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Table of Contents 4 How to budget, plug-ins 5 Saving tips & tricks 6 Rewards programs 7 Bargain grocery stores 8 Reusable savings, Gig jobs 9 Work study, Mental health 10 Credit scores 11 Coffee at home, School and work life
Kayla Thompson advertising sales director Joel Grieshaber advertising representative Madison Harper advertising production director Anne Roberts accounting director
Paige Nicewaner staff reporter Reginald Lee Jr. sports reporter Scott Campbell general assignment reporter T.J. Scott senior sports reporter Tinsley Merriman msu admin reporter
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Greta Cross editor-in-chief Desiree Nixon news editor Todd Dearing life editor Stephen Terrill sports editor Diana Dudenhoeffer digital editor Jaylen Early visual editor Allison Davis copy editor Kaitlynne Atchley copy editor Maquelle Huntley copy editor Paige Newton copy editor Shannon Noonan copy editor Victoria Conway copy editor
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Ballin’ on a budget Tips and tricks for following a monthly budget Paige Newton Copy Editor @PagesofPaigeM Budgets are admittedly not the most fun part about college, but they can be an essential. College students are notoriously known for being “broke as a joke,” so it’s wise to create a monthly budget to help keep track of expenses. There’s a misconception that budgets are limiting on one’s life, but they often can be just the opposite. “I think the idea of a budget stresses people out since it seems like a lot of work or it will limit your social life,” Kylie Mignone, graduate nutrition and dietetics student, said. “What it really allows for is more freedom, since it helps reduce financial stress.” Mignone says she has always been conscious of money, but made a “solid” budget after completing her undergraduate degree. Currently, Mignone is completing a dietetics non-paid internship, so she is unable to have a job. This plays a large part in her motivation to budget. “Saving money and being efficient with my purchases is key to preventing more debt,” Mignone said. Mignone said sitting down and creating the budget is the hardest part, but after making one, it’s easy to follow. Mignone said she uses an Excel spreadsheet to organize her budget but recommends finding whatever works for you. Annie Bennion, senior accounting major, said she uses an Excel spreadsheet, too, to organize her budget. She has been following a budget since 2009, so she has a plethora of advice to offer those who may just be starting. Here is Bennion’s advice: • Pick a maximum for each expense category — food, fun, clothing — and stick to it. If you go over one month, don’t try to overcorrect it and cut down your budget for the next month. Just put forth more effort to meet your original goal. • Include your debt into your budget. Just because you have money in your bank account doesn’t mean you have money to spend. • Look back on the times you’ve spent too much money and try to find a common denominator. Bennion said she sees budgeting as a way to find opportunities. “If I go over my max for one of my expense categories, I use it as an opportunity to find more inexpensive or free events,” Bennion said. “It’ll surprise you how many free things you can get around Springfield.” Bennion said keeping a detailed budget can even be helpful during tax season. “A lot of expenses can be a tax deductible, like education, charitable contributions and medical expenses.” Budgeting doesn’t mean you can never have
what you want, either. Colin Byers, graduate post-baccalaureate non-degree student, said while reserving a portion of income for a “rainy day fund” is important, it’s also important to find ways to treat yourself. He urges people to think about what adds value to their everyday life. “Don’t be afraid of the little stuff. If I’m miserable the entire time, I’m not going to want to budget,” Byers said. “The little stuff does add up over time, but you should be cautious about the bigger, unnecessary purchases.” For Byers, budgeting means knowing he’s living a full life while also saving money. Moral of the story: Make that money and save that money, but don’t be afraid to make it rain a little at times.
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Why pay price? Diana Dudenhoeffer Digital Editor @kisstein With the ever-present loom of COVID-19, it only makes sense that a great deal of consumer shopping takes place online. Internet shopping has quickly become a favorite American pastime. 2020 Statista research reports Americans spent more than $370 billion in online commerce this year alone. But it can be easy to overspend on online purchases. Whether that be a pair of shoes calling your name on Depop or a life-changing piece of tech on Amazon — we’ve all fallen victim to overpaying. One way to help curb overspending is to look into browser extensions that offer discount codes, coupons and other money-saving options.
Honey
Quickly gaining popularity over the last couple of years, the PayPal-owned company was established in 2012. Honey is a free browser extension that scans for coupon codes across the internet when a user reaches a checkout page on hundreds of online retailers, such as Dell, JCPenney and Forever 21. Assistant media, journalist and film professor Holly Holladay said she has been using Honey to help save money and is a fan of the service. “It’s just there and isn’t something I have to think about too much,” Holladay said. “I don’t do a ton of online shopping (or) booking, so I wouldn’t say it has saved me a ton of money, but there have been a few times it’s found coupon codes floating around online that I would have missed.” One downside of Honey is it seldom has coupons for Amazon purchases. Since Amazon is the number one online retailer according to Statista, it is unfortunate Honey’s coupons don’t extend to Bezo’s turf all that often.
