Money Matters

I love money. Who doesn’t? As a college student though, sometimes finding spare change can be rather difficult. Student loans, part-time jobs, and worrying about where next month’s rent is coming from can be a stressful time. While at the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference, we heard from speakers about style advice in a professional place, but we also listened to Adam Carroll, CEO of National Financial Educators, on how to be smart with our money.

Adam told us a story about his I-Pod that he wanted so badly but didn’t want to spend the money to buy. Because technology changes so quickly, he decided he needed more of an investment than something that would depreciate so fast. Adam decided to buy a gumball machine. He stuck it in his friend’s store, and within a month he had paid for the cost of the gumball machine, plus earned enough money to buy his I-Pod.

It is funny how passive income can make such a difference. When looking to be wealthy someday, it is vital to save money and spend money wisely. Adam told us to pay ourselves first—to save 10% of what we make each month. I haven’t started yet, but maybe someday I’ll be rich by following this piece of advice!

Earning enough money to stay on track in college and keep my head above water is what matter the most to me. I can’t wait to get out and get a real job where I can begin doing what I love—and also make more than minimum wage. Money does matter for the success of a student, and it all starts in college.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education