Financial Literacy

Vision

Murray State University seeks to educate and provide quality information and resources that allow students to take control of their finances.

Mission Statement 

It is the mission of the Murray State University Financial Education Program to help instill financial knowledge in the student body and to help students achieve financial security and responsibility. The program will provide students with resources necessary to achieve an understanding of financial literacy.

Resources

Please check back often as this resource list will continue to be developed.

• Budget Worksheet (Personal): Download this free budget worksheet to track your income and expenses.

• Credit Cards: Using a credit card is not always the best option, but if you find yourself needing one this website can help you choose the best option. A few tips to remember when choosing a credit card are:

  • Lowest interest rate

  • No annual fees

  • Make your payment on time

  • Pay ahead when possible

  • Look for student credit card benefits

• Credit Reports: You can check your credit report free of charge once per calendar year with the three credit bureaus. Request your reports three times per year (January, May, and September). For example, request a report in January from Equifax, from Experian in May, and from TransUnion in September to maximize the once per year benefit and stay up to date on your credit report.

• Direct Student Loan Repayment Estimator: Use this calculator to see what your student loan repayments will be in the future. 

• Discount List for Students Check this list often as it may change. Businesses can also choose to change their discount programs/menus without our knowledge. Always double-check with the business before making a purchase.

• Identity Theft: This federal trade commission website will guide you through ways to protect yourself from identity theft.

• Mint.com: Free site & app where you can see all of your balances and transactions together. Mint automatically pulls all your financial information into one place.

• National Student Loan Data System: The NSLDS is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. You can use this site to see the total amount of students loans you have borrowed as well as see which company is the servicer of your loans. The servicer is the company that handles all services for your student loan (billing, payments, etc.).

• Refund Calculator: Use this calculator to help you budget your use of the refund until the next expected refund.

  Refund Amount: $

  How long it should last: Weeks

  Weekly Allowance: $ 125