Wikibuy
Illustration by Jadie Arnett/The Standard
When creating a monthly budget, allot yourself enough “fun” funds.
Wikibuy, started in 2014 by Capital One, scans listings from competing retailers to make sure the user is getting the best price. One helpful feature of Wikibuy is the user’s ability to save products and receive notifications when listed prices drop.
Amazon Assistant
With over 7 million users on the Chrome
Illustration by Katie Batliner/The Standard
Plug-in discount browser extensions help save money when shopping online. Plug-ins can be used simultaneously for ultimate savings.
app store, Amazon Assistant is Amazon’s official product to help users comparison shop. In addition to prices, Amazon Assistant provides users with additional listing details, such as reviews and ratings on a given product. Independently from Amazon Assistant, Amazon also offers a free six-month trial of Prime for students who provide a valid university email. Prime can be useful for receiving packages quicker and saving on shipping costs. According to Holladay, extensions are especially helpful for students in particular. “It has the potential to save you some money without a lot of effort on your part at a time in your life when you’re really focused on saving money,” Holladay said. Plus, users aren’t limited to one extension or the other. Many shoppers use Wikibuy and Honey at the same time to comparison shop. For Holladay, any opportunity to save money is a no-brainer. “I think it’s fair to assume that everyone loves saving money, and I’m no different,” Holladay said. “I used to look for coupon codes for major purchases on sites like RetailMeNot, but so few of them actually work. I am past the point in my life of wanting to spend the time to actually track down valid coupon codes, so it’s nice to have something that can do that for me.” Whether you’re a coupon clipper by heart or simply love the thrill of finding a good deal online, it is always important to be careful and stay vigilant when it comes to sharing personal information online. “Anything you use that connects to your data in any way, including these extension sites, learns information about you and your browsing (and) purchasing history,” Holladay said. “As with any other app you download, it’s important to weigh the pros (and) cons of what you get from it versus the knowledge that it will be learning stuff about you.”
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Saving money through apps and envelopes AFTON HARPER Breaking News Reporter @affie888
Saving money can seem like a complicated around campus on food and BearWear can be process that restrains college students from tempting for students, but their cost can quickspending money on luxury items like new ly add up. clothes or going out to eat. However, there are “It’s important to pay for necessities and many popular tricks to help save money. then pay yourself,” Jacobson said. Cierra Donal, senior journalism major, said By limiting unnecessary spending, Jacobson it took almost her entire college career to figure said people often figure out what is most imout the best way for her to save money. portant to them. “I couldn’t really figure out how to get past “Some people love eating out because it’s $100 in a traditional savings account, but my a sense of community, so they will spend more friend turned me onto an app called Qapital,” money on eating out than buying new clothes,” Jacobson said. Donal said. Qapital is an app available on Android and iOS devices. The app rounds up the closest dollar amount of what a user spends at a store and deposits the amount into a linked account, according to Donal. Users can set the rules for how much the app deposits into their account. For example, if Donal were to spend $4.99 on a cup of coffee at Starbucks, Qapital would round the amount up to $5 and then the app would match $5 into her linked account. With Qapital, Donal said she doesn’t have to directly manage her savings, so her extra money is “out of sight, out of mind.” Donal said it’s kind of a slow process, but it makes her feel like she is making some progress toward her fiIllustration by Madison Harper/The Standard nancial goals. According to the Qapital website, Money-saving apps can help take some of the app blends behavioral psychology the guesswork out of creating and maintainwith technology. In practice, the user ing healthy saving habits. Some students sets goals for themselves and gives the app rules to follow for automatic saving. are turning to apps such as Mint and Qapi“I also got a couple ideas off of Tik- tal, which help the user better understand Tok, like the envelope hack, and that’s budgeting. been going well so far,” Donal said. The 100-day envelope challenge that cirJacobson recommends students set up a culated TikTok involves labeling envelopes 1 savings account as soon as possible. through 100. Each day, one envelope is drawn “I remember it’s something my dad set up and the number displayed on the front of the for me before I even got my first job,” Jacobson envelope indicates the amount of money that said. has to be saved that day. The end goal is to save Brianna Goebel, senior socio-political com$5,050, but the user doesn’t have to save more munication major, said she has saved over $10,000 in 2020 by limiting what she buys to than $100 in one day. The challenge can be adjusted to fit any the essentials. person’s budget. Some people draw two enve“I work (in) retail so it can be hard not to lopes per week while others might fill an en- buy new clothes, but as my mom said to me, velope every day. ‘I don’t have to be a fashionista in college,’” Mint is another money-saving app. It allows Goebel said. users to track their purchases and budget their Goebel said once she gets her paycheck, she money accordingly. sets aside the money she had budgeted for gas Mint can help categorize a user’s spending and groceries for the next two weeks, then the and help them better understand where most rest goes toward bills or into her savings. of their spending is happening. When there is less money sitting in her bank Victoria Jacobson, financial aid coordinator account, Goebel said she becomes more conat Missouri State, said convenience purchases scious of her spending.
