Tools & Resources

Students doing homework on the quad

Knowing where your money goes is the key to being financially well. Budgeting is a proactive approach to organizing your finances and helps to ensure that you are not spending more than you earn. Learning how to budget now will fast track you to reaching your short- and long-term financial goals once you leave JSU.  

Budgeting Solutions 

The less debt acquired during your time in college, the quicker you will be able to start building wealth once you leave. Scholarships help ease the financial burden of attending college. At Jacksonville State University, we offer several types of institutional scholarships for new and continuing students. We also encourage applying for multiple outside scholarship opportunities.  

Don't miss out on scholarship opportunities! Become familiar with the information regarding the scholarships’ requirements, award amounts, and deadlines. 

Where to Find Scholarships 

If you are going to utilize student loans to pay for your education, you need to be an informed borrower. Our goal is to help you manage your student loan debt and provide you with resources to help accomplish your financial goals.

Learn More About Student Loans


Tips on Managing Student Loan Debt

  • Visit studentaid.gov or your private lender’s website frequently to monitor your loan information and to stay up to date on your balances
  • Develop a plan on how you are going to pay your student loan debt before you graduate
  • Contact your loan service before you graduate and work with them to come up with the best repayment option
  • Contact your loan servicer with any life situation updates

Proper credit management will produce a favorable credit score. Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that shows financial institutions and lenders your overall creditworthiness. When your score is high, you will receive the most favorable terms and conditions on financial products, such as interest rates.

The Most Reputable Sites to Check Your Credit Score

Protect Yourself and Your Credit From Identity Theft

Everything you need to know about scams: 
Money Matters How to spot, avoid, and report scams | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov) 

Avoid Cryptocurrency Scams  
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-and-scams 

Getting constant spam emails and calls?  
https://www.donotcall.gov/

The habits developed while in college, such as learning to save and invest, will carry on into adulthood and follow you once you leave JSU. Consistency is the key when it comes to saving and we want to help you identify savings opportunities and establish goals that fit your situation.

How to Get Started With Saving and Investments

  • Build a budget 
  • Identify your goals and needs 
  • Establish a timeline for your goals
  • Educate yourself on the different types of investments and savings accounts available
  • Stay informed
  • Be patient

Apps and Brokers

A healthy relationship with money will flow over into other areas of wellness in your life. While it is important to take care of your financial wellness, you must prioritize your personal health as well.

Learn More About Personal Wellness

Gamecock Market  
 Healthy Eating on a Budget
Benefits and Eligibility
 How to Cope Financially During Major Life Events  

Food

  • Arby’s – 10% off
  • Buffalo Wild Wings – 10% off
  • Burger King – 10% off
  • Chick-fil-A – Free drink
  • Dairy Queen – 10% off
  • Wendy’s – 10% off
  • Domino’s – 20% off late night delivery
  • Dunkin’ Donuts – 10% off
  • Firehouse Subs – 10% off
  • Papa John’s – 10% to 20% discount on pizza or side items.
  • Pizza Hut – 10% off
  • Subway – 10% off
  • Taco Bell – 10% off
  • Waffle House – 10% off

 

Meal Delivery Subscriptions

  • HelloFresh – 55% off 1st box + free shipping (15% off for 51 weeks)
  • EveryPlate – 75% off 1st box + free shipping (15% off for 51 weeks)
  • Home Chef – 50% off first 4 boxes

 

Car Insurance

  • Allstate - Unmarried and under 25 years of age 
  • Geico – Full time w/ a “B”/3.0 GPA 
  • Nationwide – Full time, between the ages of 16 and 24, “B”/3.0 GPA 
  • Progressive – Full time, 23 years old or younger, “B”/3.0 GPA 
  • State Farm – Full-time, “B”/3.0 GPA 
  • Alfa – Full time, 16 to 24 years old, “B”/3.0 GPA 

 

Phone Plans

  • Verizon - $55 per line (contract)
  • Visible by Verizon – starting at $25 per month
  • AT&T - $10 off per month per line (contract)
  • AT&T Prepaid – Starting at $30.00 per month
  • Cricket Wireless – starting at $30 per month
  • Mint Mobile – starting at $15 per month

 

Groceries

  • Kroger – 5% off

 

Streaming

  • Hulu – $1.99 per month
  • Hulu & Spotify Premium - $5.99 per month
  • Peacock - $1.99 for 12 months
  • Amazon Prime – 6 months free ($7.49 per month after free trial)
  • HBO Max - $4.99 per month
  • Paramount+ - $4.50 per month
  • Apple TV – 1 month free ($5.99 per month up to 48 months)

 

Retail Stores

  • American Eagle – 20% off online (Exclusive to UNiDAYS Members)
  • Forever 21 – 21% off in-store/online
  • GAP – Up to 40% off online
  • Hey Dude – 25% off
  • Hollister – 10% off in-store/online
  • Levi’s – 15% off online
  • SHEIN – 15% + FREE shipping on orders $49+
  • Shoe Carnival – 10% off online
  • Target - $4.99/month for Target Circle 360 membership