Posted 1:18 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2012
UW-L's It Make$ Cents! program increases student awareness of responsible borrowing and helps them develop personal finance knowledge, education and skills.
By UW-L Student Melissa Moss
College is hard, but paying for it, as well as making important financial decisions, can often make it much more stressful.
UW-L’s Financial Aid Office staff is aware of these financial struggles and how they can affect a college career, which is why they are more motivated than ever to help UW-L students become fiscally responsible and better informed about student indebtedness. To accomplish this goal, the It Make$ Cents! financial literacy program has been created to assist students with these challenges.
With nearly 70 percent of students borrowing money to pay for college, this topic cannot be over discussed. The It Make$ Cents! program intends to increase student awareness of responsible borrowing and develop personal finance knowledge, education and skills. According to Program Coordinator Aaron Knapp, the information It Make$ Cents! provides is “practical information [students] can use the rest of their lives.” One of the main reasons college students leave a university can be the result of financial challenges. The It Make$ Cents! program on campus is committed to not letting this happen to students.
If you are wondering how can you get involved in this organization, It Make$ Cents! offers several programs for students, ranging from peer mentoring to events such as the Price is Right Game Night. The peer mentoring program offers students great free advice and guidance regarding financial decisions. This information is truly invaluable, practical and will assist now and once you step off campus. The It Make$ Cents! program has provided several presentations for a variety of departments, student organizations, classes and residence halls and hopes to branch out in the coming semesters with additional events, presentations and one-on-one consultations.
From 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition, students are invited to participate in the It Make$ Cents! Price is Right Game Night! Free food, games and prizes are offered. The Game Night is meant to further students’ understanding of finances and debt management in a fun, relaxing environment. If you’re looking for more information about It Make$ Cents!, check out www.uwlax.edu/itmakescents, Facebook and Twitter!