By Ashley Saleh/reporter
NE students learned about financial decision-making during a financial literacy information session Sept. 12.
NE financial aid advisor Joe Rodriguez spoke about setting financial goals, what it takes to reach those goals and the need for a savings account and emergency fund.
“It’s important to have a savings account because you never know what kinds of expenses will occur,” Rodriguez said. “Being financially disciplined is the goal, and making some choices ahead of time will help us accomplish this goal.”
Rodriguez talked about making sound financial choices to help create a solid foundation for the future like limiting credit card use to an amount that can be paid back immediately.
“There’s a difference between wants and needs,” he said “Needs are required for everyday life. Wants are basically everything else.”
Once students realize the difference between wants and needs, they will be on track to practicing financial discipline and making better decisions for their future, Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez talked about different types and of goals and the individual action required to make financial goals a reality.
“Everyone has a goal that they’d like to reach,” he said “Making your goals specific will help you reach them.”