By Kyle Peveto, Staff Writer

As the days grow shorter, the air gets cooler and the semester draws to a close, many students’ financial standings become bleak.

Students’ savings from summer jobs have dwindled and freshmen who have just begun to manage their financial situations have learned the possible pitfalls associated with beginning life on one’s own.

“I have a spending problem,” said Nikki Addison, freshman broadcast journalism major from Magnolia. “I look at my account and I want to cry.”

“I blew so much money,” said Jonathan Black, freshman finance major from Arlington.

While admitting they have a problem may be the first step to solving it, students may need further advice to managing their finances.

“Don’t spend more than you have,” said Dr. Nick Fessler, assistant professor of accounting and finance.

Some students have been given allowances by their parents and earn extra money working or giving plasma for spending money.

“I’m doing good; I don’t have to pay for my own gas, and I work,” said Heather Randall, freshman exercise science major from Tulsa, Okla.

“I get an allowance of $50 per week and I’m giving plasma for Christmas gifts,” said Patrick Vincent, freshman business major from Arlington.

Dr. Jonathan Stewart, associate professor of finance, has offered his advice to new students and has spoken in University Seminar classes to instruct students on smart financial management.

“Ultimately you have to live within your means,” he said.

The allure of purchasing items and paying later draws many into debt through credit card usage.

Stewart urges students “to be smart about how you use credit cards. If you use it, use it for convenience and pay off the balance every month.”