some helpful advice for students at UTRGV to help save money.
Dave Jackson, a Professor of Finance states that many people do not have an understanding of financial literacy which in his words is to understand how finance works, how money works, and understand that borrowing money has a cost.
“The simplest solution is to spend less than you earn”
Jackson also states that the general problem with the U.S. economy is that it is built on credit and consumerism. Because of that, it becomes difficult for people to grow their wealth since they do not take the proper steps to put themselves in a state of being financially secure.
“ The key is to invest in your future.”
Psychology Junior at UTRGV Stephanie Ramos who is aiming to be a counselor says that inflation is a problem and it is harder for people to get good-paying jobs.
Ramos has been saving money for her education by working jobs. At home, she is responsible for taking care of her siblings while hoping to become the first in her family to graduate college.
“I am quite worried because I’m kind of doing all this on my own.”
Jorge Vidal is a Finance Lecturer at UTRGV who is a self-proclaimed optimist. Vidal mentions that there are things that are concerning today, but if you spend your money wisely if you work hard, and make good plans, you will be okay in the future. There are many many opportunities.
Vidal advises students to save their money and not spend it because people tend to make better financial decisions when they have money in their savings. Vidal also shares some general steps for students to follow in order to put themselves in a better financial state.
“Step 1 would be to have an emergency fund. Step 2, build a rainy day fund. Step 3, make a budget.”
Vidal shares that he runs a financial literacy program that educates students about insurance, investing, making a budget, and avoiding fraud and encourages students to join by contacting him at jorge.vidal@utrgv.edu.
This is Felix Balderas with Vaquero Radio.
