Are you ready to make the most of your financial aid and manage your budget effectively for the semester? Whether you’re new to college finances or looking to sharpen your money management skills, this session is for you.
Join us on Wednesday, May 14th at 12:00 PM for a valuable, no-cost workshop designed to empower students with the financial knowledge they need to thrive. This interactive session is open to all students and will provide practical tools and real-world tips to help you take control of your money.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
This session will walk you through the financial basics every student should know. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to handle your financial aid and how to make smart budgeting decisions that last all semester long.
💰 Understanding Your Financial Aid Disbursement
Knowing how and when you’ll receive your financial aid is key to making it work for you. We’ll break down:
- How disbursements work
- What happens before the funds reach your account
- How to read your award letter
- Where to monitor your disbursement status
Understanding this process ensures you’re never caught off guard and helps you plan ahead for tuition, books, and living expenses.
📝 Budgeting Tips to Stretch Your Refund Check

It’s easy to overspend when that refund check hits your account. We’ll help you create a realistic and sustainable student-friendly budget that prioritizes essentials and includes space for occasional treats.
You’ll learn:
- How to calculate monthly expenses
- How to separate needs vs. wants
- How to build in savings—even on a tight budget
- What budgeting apps and tools can make your life easier
With these tips, your financial aid will go further than you ever expected.
⚠️ Common Money Traps (And How to Avoid Them)
Many students face challenges when it comes to financial decision-making—especially when managing money for the first time. We’ll go over common traps such as:
- Impulse purchases
- Overspending on food or subscriptions
- Using credit cards irresponsibly
- Forgetting about future expenses like textbooks or transportation
Most importantly, we’ll show you how to avoid these pitfalls with actionable advice and smarter money habits.
🛠️ Resources to Help You Stay Financially Strong
There’s no need to navigate your financial journey alone. We’ll introduce you to a range of free and student-friendly financial wellness resources that can make budgeting, saving, and planning easier, including:
- Budget planning worksheets
- Savings challenges
- Emergency funding programs
- Campus and community financial aid advisors
You’ll also learn how to access free counseling or coaching, so you always have someone to turn to for advice.
🎉 Bonus: Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Who says learning about finances can’t be fun? During the session, we’ll host a round of Kahoot!, an interactive quiz game to test your knowledge of financial literacy topics. The winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card—just another reason to attend and stay engaged!
📅 How to Join
Ready to take control of your finances?
Register now to save your spot and receive the event link. Simply [CLICK HERE] to sign up.
Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the session link and instructions for joining. The session is virtual, so you can attend from anywhere—whether you’re at home, on campus, or on the go.
Who Should Attend?
This session is open to all DSDT students, including:
- First-time college students
- Returning adult learners
- Military-affiliated students and families
- Anyone interested in improving their financial literacy
Whether you’ve got financial aid questions or want a better plan for handling your expenses this semester, this session has something valuable for you.
💡 Why Financial Literacy Matters
Managing your money well in college doesn’t just reduce stress now—it sets the foundation for your future financial success. By learning how to budget and use your financial aid wisely, you’ll be more confident, prepared, and capable of handling your financial life after graduation.
Your financial future starts with smart decisions today. Join us on May 14th at 12:00 PM and take the first step toward financial empowerment. Whether you’re living on a tight budget or just trying to make the most of your refund, this session will help you stretch your dollars and plan with purpose.
Don’t miss this opportunity to build your financial knowledge—and maybe win a prize while you’re at it! Contact us today!