Money 101 for Students: How Cash Actually Works

Most people think money problems come from not having enough money. But that’s only part of it. Uncertainty and a lack of knowledge is actually the major stressor when it comes down to $$.

For a lot of students, including student-athletes, we need to focus on the main issue: Understanding how cash actually moves in and out of your life.

This is Money 101.

Money In vs. Money Out (The Only Rule That Matters)

At its simplest, money has two directions:

Money coming in (income)
Money going out (expenses)

If more goes out than comes in, things get stressful.If more comes in than goes out, you have options.

That’s the game.

Why Student Money Feels Extra Tricky

Here’s the part no one really explains.

For many student-athletes:

Income is irregular (stipends, part-time shifts, seasonal work)
Expenses don’t wait
Schedules change constantly
Free time is limited

So even if you do have money coming in, it doesn’t always line up with when or how you need it. This mismatch plays into the uncertainty stressor. But stay with me, there’s an easy fit to this.

Fixed Costs vs. Flexible Costs (Know the Difference)

Not all expenses are made equal. Though both fall under money going out, they have different roles (and logistics) to play.

Some are fixed, think:

Rent
Phone bills
Transit
Subscriptions

Others are flexible, like:

Food choices
Social spending
Clothing
Merch from your favourite creator

When money feels tight, flexible costs are usually where pressure shows up first. You may find you don’t have the cash to go out for a girls night on the town or splurge on a big meal with your boys (awful, we know). Flexible costs are different to manage, but not impossible to account for.

Knowing which is which gives you control. It helps you roadmap and budget so you can spend on the things you’d want, not just need.

“I Have Money” Doesn’t Mean “I’m Fine”

You can have money in your account and still feel stressed if:

You don’t know what’s coming up
You’re guessing instead of tracking
You’re reacting instead of planning

That feeling of uncertainty is exhausting, especially so during a school year.

Money clarity shouldn’t be seen as a burdon, instead it’s quite literally the opposite. This understanding is about reducing mental load. One that would be much heavier unchecked, and swept under the carpet for future you to deal with.

Why Tracking Matters (Without Making It Complicated)

Tracking doesn’t mean spreadsheets or apps you never open again.

It means:

Knowing roughly what comes in
Knowing roughly what goes out
Checking in regularly

Think of it like game reels or a checking over your marked test. You don’t look at it to beat yourself up (and if you do, maybe don’t). You go over it to understand what’s actually happening. It gives you a clear picture of the now, to help inform the future. Progress is an iterative process.