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Rewards in both long and short term
TINSLEY MERRIMAN MSU Administration Reporter @merrimantinsley
To save money both in the present and future, students are able to apply to rewards card programs throughout Springfield. By spending at certain locations, students earn points that can lead to bigger and better rewards. The difference between coupons and a rewards card is timing. Coupons allow customers to receive an immediate lower price, while rewards cards build up points over time, allowing customers to purchase exclusive discounted items and net consumers a lowered price. Trevor Buescher, freshman general business major, said while he used rewards cards and programs, customers should be cautious and considerate of what programs businesses offer. “If you regularly go there and they offer a free rewards program, sign up for it,” Buesh-
er said. “It’ll save you a couple of bucks in the long run. But, if you’re going out of your way to go there, don’t sign up for it.” Throughout Springfield, multiple businesses offer rewards cards for customers.
The Potter’s House
The Potter’s House, a non-profit coffee and smoothie bar run by the Church of the Nazarene, is located at 420 W. College St. Suite 116 and 724 S. National Ave. The Potter’s House gives customers a special code after each purchase. After five purchases, they can receive a free coffee, according to cashier Amy Finer.
Hy-Vee
Leah Stiefermann/The Standard
A variety of Springfield businesses offer rewards programs, allowing customers to earn points and receive free rewards.
For groceries and gasoline, Hy-Vee customers can sign-up for the Fuel Saver + Perks rewards card. By purchasing a number of certain marked items, shoppers earn Fuel Saver + Perks points, which translate into discounted cents per gallon of gasoline. The points can be used at Hy-Vee or Casey’s gas stations. Fuel Saver + Perks points expire after 30 days and do not allow consumers to use their discount on gas exceeding 20 gallons.
Rapid Roberts
Rapid Roberts gas stations have a similar setup. According to controller Jessica Cox, rewards customers earn one KickBack Point per every dollar spent in store or at the pump. After accumulating enough points, card holders are able to choose a reward, such as a free cup of coffee or pizza slice. Rapid Roberts requires card holders to register a physical card in stores. Once the card is registered, customers can download the Kickback Rewards app that tracks points and available rewards.
CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens
While not as broad with their selection of groceries as Hy-Vee, CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are near campus and sell ready-to-eat meals, energy drinks and toiletries. Leah Stiefermann/The Standard CVS is located at 1153 E. Elm St. CustomWhile college tuition seems to use the majority of a college student’s budget, ers can sign up for a program called ExtraCare, which lets them purchase select items at a there are ways to spend less. Free coupon books for local businesses are disdiscounted price. Every four months, Extratributed at the beginning of each semester on campus to help students save. Care members get a 2% kickback for purchasCoupon books can be found primarily at Baker Bookstore and they are also es they have made. available at other colleges and downtown businesses like TextBucks. For example, if a customer spends $100 at Nationally produced, College Coupons caters to Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and a CVS location over a four-month period, this kickback nets them $2 when the quarter hits. Oklahoma consumers. All of the coupons in this year’s College Coupons book Walgreens has a location at 1155 E. St. expire Dec 31, 2020.
Louis St. Walgreens offers a Balance Rewards system. For every 1,000 points customers earn, they get one-dollar off their next purchase. Buying a number of weekly or monthly items with yellow price tags in store can earn customers bonus points. These tags are randomly placed on items around the store. Both CVS and Walgreens rewards systems exclude purchases of alcohol, tobacco and milk from earning points.
Various fast food restaurants
Certain fast food chains such as Chickfil-A, Subway and Freddy’s all have rewards systems. Chick-fil-A rewards customers at the base level 10 points for every dollar spent. Subway’s MyWay program gives customers $2 for every 200 tokens earned by purchasing items in store or through the app. Freddy’s FredHead system allows users to accumulate points for every purchase they make in store or through the app. Once collected, FredHead points allow customers to choose rewards. For coffee, Starbucks customers earn two stars for every $1 spent, through Starbucks Rewards. At 25 stars, customers are able to earn a free basic drink, with higher star counts rewarding customers with both food and drink options. Certain locations of these businesses in Plaster Student Union are partnered with Chartwells, Missouri State’s dining service provider, and do not allow students to use rewards systems. Students should ask if they are able to redeem rewards when dining at the PSU.
