July 10, 2025

How to Budget Smarter and Find College Money-Fast

Summer’s all about soaking up the sun and taking a break, but it’s also a great time to make financial moves that set you up for a smoother school year. Whether you’re working a few shifts, scrolling between poolside playlists, or just catching your breath, this is your chance to get ahead financially without a ton of effort. Think of it as a summer life hack—save now, chill later.

Last-Minute Ways to Cover College Costs:

Apply for Last-Minute Scholarships:

  • Many scholarships are still open over the summer—even into August.
  • Focus on quick applications with short essays or no essays.
  • Check your Red Kite Dashboard to apply for no-essay scholarships.

Talk to the Financial Aid Office ASAP:

  • Ask if your school offers:
    • Emergency grants
    • Payment plans
    • Unclaimed institutional aid
    • If your family’s financial situation has changed, request a special circumstances review (also called a financial aid appeal).

Look for Part-Time Jobs with Tuition Help:

  • Some employers like Starbucks, Chipotle, Target, and Amazon offer tuition reimbursement or college scholarships for employees.

There’s still time to secure money for college—but you need to move fast and focus on what’s still available.
Red Kite can help you find last-minute scholarships and stay on top of deadlines with text reminders.

Money Prep Starts Now

Summer is the perfect time to start budgeting early and saving for college. Here are a few simple steps to make the most of it.

Create a Budget (Even a Simple One)

  • Track all income (allowance, gifts, part-time jobs, side gigs)
  • List monthly expenses (food, gas, phone, entertainment)
  • Aim for a 50/30/20 rule:
    • 50% Needs
    • 30% Wants
    • 20% Savings/Debt

Cut Back on Unnecessary Spending

  • Skip daily coffee runs, limit takeout (that $12 burrito turns into a $27 life decision real quick when you add in delivery, tax, and a mystery fee) and shop smarter (thrifts or sales)
  • Challenge yourself: “No-Spend Week” or set spending limits for social outings

Set a Goal:

  • Choose a specific goal: “Save $1,000 for books and fees”
  • Seeing progress is motivating. Break it into weekly savings targets

That ‘already handled it’ feeling? Even better when the semester hasn’t even started yet. Continue to soak up the summer vibes, but don’t forget to knock out those goals one step at a time.

The Red Kite Team