Budgeting 101 for College Students with Dr. Kelly Rush

College students may be pros at pulling off last-minute study sessions, but when it comes to finances, cramming just doesn’t cut it.

Everyone often needs a budget, and for college students, that is even more crucial. Today, Dr. Kelly Rush joins us with practical budgeting advice every college student should hear.

Dr. Kelly Rush is a Professor of Finance, Department Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. 

Why Budgeting Matters More Than You Think

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” That’s not just true for spiritual instruction—it applies to money too. The habits we form in college, for better or worse, often follow us into adulthood. And if students don’t develop intentional stewardship during these formative years, they may face regrets down the road that could’ve been avoided.

Most students know they shouldn’t spend recklessly, but they often don’t know where their money is going. Without a written budget or a tool to track spending, it’s easy to watch bank accounts shrink faster than expected—and not know why.

Budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about clarity. It’s about choosing in advance how to use what God has entrusted to you. And it’s a habit that pays dividends over time.

Understanding the Time Value of Money

One of the most powerful lessons a student can learn is the time value of money. It’s often a reminder of the orderly nature of the God we serve since there’s a logic to how money grows over time. And in every financial equation, time is the most powerful variable.

Scripture encourages us to think this way. Psalm 90:12 asks God to “teach us to number our days,” and Ephesians 5:15–16 tells us to “redeem the time.” For students, this means starting early: saving early, giving early, and stewarding their resources early. That’s where the real impact lies.

Money also has momentum. It moves quickly. And in college, that momentum usually comes through small, frequent purchases: coffee runs, streaming subscriptions, and fast food. These little expenses add up and build financial habits, whether you realize it or not.

Being aware of how money flows—and having a plan for it—is what budgeting is all about.

Tools That Actually Work

Today’s students are digital natives. They’re not going to carry around envelopes of cash. Of course, we recommend the FaithFi app because it’s easy to use, customizable, and based on biblical principles. If you’re a student (or a parent helping one), it’s a great place to start. You can check it out at FaithFi.com and click “App” or download it from your app store.

At some point, students need to begin taking ownership of certain expenses, such as gas, clothes, and possibly even their phone bill. We encourage families to approach this like a team sport: communicate when and which expenses will be transferred from parent to student, then open a bank account and create a game plan together. That transition is not just financial—it’s formative.

Working during college isn’t just about making money—it’s about learning responsibility. Students can find part-time jobs that offer both flexibility and impact. Perhaps that involves working at a hospital if you're studying nursing, or obtaining a referee certification or barber license for higher-ROI opportunities. Work that aligns with your career goals is a double win.

What About Credit?

Credit is another topic that comes up often. Should students start building credit now or wait until later? Either option can work, but there are advantages to starting early, wisely. We usually suggest a secured credit card paired with a basic expense, such