Financial Literacy
Questions? Contact Us.
Financial Aid
Yakima Campus
Deccio, Building 8
finaid@yvcc.edu
509-574-6855
Grandview Campus
Yakima Campus
Building 56
finaid@yvcc.edu
509-882-7008
Financial Aid Portal
Located within the Student ctcLink Portal.
The Financial Aid Portal will give you access to messages from the Financial Aid office.
Financial Literacy
Helping you prepare for life.
We want financial literacy to be a part of your life. We are focused on providing educational support and resources on financial understanding. We will focus on budgeting, credit, saving, and taxes.
Financial Literacy Events
Throughout the year, we offer events on a wide range of financial literacy topics. We are committed to the wellness of students beyond academics. The financial wellness of our students is very important to us all. Our goal is to provide tools and resources to help students become financially fit and literate.
Financial Literacy Resources
Financial Literacy Videos
Money Management Checklist for College Students
Do you need money for college? There are many resources to help you pay for school. The first resource you should consider is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form at fafsa.gov. At StudentAid.gov, you can find out how to prepare for college, career school, graduate school, and professional school, what types of aid are available (including aid from the federal government, the state where you live, or the school you attend), and how to apply for that aid.
Did you borrow to pay for college? What is the balance of your federal student loans? When do you have to start paying your loans back? Where will you send the payments? Did you know that you may be eligible for a 0.25% percent rate reduction if you set up auto-debit payments? Take the first steps in managing your credit and student loans by viewing your “My Federal Student Aid” account at StudentAid.gov/login or downloading the myStudentAid mobile app to get an overview of all of your federal student loans.
Do you check your bank account online? Are there any ATMs near campus that don’t charge a fee? Bank accounts are a necessary tool to help you track, spend, and save money. Keeping track of your expenses is a habit that will come in handy for future loan repayment.
Ever wondered where all your money goes? Keep track of your expenses by creating a budget and checking it regularly. Budgets change over time. For example, if you move from a dorm room into an off-campus apartment, you will have different expenses.
Are you checking your budget? Great! Do you know how much you have in your online bank account? Fantastic! Now is the time to start saving (paying yourself first). Create an emergency fund for unexpected expenses; save up for grad school; put money aside to buy your first home . . . prepare for your future.
How many credit cards do you have? Do you know the interest rate for each card? Credit cards can come in handy, but they can also get you into financial trouble, so use them wisely. Credit, charge, or debit? Each lets you pay for products and services. Each also has unique characteristics. And if you’re shopping for a credit card, it’s important to compare fees, interest rates, finance charges, and benefits.
Did you know that after college you still have a GPA of sorts? It’s called a credit
score. Paying your bills on time will help you keep your credit in good shape. A good
credit score can lead to all sorts of financial advantages such as cheaper insurance
premiums and lower borrowing costs. Your future employer may
even choose to review your credit report as part of the hiring decision. Protect your
credit and review your credit report.
How many times have you had to complete a form and list your Social Security number (SSN)? College students are easy targets for identity theft, so watch out for criminals trying to steal your personal information and protect your identity by not sharing your SSN unless it is required. Find out how to protect yourself from identity theft while in school at StudentAid.gov/scams.