To pay for increasingly expensive dorm rooms filled with college-specific furniture and brand new textbooks useful for only one semester, many Boston University students cover these costs with credit cards, officials said.
“Credit card use is not uncommon to 19- to 21-year-olds as well as grad students in their late 20s — it is a trend and an issue,” said School of Management professor Mark Williams. “As a student you’re in school to learn and many students don’t have the time to work a second job so their credit card bills add up.”
Students who are not educated about their finances run a high risk of being careless with credit cards and neglectful of their payments, according to a Wall Street Journal article published Monday.
As the economy worsens, students still carry MacBook computers, iPhones and North Face jackets to class, said SMG professor Kathryn Griner.
“Kids are so entitled today,” she said. “Parents are maybe giving them these credit cards more than in the past.”
Griner said she would advise students to use their debit cards instead of credit cards as much as possible.
“If [students] do have a big balance, they can do their homework and transfer to a credit card with a much lower rate,” she said. “Even if it’s just 3 percent less, it makes a difference.”
College of Communication junior Jennifer Ngo said she does not have much trouble with credit card debt, but does tend to spend more recklessly when she uses credit instead of debit cards.
“I’ve had some friends that don’t quite understand that paying just the minimum balance on a credit card means that the rest of the balance collects interest, and that’s gotten a few people in trouble,” Ngo said.
BU contributes to the financially reckless mentality of the students with Terrier Card points, Williams said.
Calling the money on your Terrier Card “points” makes students forget they are spending actual money. For many students, the money comes from an account that is filled by parents, Williams said.
“It may be convenient, but does it increase the chance of irresponsibility?” he asked.
There are a few, easy steps students can take to improve their financial health, or at least minimize spending, Williams said.
“Carry cash, that way you have a direct connection with how much you’re spending,” he said. “You are in college — in college you’re not supposed to have a lot of money, enjoy the experience. Bike more, take less taxis. Bury your credit card in the back of your wallet behind your high school picture.”
Not all students said they struggle with the temptation to spend exorbitant amounts of money on a credit card.
“I don’t believe that it’s very necessary to have one as a student, but it helps me as my parents live far away,” said Juan Juarez, a junior in SMG. “I manage it responsibly. My parents have been a big part in helping me handle money.”
Ngo said credit cards could actually be beneficial to students.
“It’s really important to build credit, and especially with the economy the way it is, starting in college is probably best,” she said.
BU does not offer much education on credit use and overall financial health, Williams said.
“I think it’s important as students come into BU that there’s a focus on financial responsibility,” he said. “That’s a lifelong skill.”
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