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Stretch your dollar with discount grocery options DIANA DUDENHOEFFER Digital Editor @kisstein College students are famously thrifty people. It’s out of necessity since attending a university is often expensive. Whether it’s sniffing out the best student discounts or sharing with roommates, many students are always looking for ways to save money. Americans living in the lowest income brackets spend as much as 35% of their overall budget on food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For a college student earning minimum wage and working around 20 hours a week, that’s nearly $250 a month spent on food. For those trying to spend less, a great choice could be to turn to discount grocery stores. Sabrina Schesnol, sophomore exercise and movement science major, said Food 4 Less is one of her favorite stores to get groceries at a discounted price. She said she is partial to Food 4 Less because the retailer offers name-brands such as Tide,
Cheerios and Coca-Cola for less than other popular grocery stores. Schesnol said the last time she was at Food 4 Less, she stocked up on a variety of snacks the store has to offer. While she admits the layout of the store is confusing and she sometimes has trouble finding certain items, she is still a regular at the store. Schesnol said she looks to cut costs on her grocery bills because her budget is stretched in other areas. “Groceries (are) not the only expense for a college student,” Schesnol said. “We have other things (to pay for), such as gas and rent.” The Springfield Food 4 Less website explains its low prices are a result of buying directly from manufacturers. “(Lower merchandise prices are) made possible because of our ability to warehouse those large purchases for our stores,” read the website. Food 4 Less is located in the Battlefield Plaza, at 313 E. Battlefield Road. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Aside from Food 4 Less, surplus freight stores can be a place to look
lege crowd. “I just don’t think they know about it,” Russell said, “But, we should be getting a lot more college students than we do.” Russell attributed the store’s lesser-known reputation to the store’s location. Russell said the best way to find out about deals at Surplus Grocery Warehouse is through the store’s Facebook page. “Come shop with us,” Russell said. “You’ll definitely save some money.” Surplus Grocery Warehouse is located at 4560 S. Campbell Ave, l100. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Other discount grocery stores in Leah Stiefermann/The Standard the Springfield area include: Groceries can add up quick. Shopping at stores like Food 4 • Aldi, with three Springfield locations Less, Aldi and Surplus Grocery Warehouse can save money. • Discount Freight & Grocery, retail prices. 5101 N. Town Centre Drive, Ozark for discounted goods. Surplus Grocery Warehouse is one Russell said he sees all types of • Save A Lot, 1117 E. Commercial such store. Terry Russell, a cashier at people come through his checkout St. the store of three years, said they boast line, but he admitted his store is not discounts as steep as 50 to 80% off exceptionally popular among the col-
Well, maybe just your banking. At Commerce Bank, we’re working behind the scenes to save you some time...and a little money, too. A myDirect Student Checking Account helps you: • Bank online and on your phone • Get email alerts to keep track of your account • Use any Commerce ATM without fees Stop by our branch on or near campus today and sign up. It’s a whole lot easier than a pop quiz.
commercebank.com/students / 417.837.8775
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Save money while being ecofriendly, safely during pandemic Greta Cross Editor-in-Chief @gretacrossphoto As a college student on a budget, it may feel daunting to invest in a variety of eco-friendly products. Fortunately, there are many shops and restaurants in Springfield that encourage eco-friendly shopping with special products and discounts.
Nelson said. “It’s better for the Earth, plus it keeps us from buying containers.” According to Nelson, if a customer purchases 24 ounces or more of a product, he or she will receive a 10% off discount. If a gallon or more of one product is purchased, a 15% discount is given. According to their website, customers should bring their own bottles for all in-store and drop-off deliveries.
SOAP Refill Station
210 S. Campbell Ave. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 12-8 p.m., Sunday closed SOAP Refill Station is popular for its eco-friendly products. The station supplies new containers, but customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles and containers when purchasing soaps, lotions and oils. Shelby Nelson, SOAP Refill Station employee, File photo by Dave Aicholtz/The Standard said the store has been receiving fewer new conSOAP Refill Station, located downtainers from its suppliers during the COVID-19 pandemic. town, offers a variety of eco-friendly “Now more than ever, it is important to bring and zero-waste lifestyle products. in containers you already own and refill them,”
Gig jobs fill Scott Campbell General Assignment Reporter @ScottCa81380794
2020 is a uniquely difficult year for students to afford college – both unemployment rates and tuition prices are at all-time highs according to federal reports, the landscape for the remote workforce is changing and the return to school for the fall semester continues to raise COVID-19 positive test rates. In lieu of regular full-time work, many students have found unique and creative alternatives for a side income. While the pay may not be as high or as reliable, many gig jobs offer flexibility, self-management and an expedited hiring process.
Commissioned art
Emi Juchems, junior design and illustration major, creates artwork for an extra income. Juchems said she’s been creating and selling commissioned paintings for two years and started making custom face masks during quarantine earlier this year. Juchems operates her personal business through her Instagram profile, @ abeautifulpictureco “The beautiful thing about becoming a freelancer is that you get to decide what to charge,” Juchems said. “However, this can be more chal-
MaMa Jean’s Natural Market
Various Springfield locations Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MaMa Jean’s Natural Market encourages the use of reusable products throughout their store as customers enjoy a variety of fresh, organic products. When a reusable cup is used at the market’s deli, a customer may receive a 30-cent off discount. When checking out, a 10-cent discount is added for each reusable bag used. However, according to Dani Wolfe, manager at MaMa Jean’s Natural Market South on Republic Road, all MaMa Jean’s locations have postponed their discount rewards for reusable products due to COVID-19. The MaMa Jean’s COVID-19 Response states, “Leave your reusable bags at home during this time to help prevent the spread of germs.” Although the market may not be rewarding customers at this time, Wolfe stressed the importance of eco-friendly products amid the pandemic. “With the pandemic comes more waste — disposable masks, gloves and sanitary wipes — and where you can cut back is important,” Wolfe said. Despite the circumstances, customers can still utilize the HuskeeCup, a reusable coffee cup offered at both MaMa Jean’s and The Coffee Ethic.
