Financial Literacy
Off-Campus Life’s Money Magnet Financial Literacy Program assists students in gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to make well-informed and contemplative monetary decisions that impact their daily lives. From budgeting for food, fashion, and fun with friends the financial literacy program assists students in learning how to plan and execute projects with a spending plan while propelling them to become a Madison Money Magnet. This program helps guide students to develop their own strategies for their specific needs and aspirations for now and in the future.
We host financial literacy workshops several times throughout the academic year. These events are designed to give students who currently live or are preparing to live off-campus the tools to manage expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Learn spending strategies, debt management, saving tips, how to be a "money magnet," and align your values with your finances!
2022-2023 Workshop Dates:
- Thursday, November 10, 2022: Food & Finance from 12:30-2:00 p.m. in the Union Ballroom
Students can schedule one-on-one consultations with our Graduate Assistant for Financial Literacy, Melanie Hubbard, to talk through their finances and spending in a safe, supportive space.
Details on how to schedule coming soon!
- Spending strategies
- Spending plans
- Credit & debt
- Income taxes
- Transportation
- Investing (in yourself)
- Homeownership: pros & cons of renting/purchasing a home, efficient steps to purchase your first home
- Stocks, Bonds, IRAs, Roth IRAs, Money Markets, Savings
- Investing & retirement as a subscription service for yourself
- Increasing Income: Businesses/side hustles, Continuing education (seminars, books, certifications, formal education i.e. graduate school & assistantships)
The Pantry
The Pantry is a joint effort on campus, supported by the Basic Needs Advisory Board, co-chaired by Off-Campus Life and Community Service-Learning staff, and university and Harrisonburg community partners. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank ensures we have a consistent supply of quality, nutritious food options. The Pantry is stocked with shelf-stable goods, some hygiene products, a limited selection of fresh produce from JMU Dining Services each week, as well as fresh bread.
- Location: The Union, Taylor Down Under, Room 112
- Open Hours: Monday from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Food Planning & Costs
Content coming soon including:
- Cost Comparisons: JMU meal plans, grocery store prices, etc.
- "When times are tough"
- The cost of prepared food
- Dining out
- Food subscriptions
Food Prep
Content coming soon including:
- One-pot meals
- Healthy foods at home
Shop Your Closet
Content coming soon!
Shop JMU Career Closet
Shop a curated selection of work attire for your next interview or career fair for FREE! Hosted and organized by the University Career Center and The Pantry, the JMU Career Closet is a clothing and accessory resource for all JMU students, with a specific focus on work and interview attire. This is a donation-based resource, and students are welcome to take one complete outfit from the closet each semester, free of charge.
Location: SSC 3rd floor, suite 3250
Times: Wednesday and Thursday from 12-3 pm during the academic year
Shop Thrift Stores
Shop Economically
Content coming soon!
Content coming soon including:
- Financial tips
- Helpful links
- Video content