Resources | Addition Financial Credit Union

How Addition Financial Helps Students Establish Financial Wellbeing

Written by Addition Financial | June 14, 2024

Table of Contents

1. The Importance of Financial Health in Student Success
2. Managing Finances in College
3. Saving as a College Student
4. Building Credit: A Key Component of Financial Wellbeing
5. Preparing for Post-Graduation Financial Independence
6. Maximizing Your Membership Benefits

As students navigate college life, they face endless decisions that can impact their future. When it comes to managing their money, Addition Financial can help. We're dedicated to helping members establish financial wellness by empowering them with the tools and services they need. This is especially true for college students, as they begin to rely less on family members.

Students can build a strong foundation of financial skills for their future by taking advantage of the range of products and services we offer them along the way. In this post, we'll share how we can support students in their journey toward independence.

The Importance of Financial Health in Student Success

Financial health is a vital aspect of overall wellness, and for students, it plays a key role in their success. Developing better money habits creates a positive college experience and a secure future with less financial stress. This can include everything from learning to manage expenses, saving more, and making ends meet while they hit the books. Our hope is to guide students in making better financial decisions for long-term sustainability.

Managing Finances in College

Managing money in college can be challenging, but with the right guidance, students can navigate their finances with more confidence. Addition Financial offers valuable support and services to help students manage their money more effectively. Whether it's setting up a checking account or understanding the ins and outs of student loans, we're dedicated to ensuring that you have the knowledge you need to make the right move.

Setting Up a Student Checking Account

A student checking account is an essential tool for managing finances in college. It provides a secure and convenient way to deposit and access money, make purchases, and track expenses. Addition Financial offers a student checking account option specifically designed to meet the unique needs of college students.

Our student checking account features include no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and access to a network of ATMs and debit cards. With help from Addition Financial, students can easily manage their day-to-day expenses, keep an eye on how much money they're spending, and give themselves peace of mind.

Funding Your Degree with Student Loans

For many students, funding their college education requires taking out student loans. We help students find the right student loan options for their financial aid needs, in partnership with Sallie Mae. They can explore a competitive variable and fixed interest rates, and consider multiple repayment options. By effectively comparing available loans, students can make informed choices about their borrowing and develop a plan for repayment that aligns with their financial goals.

Saving as a College Student

Saving money while in college may seem ambitious, especially if it feels like you don't have adequate income. However, it's never too early to start building good saving habits. Addition Financial encourages students to prioritize saving as a key component of their financial wellbeing. By setting aside money regularly, even in small amounts, students can start building an emergency fund and working towards their long-term goals. Setting up a dedicated savings account is a great way for college students to save money and create a safety net for their future financial success.

Why It’s Never Too Early to Start Saving

Saving money as a college student has benefits beyond financial stability. It allows you to benefit from compound interest, build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, and develop strong self discipline. Starting as a young person sets the foundation for a secure financial future and equips you with essential life skills like budgeting and informed decision-making. Cultivating a savings habit early on is a great way to foster independence.

We're Helping You Save More

At Addition Financial, we know that every little penny counts when you're building healthy habits. By enrolling in our AddsUp Savings Program, each debit card transaction you make will be rounded up to the nearest dollar. Then that rounded up amount, the difference between the actual amount and the next dollar amount, will be transferred into the savings account of your choice.

Building Credit: A Key Component of Financial Wellbeing

Building credit is an essential aspect of financial wellbeing. Addition Financial recognizes the importance of building credit and provides guidance to students on understanding credit scores, applying for credit cards, and using credit responsibly. Establishing a positive credit history early on helps students set themselves up for success in the future.

Understanding Credit Scores and How They Work

Credit scores play a crucial role in financial health as they reflect an individual's creditworthiness. These numbers are a representation of an individual's creditworthiness and are based on factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and credit mix.

A strong credit history can open doors to better interest rates on loans, lower insurance premiums, and even impact employment opportunities. Understanding how credit scores work and seeking out a free credit report is essential for those looking to build credit. By reviewing these reports and disputing any errors, they can take steps to improve their own credit scores and maintain a better financial profile.

Applying for a Credit Card

Applying for a credit card can be an effective way for students to build credit, but it's important to approach it responsibly. Addition Financial offers a Pathway Credit Card specifically designed for those looking to establish credit. This card provides an opportunity to build credit while offering features like low interest rates and no annual fee. By using a Pathway Credit Card, students can establish a positive credit history and gain valuable money management skills.

Tips for Using Credit Responsibly

Using credit responsibly is crucial for maintaining financial wellbeing. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:



By using credit responsibly, students can establish a positive credit history and avoid falling into the trap of credit card debt.

Preparing for Post-Graduation Financial Independence

Preparing for financial independence post-graduation is critical for college graduates entering full-time employment. Addition Financial promotes open conversations about finances and offers educational content to boost your confidence when entering the professional world. Banking with us provides students the knowledge and support necessary for post-graduation financial security.

Planning for Student Loan Payments

For many college graduates, managing student loan payments is a significant financial responsibility. Addition Financial understands the importance of planning for student loan payments and provides resources and guidance to help graduates navigate this process. 

We offer information on different repayment options, strategies for managing loan payments, and tips for staying on top of student loan debt, including debt management plans. By planning ahead and understanding the options available, graduates can effectively manage their loan payments and work towards becoming debt-free.

Maximizing Your Membership Benefits

By improving financial knowledge, students can gain the essential foundation for a smart relationship with money, allowing them to make well-informed decisions and manage their finances effectively. That's why being a member of Addition Financial comes with a range of resources designed to support students with financial education. From financial literacy programs to helpful calculators, we're committed to helping students make the most of their membership with us.

Addition Financial is Here for You

Financial wellbeing is crucial for student success, and Addition Financial offers valuable products and services to help kickstart your journey. From understanding personal finance basics to managing finances and building credit, our guidance sets you up for a more comfortable college experience, and beyond.

With Addition Financial, you're not just creating financial stability; you're paving the way for a brighter future. If you're looking to begin your journey, consider becoming a member today.