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The Coffee Ethic
124 Park Central Square Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Located on Park Central Square, The Coffee Ethic strives to create a welcoming and sustainable atmosphere for coffee connoisseurs. As HuskeeCup partners, The Coffee Ethic and MaMa Jean’s Natural Market participate in the HuskeeSwap program. According to the HuskeeCup website, for customers to become a member of the program themselves, they must bring in a clean reusable cup — not necessarily the official HuskeeCup — to a HuskeeCup partnered business. However, customers will not receive the same cup back, instead they will receive another “commercially cleaned cup.” The next time a customer is in a partnered business, such as MaMa Jean’s or The Coffee Ethic, they can bring back the cup they received for a new reusable one. Thus, the cycle of swapping begins. “You may get a different color, or even mixed cup and lid colors. That’s all part of the fun!” the HuskeeCup website states. These three businesses are just a few of many in Springfield that promote eco-friendly shopping and living, all while helping community members save a few bucks.
in troubled job market
lenging because you also have to monetarily define the worth of your work and product and your time, while considering factors like demand and material cost. “The profit I make definitely isn’t enough to sustain myself, but that’s expected. The work I am able to do is still worth it because I am able to build an audience of customers and produce work for my portfolio.”
content to write articles.
Freelance driving
Freelance driving is another common way individuals can make money on their own flexible schedule. Since Uber launched in 2011, the rideshare service has been joined by companies such as Lyft, Grubhub, DoorDash, Postmates, carGO and Instacart, all with the premise of independent Independent journalism drivers setting their own schedules and being Lillian Durr, freshman English education paid per drive and/or delivery. Some companies major, uses freelance writing to earn a side in- use bonuses during periods of high traffic in order to close the gap between supply and decome. Durr said she writes for Ozark Farm and Neighbor, an agricultural magazine that publishes both in print and online. Durr said she receives $50-100 per article. “If you’re looking to really support yourself as a part-time job, giving it the kind of time and attention that most part-time jobs have will definitely allow you to get more out of the experience and profit from it,” Durr said. “But, it could also be done with a side gig type of mentality if you’re just looking to make a little bit of extra money.” Durr began writing for Ozark Farm and File photo by Kaitlyn Stratman/The Standard Neighbor when she was in high school in 2018. The freelance journalism business has been Senior Adam Roper picks up a affected by COVID-19, resulting in fewer op- customer’s China Wok order while portunities for Durr to interview farmers for working for Postmates in April 2020.
mand. Lauren McCracken, senior marketing major, has been driving for Uber since January of this year. She said she used to make over $200 each weekend but now barely makes $50 since quarantine began. “I wouldn’t say it is worth getting into now,” McCracken said. “There’s just not a huge market for it, honestly. It’s good if you just want to make a few extra bucks on the weekend, but it will be more worth it when there’s more people actually needing to use it.” Bradley Balsters, 2019 MSU alumnus, was temporarily laid off for three months from his job as an accounting specialist for the Office of Study Away Programs. He filled this gap by driving for Postmates and Instacart, which averaged $8-10 per hour for him in Springfield. “This may be a regional issue though,” Balsters said. “I was in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a couple days and delivered Instacart to pass the time, and it paid much better there, around $20 an hour.” Although 2020 continues to take its toll on the job market, the lack of conventional work has opened the possibility for freelance and independent work as well as pursuing creative work and passion projects. Disclosure: Lillian Durr is a current staff member of The Standard.
