Financial Literacy Resources for Students
Financial Literacy Resources
What is Financial Literacy?
Financial literacy is the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively throughout one's life. From budgeting and saving to understanding credit, debt, and investing, financial literacy equips individuals with the tools they need to make informed decisions about money at every stage of life. Whether you are a student managing expenses for the first time, a young professional planning for the future, or someone navigating major life milestones like buying a home or saving for retirement, a strong foundation in financial literacy can make all the difference.
At Foothill College, we believe that financial education is an essential part of student success. The resources and programs available through our campus are designed to meet students where they are, offering practical guidance on topics like financial aid, budgeting on a student income, understanding loan repayment, and planning for life after college. No matter your background or experience with money, it is never too early — or too late — to start building your financial literacy.
Our Commitment and GoalThe goal of the Foothill Financial Aid Office is to provide Foothill students with the information and tools necessary to make informed and effective decisions about their financial resources as a student and as a graduate. |
Foothill "Owl Financial Literacy" Workshop Series
Did you miss a workshop? You can watch a recording and access documents for download here! Also view FAQs under Basics of Banking & Interest.
Important Note about Spreadsheet
- To download to your Google account, click “FILE” and “MAKE A COPY".
- To download for Microsoft Excel, click on “FILE” and “DOWNLOAD”.
Important Note about Spreadsheet
- To download to your Google account, click “FILE” and “MAKE A COPY".
- To download for Microsoft Excel, click on “FILE” and “DOWNLOAD”.
Q&A from Workshop Session
ACH transfer is typically free; however, can take a couple of business days to process. Where a Wire Transfer can be processed the same day, or even a few hours, but it can be more costly as the bank will charge you fees.
You can start by searching for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) on this Let's Make a Plan website. Please, check the references and talk to CFP to see if she/he/they are a good match. If you are interested in learning more about banking, interest, or other financial literacy topics, you may search on YouTube as well – many CFPs offer free general advice online.
Helpful Publications
There’s no way around it: College is expensive, but it is possible to pay for your education without sabotaging your financial future. 40 Money Management Tips Every College Student Should Know is a resource that you can refer back to throughout the year when you have money questions. Download a PDF copy.
Also available in Spanish: 40 Consejos Para Administrar El Dinero Que Todo Estudiante Universitario Debe Saber
This beginners guide aims to help you get on track with your financial goals and make a better life for yourself and your family. Get practical tips, hands-on worksheets and real-life stories from people who have been there themselves.
Download a free PDF copy of Your Spending, Your Savings, Your Future: A Beginner’s Guide
Also available in Spanish: Tus gastos, tus ahorros, tu futuro: Guía de preparación financiera para principiantes
Making smart financial decisions is important whether you're a high school student, a recent college graduate, a first-time homeowner or a midlife worker. But learning how to spend, save and invest wisely doesn't have to be intimidating.
This handbook will:
- Show what you can expect to spend money on based on your age.
- Provide you with strategies for managing your money.
- Teach you the basics of navigating life's major expenses.
- View the handbook.
Financial Literacy Articles and Tools
When it comes to paying for college, career school, or graduate school, federal student loans can offer several advantages over private student loans. This article will help explain which types of loans you may be offered. Read Comparing Federal and Private Student Loans.
Not sure how to handle your finances and student aid (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study) while you’re in school? Read Managing Money During College
Want to learn about managing how you pay for school and what you spend money on, so you can worry less about debt and more about your career come graduation time? Read Students & Financial Literacy.
360 Degrees of Financial Literacy features ten different sections for everyone from tweens to retirees — and includes a detailed section for college students.Topics in the College Student 360 include college costs, loans and budgeting, as you’d expect.
But there are also articles and blog posts for unique situations: What if you’re returning to college as an adult student? Can you afford to travel while in college? How can you keep financial stress from wrecking the holidays?
The experienced CPAs advising the site have gotten questions that you may never have thought of — and that makes 360 Degrees a valuable tool for anything that might come up.
There are various online tools designed to give you a simple way to create a spending plan, keep track of your spending, and help you stay on top of your finances. There are many tools available from which to choose. Here are a few examples of free apps and websites:
Want to see how much more or less it will cost to live in a city when you graduate? Check out Nerd Wallet Cost of Living Calculator.
Estimate your savings or spending through compound interest. Check out Compound Interest Calculator.
Learn about Financial Literacy through FATV!
Select a category and then a link to watch our selection of Financial Aid TV videos.
Additional Financial Literacy Podcasts & Influencers
- Paychecks & Balances - Ep. 160 —The Behavioral Investor and The Laws of Wealth ft. Dr. Daniel Crosby
- African American Financial Gurus—Three gurus reflect on the significance race had on their financial lives and share advice they give their followers.
Contact UsFinancial Aid OfficeBuilding 8100, Room 8101(650) 949-7245 fhfinancialaidoffice@fhda.edu |
Financial Aid Office Hours
Mon – Thur: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (In Person) |
