The student's guide to personal finance
Financial literacy early in life will pay dividends in your future. Here's Ratehub's guide to managing your money as a student.
How to budget as a student
Learning to budget as a student can be challenging at first, but we make it easy by providing a spreadsheet to track all your expenses in one place.
read moreYour money as a student
As a student, managing your hard-earned money isn’t an easy task. Below, you’ll find helpful blog posts, expert opinions, and answers to your frequently asked questions about all things money.
"The reason traditional budgets don't work for so many people is because they feel restrictive. Instead of focusing on what your available money can't do, think about it in terms of what it can. For example, if you cook dinner at home three times a week, what kinds of possibilities does that cost savings open up?"
Sandra Martin
Editor-in-Chief, Moneysense
Why you need a roommate expenses tracker
Living with a roommate and unsure on how to split the costs of your rent, groceries, and utilities? We’ve got you covered with our roommate expense tracker.
read moreYour credit card and debt as a student
Getting a student credit card can be a great way to build your credit which will help your future self when trying to get a car loan or a mortgage. You may even be able to earn some cashback while you’re at it. Here are a few resources to help you get started on your credit card journey and pay off your debt.
"Student credit cards can be a great tool to build credit and familiarize oneself with how credit cards work. When looking for a student card, it is important to look at the annual fee, rewards, and credit limit, making sure that the card suits your needs"
Mikael Castaldo
Business Unit Manager, Credit Cards, Ratehub.ca
Credit cards for students FAQ
Can you get a credit card under 18?
Why should I get a credit card as a student?
How do student credit cards work?
Debt for students FAQ
What is the Repayment Assistance Plan for student debt?
What is the non-repayment period for student debt?
How can I repay my student debt faster?
How to Get Out of Student Credit Card Debt
Graduating from post-secondary is definitely worth celebrating, but for many, it also comes with an enormous load of student and credit card debt to pay off.
read moreYour investments as a student
Investing is all about the time frame, so starting early as a student can be a financially smart decision to make. Visit our resources below to learn all about investing while you’re still in school.
"Learning how to invest your savings responsibly to make them grow should be taught in school. Too bad it’s not, because starting young as an investor and learning from your mistakes can have a great impact on your lifestyle"
Investments for students FAQ
How old do you need to be to invest?
How can I invest with little money as a student?
Should I pay off my student loans early or invest?
How should I invest my money as a student?
Growing your wealth in the stock market doesn't only take time. It also takes a fair share of research.
read moreUseful student investing resources
- Ratehub.ca
TFSA investments
- Government of Canada
TFSA guide
- Real Money Talk Podcast
How to start investing (and why you need to)
Your insurance as a student
Insurance may be the last thing on your mind while at school, but it offers peace of mind against potential risks like theft or fire from disrupting your studies. Below, we provide an expert opinion, blog posts, and useful resources about all things insurance.
"As a student it can be difficult to find affordable insurance options due to lack of experience and insurance history. Despite the challenges, there are ways you could save, such as: joining your parents policies, choosing usage based insurance, and shopping the market for quotes"
Matt Hands
Director of Insurance, Ratehub.ca
Insurance for students FAQ
Do students need renters insurance?
How much is car insurance for a student?
Can students get car insurance discounts?
How to save thousands not sharing renters insurance with roommates
Living with roommates this semester? Save money and ensure your claims are hassle-free by getting your own tenants insurance.
read moreUseful student insurance resources
- Ratehub.ca
Student car insurance quotes
- Ratehub.ca
Student tenant insurance quotes
Your housing as a student
Looking to buy or rent your first-ever home at a young age? Being in student doesn’t rule you out of approval, so visit our resources below for more details.
"The earlier you learn how housing and mortgages work the better, and if you are able to enter the market at a younger age, you will be thankful you did"
James Laird
Co-CEO, CanWise Financial
Housing for students FAQ
Can you get a mortgage as student?
What is the first-time home buyer incentive in Canada?
Do student loans affect mortgages?
How to buy a house with a group of friends
Thinking about making a real estate investment with friends while you're young? Here's everything you should know.
read moreUseful student housing resources
- Ratehub.ca
Mortgage rates
- Ratehub.ca
Mortgage payment calculator
- Ratehub.ca
Mortgage affordability calculator
- Government of Canada
Mortgage affordability calculator