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Work study: What is it and who is eligible? LAUREN JOHNS Music Reporter @lje2017 Imagine this: You are pulling an all-nighter as a fast food worker to scrounge up some extra cash for groceries or to make a tiny dent in your college tuition — soon-to-be-mountain-of-debt. As soon as your shift ends, an incomplete essay or project awaits you. To avoid these time constraints and to better balance work and classes, many students turn to work study. According to Cheryl Combs, Missouri State University’s assistant director of student employment services, work study is a program funded by the federal government to provide employment income for students with financial need. Students eligible for the Pell Grant are possible contenders. An updated FAFSA — set for the current academic year — is required as part of the application process, Combs said. “Before I came to Missouri State, I filled out my FAFSA and indicated that I wanted to do work study,” Keiona Woodard, sophomore biology major, said. “FAFSA requires you to send the information to at least five different universities. I ended up choosing Missouri State because they offered me the most in financial aid.” Woodard’s brother introduced her to the concept of work study, and she recommends all students apply because the majority of on-campus jobs fall under the program. According to Combs, in order to be eligible for work study, students need to be taking at least six credit hours per academic year and up to three during the summer. Students also need to maintain a 2.0 GPA. “If work study funds are unavailable, students will have to sign up for a yearly waiting list,” Combs said. “Graduate and international students are not eligible.” Combs recommends considering the amount of other applicants when applying. “It is important to understand that departments are hiring students based on their needs,” Combs said. “When applying to positions, the more flexible work schedules that a student has outside of class schedules will provide more opportunities for employment.” Combs also reminds students that they are competing with others. They should fill out their applications to the best of their ability. Student employees are paid through the Missouri State Payroll. The difference between work study and other department funded programs is the allocation of funds.
“Since work study is paid from federal funding coming to the university, there is no cost to the department and departments can hire as many work study students that they have employment needs for,” Combs said. According to Woodard, the work study program does not apply to fast food restaurants in the Plaster Student Union, as those are managed by Chartwells, the university’s dining service provider. “If you were to apply as a receptionist for any department on campus, such as residence life or the biology department, then work study will most likely apply to those types of positions,” Woodard said.
Balancing mental health & work life
Illustration by Sydney Arlt/The Standard
Balancing school, work and mental health care can be difficult. Students who are struggling can find help at Magers Health and Wellness. CAROLINE MUND Health Reporter @cemund32
Graphic by Diana Dudenhoeffer/The Standard
National Center for Education statistics find 16.6 million people in the U.S. were enrolled in an undergraduate program in 2018. Paired with the College Board’s research for the 2018-19 school year finding 6.8 million students were Pell Grant recipients, that means more than one-third of American students received Pell Grant aid. Despite her brother’s success in the program, Woodard has discovered a downside involving the job selection process. “I like how checks go to my personal bank account rather than through the school, so I can make money on the side,” Woodard said. “And, you receive a grant for working on campus. However, you can lose the grant if you don’t apply to certain jobs on campus by a certain time.” For more information on work study and available jobs, go to www.MissouriState.edu/ findajob
It’s common for students to feel overwhelmed with their work life. Maintaining mental health on top of that does not make things easier. But, how can students find a balance between sustaining their mental health and maintaining a job, both of which are essential for most students in college? Taylor Bullis, junior speech language pathology major, said she works about 15-20 hours a week at her job at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store. Bullis said she enjoys her job and while it’s not very hard, on days where she might be struggling with her mental health, her job is accommodating to her situation. “My job is very understanding of my mental health,” said Bullis. “There have been times that my mental health has been affected by outside things, and I understood that I wasn’t in the right mind space to be helping customers. My manager was very understanding of this and wanted me to be at my best while in the store.” Bullis added that when she does have to take days off related to her mental health, she does everything she can to get her shifts covered. Lauren Kanaan, junior elementary education major, works as a lifeguard at the Foster Recreation Center on campus, as well as a University Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students. She said she works about
20 hours a week. Kanaan said her jobs allow her to make her own schedules, and just like with her job, she schedules herself “off time” to help focus on her mental health. “I thrive in being busy,” said Kanaan. “Some tips I have is to just be mindful of your limits and listen to your body when you need rest. Work is important, but money cannot buy anything if you don’t even have your mental sanity.” The counseling center, located in the Magers Health and Wellness Center, can be beneficial for students seeking mental health guidance. Rhonda Lesley, director of the counseling center, said the sooner those struggling with mental health come in for help, the sooner they can feel relief from their symptoms and get back on track. “Balance and self-care are the keys,” said Lesley. “Students need to develop a plan for organizing their academic studies, work and self-care. Self-care includes things like relaxation, socialization, exercise and just getting enough sleep.” While having a job may seem important, those working need to take into account whether their jobs are causing them too much stress and what would be the best course of action to resolve their problems. “If your job is having a negative effect on your mental health, it’s not worth the impending doom you’re putting on your college career,” said Bullis. “It’s just a job. It is replaceable, and I promise you there is something that will be more enjoyable and better worth your time and effort.” Lesley recommends rethinking priorities and how to effectively manage stress and anxiety. She said working with a counselor to help set goals for improvement can be beneficial. Bullis also recommends establishing a good relationship and line of communication with job manager(s). “Make sure that if your mental health is a serious concern for you that they understand this,” said Bullis. Counseling services are available to all students who are enrolled in at least one credit hour. The counseling center is currently meeting with students virtually due toCOVID-19. Students can make an appointment by calling the counseling center at 417-8365116, or by email at counselingcenter@missouristate.edu
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The good, bad and ugly of credit scores Why being smart with yours now will benefit you down the road. SCOTT CAMPBELL General Assignment Reporter @ScottCa81380794 To some students, credit scores may end up saving or costing tens of thousands of dollars, while to others they may mean nothing. A credit score is a tool used by lenders, creditors and other organizations to evaluate how “creditworthy” an individual or family is, which in turn determines the terms of loans, leases, some employment opportunities and many other financial mechanisms as detailed below. What are the downsides of having a low credit score? A landlord may refuse to offer a prospective tenant a lease out of fear he or she will fail to pay rent. When applying for a loan for a major life purchase, such as a car or a mortgage on a house, banks may charge higher interest rates and require a larger down payment in order to mitigate the risk of loaning. A poor credit score can even deny entry to the armed forces or application for a security clearance. “Some employers — particularly financial services firms — might check an applicant’s credit score during the interviewing and hiring process,” James Philpot, personal financial planning professor, said. “The logic here is that people with better credit are less likely to get into financial distress, and thus less likely to steal from the firm or customers.”
