Follow these steps to create a semester budget:

1. Determine your cost of attendance and create your personal spending plan. Based on your current expenses:
   • Will you be able to maintain your current lifestyle if working hours are eliminated or reduced?
   • Are there areas where costs can be cut now?
   • How much do you have saved or need to save?
2. Assess your financial opportunities and options for scholarships, grants, savings, part-time work, work-study, gifts or loans.
   NOTE: Getting financial aid is one thing. Keeping it is another.
    
3. If you are considering using loans, use loan repayment calculators to determine an appropriate amount.
    
4. Use Student Money Management's worksheet to create your college financial plan.
    
5. Review your college financial plan each academic period and make any necessary adjustments.

CashCourse, a free online resource, contains worksheets and guidance to help build a multi-year college financial plan.