CSU, Sacramento began development of a money management program for students in 2002 as a way to help students manage their money more effectively. Initially offered as a workshop during student Orientation, the program provided information about student loans and focused on basic money management skills, including budgeting, wise spending, credit card debt awareness, and the importance of a good credit history.

By 2002, program staff from the Student Financial Services Center were participating as guest speakers at the Freshman Seminar, allowing more active student participation and increasing the effectiveness of the program. More recently a comprehensive handbook was developed for students to take home, and this year with the help of a grant from EdFund a new website was launched.

Renamed Your Money Matters! the program now features a dynamic interactive website with videos of students sharing their experiences, skills testing, links to helpful resources, and tips for students on how to:

• Develop a spending plan
• Save money on expenses
• Borrow wisely with student loans
• Establish a good credit history
• Avoid the pitfalls of credit cards
• Protect their identify
• Find resources to help them reach their goals

Intended as an enhancement, not a replacement, for personal contact, the online component of the program is just one of the ways in which CSU, Sacramento strives to support its students. The University Student Financial Services Center continues to provide Your Money Matters! presentations to student groups and offers individual counseling at their office.

Money Management Website