Several credit reporting agencies are analyzing your financial decisions and reporting them to other companies who may or may not help you with major financial moves later in life. If maintaining a credit score is a priority, let’s examine the determinants of the score to find what actions are relevant to current college students. The financial services company Wells Fargo gives a breakdown of five key factors in order of decreasing weight. The first two factors, your credit payment history and debtto-credit ratio, can be managed by simply paying your debts on time and having as little debt as possible. “30% is the ideal number to keep your debt-to-credit ratio at. So, if you have a $1,000 credit limit, try to stay under $300,” Eric Schmidt, MSU alumnus and current credit department manager at Springfield First Community Bank, said. The third factor is the age of your credit accounts. This may not be actionable immediately, but the easiest way to get a head start is by getting a credit card from your bank soon after reaching age 18. The next two factors usually revolve around significant financial decisions. When an organization runs a credit check, they’re able to see how many other organizations have done so recently. This is known as a hard inquiry. These don’t permanently affect your score, but may raise concerns and lower your credit in the meantime. Lastly, having multiple types of credit
Graphic by Caleb Stafford/The Standard
Building credit may not seem like an important thing for many students, but it is smart to do it now to avoid financial troubles.
”30% is the ideal number to keep your debt-tocredit ratio at.” -Eric Schmidt, Springfield First Community Bank manager
accounts raises your credit score by showing that you’re consistent in more ways than just one. An example of this is successfully maintaining a line of credit for a car loan in addition to a credit card. To summarize the complicated factors that go into a credit score, let’s consider two hypothetical students: responsible Rufus and beach bum Billy, both of whom have just graduated from college. Rufus has had a credit card since the age of 18 and a small car loan since the age of 20 and has dutifully made payments on schedule every single month. Though his credit card limit is $2,000, his balance rarely exceeds $500. A credit check was run on him two years ago when he applied for an apartment, but none have been run for him recently. Billy rocked out on a debit card and cold hard cash until he turned 20. Within a few months, he obtained a credit card, maxed it out and failed to make a payment on time. All of a sudden, three car dealerships, two apartment leasing agencies and a government agency evaluating him for a security clearance all run credit checks on him. Ask yourself these questions: which student is more likely to successfully apply for a small business loan? If both succeed, which one would require a higher interest rate, higher down payment and a cosigner for the loan? If you haven’t already begun looking into building your credit, this semester might be the time to start.
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Coffee on a budget without sacrificing quality JACK MCGEE SGA Reporter @jvckmgee On Instagram Caffeine is a daily fixture of many college students’ lives, and while it’s not just limited to coffee, variations of java have accelerated consumption to all-time highs. According to Current Neuropharmacology, a neuroscience publication, about 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day globally. Despite the seemingly low cost of a single cup of black coffee to an overpriced frappuccino, it can add up fast. Imagine buying three tall, or small, cups of black coffee at Starbucks priced at $2.15 throughout the course of a week, based on prices for Springfield locations. If that pace were to be kept up, it would rack up to about $310 a year. If a student in a four-year program relied on that freshly brewed coffee three days a week, they could end up paying nearly $1,250 spanning their college career. Prices only go up from there with larger sizes, flavored drinks and extra espresso shots. As chain and local coffee shops remain staples of communities across the world, the exploitation of people’s need for caffeine has
become a multi-billion dollar industry, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development. However, paying tuition doesn’t have to mean losing the taste of the downtown coffeehouse. Drake Tillman, southwest Missouri native and local coffee connoisseur, said local coffeehouse Dancing Mule Coffee Company began to recognize him as “the quad guy,” known for his consistent purchase of a latte with four espresso shots. “It gets expensive, but it also feels good to support a local business rather than a major corporation like Starbucks,” Tillman said. “I do still like making coffee at home as well, and I often buy beans from coffee shops. Still, sometimes I prefer the convenience of someone else making it for me.” One of Tillman’s favorite home brewing techniques, the Moka pot, has been a constant companion since he discovered the stovetop Bialetti nine years ago in The Hill, an Italian-American neighborhood in St. Louis. He said he enjoys the quickness and simplicity of the Moka pot, which passes pressurized boiling water through ground coffee. The initial cost of a Bialetti, according to the Bialetti official website, ranges between $30 to $50, depending on the size. Since his original investment nine
