Q: “I’m trying to save money for a new car. Any tips?”

• Anonymous

A: Put as much as you can into savings every time you get paid, even if it’s only $20. After a while, even that adds up. Do your very best to budget what’s left and try [very hard] not to take any money out of your savings account. It’s like a potato chip: you can’t stop after just one! You’re going to be tempted to keep withdrawing. Keep your end goal in mind to motivate yourself not to buy those clothes and tell yourself, “There is food at home.” I have to remind myself constantly that if I want my dream house, I don’t need to Uber Eats four days a week. If you can pick up some extra cash doing odd jobs, take advantage of that! I deliver food in my free time for a little extra cash to put into my savings. Mow some lawns, sweep some floors, take some online surveys, wash some cars. Ask your parents and neighbors if they need anything done around the house. Practice self-discipline and conservation, and don’t do anything wacky to mess up your credit if you’re signing for it alone. Good luck with that new car! You’ll be so proud of yourself when you sign for it! 

Q: “How do I start networking? How do I find a job when I have no experience?”

• Roberta 

A: Get out of your comfort zone for a bit. Tag along with someone you look up to and find a networking event to attend if you need another person there for support because who enjoys networking alone? Joining your local chamber of commerce is a fantastic way to start building connections, even if you aren’t representing a business. As luck would have it, individuals can join at a relatively inexpensive cost. Forming genuine personal relationships with professionals in the area will do you a great service. In addition to finding great friends, it can help you find a job if they know the right people – you never know who someone knows! Showing your face and making good impressions may take you extremely far. Go in with the mindset of crafting relationships rather than “having something to sell” and you might just meet the person who will help you to the next step in your career. 

Q: “It’s hard for me to focus on my schoolwork. I noticed that I take hours to finish an assignment because I scroll through my phone. How can I keep my attention on my school stuff and get it done on time?”

• Luis

A: Happy spring semester to you, too! This question hit me in the academic heart because I have always struggled with the very same thing, and, oh man, is it annoying. Try putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” until you’ve completed what you need to complete. A break is acceptable periodically, but really try to discipline yourself and stick to 15 minutes or so before getting back to the grind. Consider telling yourself that the due date is actually earlier than it is so that you finish it with time to spare. This can help distribute your workload because I know I’ve had multiple semesters where two or three extensive papers have been due on the same night. Convince yourself that each paper is “due” on a different night preceding the deadline. Who needs that typing-twenty-pages-of-research-in-one-night kind of stress in their life? What I find that helps me is getting together with a friend who also has schoolwork to work on; it keeps us accountable and minimizes the desire to stare blank-eyed at our phones. My best friend and I try to get together at least once a week to conquer the week’s assignments. Maybe going to a local cafe with free internet might help you if being surrounded by other hard-working individuals is what inspires you. No matter which method fits your fancy, best of luck to you. Let’s get this bread!