The following testimonials are from UNL students who participated in a one-on-one Money Management session since April 2010.
Why Did You Schedule a One-on-One Session?
"I scheduled my session because I wanted to know more about how to be a better money manager."
"Before my session I had a good handle on finances, but wanted advice on where to save and invest for the future. I also had several financial goals I wanted to achieve, but I didnt have a specific plan."
"I scheduled my session because I needed to find out how to save enough money for my spring break trip."
"I scheduled my session because I had some financial problems during the past two years, like I had no plan for how to spend my money. I wanted to learn how to make my budget and save money for my life."
"I scheduled my session because I am getting closer to graduation and wanted financial advice for my future."
"I scheduled my session because I wanted to know how to make better use of my money that is left after expenses."
Describe Your One-on-One Session.
"During my session I learned how much money I was spending and how much I was making each month. I was able to determine how much money I really needed to make each month and where I could cut my spending. I kept the budget sheet used during the session and used it as a tool to create a plan for my money and keep my financial life organized."
"During my session I learned how to create a plan for saving and investing money. I also learned about many different saving and investing options - stocks, mutual funds, and CDs. Through this session, I learned about the risks and benefits involved in various investments. Because of this, I feel more confident in my ability to make investment decisions. Additionally, my session helped me solidify my financial goals."
"The SMMC representative gave me detailed information about basic methods to manage my money. She also gave me free resources so I could learn more. I learned basic concepts about how to manage my money and make a budget using a spreadsheet. I really liked that my session was a face-to face conversation. I felt comfortable and was able to ask questions, learn, and share some ideas without any pressure."
"My session went well. The mentor was very knowledgeable, and was able to answer all of my questions. I received tools to help me better manage my money, and the mentor helped me create an action plan for how to manage my money. I am more knowledgeable about finances in general. The session was helpful, as I easily understood the steps to becoming a better money manager. I learned about financial topics which I was unaware of before."
"During my session I learned how to manage my personal finances according to my earnings and expenses. I learned about different retirement plan options, which helped me realize which option suits my needs best at the moment. Also, I learned about different investing options and creating investment strategies. I also learned information about taxes - how to better manage my expenses and donations for my tax return."
"I learned about different saving and investing options. I learned about bonds and how to acquire them. I was also directed to useful material which would help and direct me to create a savings and investing plan."
Did You Change Any of Your Financial Behaviors as a Result of Your Session?
"This session did help me change my financial behaviors. I started thinking more about the importance of investing my money. I cut down on unnecessary expenditures so I could save more money for the future. The knowledge I gained during my session will change the way I manage my financial life in the future. I feel I am better equipped now to handle my finances. I have more control over my financial life."
"My session did help me change my financial behaviors. I decided to be more conservative with my money. I am not using a set budget but have been trying to think in advance if a purchase is a necessity or not prior to making it. I have been avoiding using my credit card. Instead I use my debit card whenever possible. My session also helped me gain good insight for planning ahead for unexpected expenses throughout my entire life, which was very helpful."
"My financial habits did change as a result of my session. I decided to save some percentage of my income in savings. I used the budget planning tool, and followed it to save money. It is sometimes hard, but I try my best. Overall, things are good. I am more rational now, and think twice before spending. I am more concerned about spending money."
"This session did change my financial behaviors. I began to make a budget plan month-by-month. I also am able to identify areas where I can spend my money and areas I can save my money, helping me make better spending decisions. I am able to identify my wants vs. my needs. I also got rid of the habit of buying something I do not really need, like an iPad. I like this change. I think this is a good start to being able to successfully manage my finances throughout my entire life. I am happy my financial life is in better condition."
"My financial behaviors have changed due to the session. I began to look for ways to cut spending - taking the bus instead of driving, eating out less, and setting up a budget. I also set specific savings and investment goals. I do believe the change in my financial habits will influence the way I manage my finances throughout my life."
"I did use the knowledge I gained during my session to organize my financial life. I added as many shifts as we figured I needed to add. I used the money I made more wisely. I was able to reach my financial goal of paying for a spring break trip. I also realized I didnt need to go out as much as I did before my session, which is where I wasted a lot of money. I think I have made a small step towards being a better money manager throughout my life."
Do You Feel More In Control of Your Finances? Do You Have More Confidence in Your Ability to Manage Your Finances?
"My session gave me more confidence in saving and investing my money. It also gave me ideas on how to live simply and spend less money. Overall, I am confident in my financial future."
"I am more confident that I can make ends meet. I feel like I have more control, but there is room for improvement. I have confidence for my long-term future."
"I do feel more in control of my financial life now. I now think more about my future expenses and try to be more conservative with my money. I think more about unexpected expenses, like health care costs for example, and try to save more each month to have a healthier savings account."
"I am more confident I will have a stable financial future. I have the knowledge and tools I need."
"I have a positive attitude towards the changes I have made in my financial life. I feel that everything is under my control. I also hope I can continue to practice my good financial habits in the future."
Would You Recommend One-on-One SMMC Sessions to Your Friends?
"I would recommend the Money Management session to my friends who want financial help. I think it is an excellent resource for UNL students to receive personal financial advice. I believe the UNL SMMC sessions have the huge potential to benefit UNL students. So many students are managing their money for the first time in their life. The SMMC one-on-one sessions provide much-needed advice on financial issues which we all face."
"I think that many of my friends could use the advice on how to better manage their money."
"I think more students should take advantage of these sessions in order to better manage their finances and avoid debts whenever its possible during their school life and thereafter."
"I would recommend these sessions to my friends. It helped me get on the right path to managing my financial life better. These sessions are an excellent learning tool for students."
"The session was very useful. I have recommended these sessions to my friends. Being an international student I am not too knowledgeable about different financial things in the USA. So, the sessions are definitely helpful, and broadened my horizon."
"I would recommend these sessions to my friends because these sessions can really help students build good financial habits. I think these sessions are needed at UNL and have a great potential to benefit students."