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years prior, the only consistent purchase he makes for it is coffee. The Moka pot is one of many at-home coffee-making techniques, each of which produces different results. Just a few of these include: • Chemex: A glass pour-over coffee maker with thick filters to remove bitterness and extract more caffeine • French press: A mesh screen is pressed against hot water and coffee grounds • Cold brewing: Coffee grounds steep in cold water over roughly a 12-hour period, then strained and diluted before serving • AeroPress: Coffee is pressed by a cylindrical plunger into a cylindrical tube through a filter • Siphons: Water is vapor pressurized through coffee grounds into an upper glass chamber Austin Lear, head roaster and back-of-house manager at The Coffee Ethic, said he is famil-
iar with living on a college budget while craving a $5 latte. “Whole bean (basic, roasted form of coffee before it’s ground) is definitely the way to go when saving money,” Lear said. “A great way to get coffee on campus is to talk to your club administrator or building dean to get in touch with us about supplying coffee directly to your dorm, building or events.” Lear was honest about the possible inability to afford the upfront costs of equipment and mastering preferred techniques. He recommended branching out and trying more economical and traditional drinks, such as cortados — espresso and a small amount of steamed milk, cappuccinos and black coffee, which tend to be lower in price than flavored lattes. Lear echoed Tillman’s call to support local businesses, citing the benefit to the individual, the community and the environment. “Support local shops, who will sell you much higher-quality coffee for a much cheaper price than commercial places,” Lear said. “And, never be afraid to ask your local barista about coffee techniques, methods, how to brew at home and what coffees they recommend.” The convenience of picking up a cup on the way to school certainly helps determine the choice of opting for a coffee shop route. However, the cost can be staggering for a budgeting college student. It’s still possible to buy the best beans and support local coffee shops with tailored methods to make the best brew at home. Sinjin Delmore/The Standard “Enjoy coffee the way you like to drink it,” Lear said. Using a device like a Hario V60 and
in-house roasted beans from your favorite coffee shop you can make your favorite coffee at home.
How to effectively balance work and school schedules DESIREE NIXON News Editor @DesireeNixon17 If you are “workin’ 9 to 5’” as Dolly Parton sang about, while also trying to manage school, it may be a struggle. The question often is what do students value more: studying or money? Kelly Wood, associate provost for student success at Missouri State University, suggests that there should be a nice balance between the two, as being a student should be the number one priority. However, Wood said most employers will work with students’ schedules. “What I advise students is to consult with your boss on your academic goals and seek their assistance in helping you reach them,” Wood said. “In other words, ask them to work with you so that you can work effectively and have time to do your coursework.” Lily Kumar, junior clinical lab sciences-med tech major, said Texas Roadhouse allows her to have time to complete her schoolwork around her part-time work schedule as a host.
Kaitlyn Stratman/The Standard
Junior Lily Kumar works at Texas Roadhouse while taking classes at Missouri State. “I’m only scheduled four days out of the week, and I can pick up shifts if I want to work more,” Kumar said. “It seems easy to have people cover your shifts, and I like having a set schedule for the semester because I can plan things around work easily.” Wood agreed that having a set schedule is a great way to manage school and work. “I suggest scheduling your schoolwork at
the same time each week so that you don’t make it the last thing on your to-do list,” Wood said. “That means you may have to put friend time, workout time and fun time as lower priorities. When you make school a priority, then you can make time to get it completed.” However, if you have the option to work on-campus, Wood said she thinks that is best. Students may have to sacrifice pay, but they can gain experience and flexibility. “Campus jobs provide so much more flexibility with your schedules, but the pay may not be as great as other jobs,” Wood said. “We (advisors at the center for academic success and transition) can provide you with basic career development skills, connect you with professionals on campus to assist you and can be a reference for you in future job applications.” Codi Mitchell, sophomore criminology major, said she thought on-campus jobs provided leniency. She works for the disability resource center and said she has had a great experience with them. “I’m online now, but last semester my
on-campus job was so awesome about working with my events and performances and conflicts,” Mitchell said. “I would highly recommend an on-campus job.” However, she noted that during COVID-19, her job has looked different. “The only issue was when the pandemic hit, my hours got cut immensely,” Mitchell said. “But, when this settles down, even right now, I think on-campus jobs are still such a good idea.” Regardless of the location of students’ jobs, Wood suggests making school a priority. “Doing so also means you need to enlist friends and family to help you keep focused on those priorities,” Wood said. “Can friends help you with study time? Can a family member check in each week to see you are meeting your study times? Enlist help from your loved ones to help you reach your goals.” The school year is a stressful time for students, regardless of your job. For more advice, schedule an appointment with the Career Center at 417-836-5636.
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