The Financial Aid office at Helena College is here to help
Budgeting and Spending Plan
Creating a College Spending Plan video from the Montana University System.
Creating a budget or a spending plan allows you to see where your money goes throughout the month giving you a better idea of how to prepare for the upcoming month's expenses. Schedule time with the Financial Aid Office and walk through it together.
Electronic Budgeting
There are a number of websites and apps to help you manage your budget.
Budgets on Excel
You can find many different Excel budget templates online.
Paper and Pencil Budgets
Need to see it on paper? Visit Frugal Fanatic Printable budgeting sheets.
Understand Credit and Your Credit Score
Do you want information on types of credit or understand your credit score? Please make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office!
A free credit report is available through annualcreditreport.com.
The three main credit reporting agencies include TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.
What is a credit score?
A credit score is a number assigned by credit reporting companies based on information available on your credit report. Like a test score, the higher the score, the better your credit. A good credit score shows that you have a high probability of repaying loans on time. Therefore, a good credit score will help you take out loans more easily and even get better interest rates.
Money Saving Tips
- Make Saving a Habit
- Pay yourself first!
- A savings plan can help you reach your goals and assist in emergency situations.
- If you can't save 10% of your income, save 5%. If you can't save 5%, save 2%. If you can't save 2%, save $20 a month or whatever you can afford.
- Personal Matched Savings Accounts. These enable individuals to save and build assets more quickly than they can on their own. These accounts allow you to save for assets you may need, including a new computer, a washer, and a dryer, or to save for emergencies.
- How to Blow Your Refund from the Montana University System
- Schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office for assistance in building a savings plan.
Paying for School
- A Guide to Financial Aid from the Montana University System
- What I Wish I had Known: Financial Aid from the Montana University System
Make payments with the Deferred Payment Plans through Business Services. This plan will split your tuition and mandatory fees into 4 payments throughout the semester.
Always refer to the Financial Aid web page for information on loans, grants, and scholarships. Meet with a Financial Aid Professional for help. Schedule an appointment today through your Starfish account.
Tools and Resources for Money Management During College
For a great budget builder visit, You Can Deal With It. Do not forget once you get your budget built you need to keep it current. Re-evaluate and make adjustments as necessary!
Practical Money Skills provides personal finance tips, games, apps, calculators, and other helpful resources.
Check the Helena College Scholarship page monthly for upcoming scholarship opportunities.
Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@helenacollege.edu or call 406-447-6915. If you would like to meet one-on-one with a Financial Aid Representative, please schedule an appointment through our Bookings Link!
Helena College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, sex, marital status, color, age, physical handicap, national origin, service in federally or state defined uniform service, veteran status, political ideas, genetic information, gender identity, gender expressions, sexual orientation or physical or mental handicap in the administration of all aid programs.
