Students considering living off campus received tips on how to balance a budget from the Student Financial Management Center at noon Wednesday in Coates Hall. The program, “Don’t Break the Bank,” outlined major cost considerations when moving off campus and provided tools to organize a personal budget.”We want students to have a better picture of costs when living off campus and how to balance wants and needs,” said Student Life coordinator Emily Burris.The event was held in collaboration with the First Year Experience division of Student Life.”We want to help students make decisions on what to buy and make sure they aren’t living beyond their means,” said Missy Korduner, assistant director for the First Year Experience. The program covered major costs, such as rent, food and transportation, and highlighted unexpected factors, such as security deposits, credit checks and home furnishings.”When signing a contract for the first time, most are not sure how much they’re taking on,” Burris said.The program promoted tools on the SFMC Web site, such as spreadsheets, checklists and calculators, to help students manage their budgets.”The program answered my questions about what to ask when looking for an apartment,” said Helen Ford, art freshman.First Year Experience and the SFMC plan to hold a series of similar programs throughout the fall and spring of next year, Burris said. The center is currently a one-woman program operated by Burris that began in August 2009.”The biggest thing the SFMC promotes is students keeping a budget,” Burris said. “If they get into the practice in college, students will be set up for success in the future.”The center is currently Web-based, but Burris will meet with students in person by request.Burris said she hopes in the future the center will include more one-on-one counseling and peer advising. The Student Financial Management Center is located in B-4 Coates Hall and can be accessed online at www.sfmc.lsu.edu.—–Contact Grace Montgomery at [email protected]