Resources
The following resources related to money management and financial education are available to all students.
StudentAid.gov
StudentAid.gov provides extensive information about federal financial aid and loans, including tips for filing the FAFSA, definitions of financial aid terms, and managing your student loan repayment options.
National Endowment for Financial Education
The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is a nonprofit foundation providing financial education and tools for people at all stages of life, from pre-college through post-retirement. NEFE also sponsors CashCourse, a free online budgeting and money management tool specifically for college students. Smart About Money (SAM) is another one of the many programs provided by NEFE.It's a free, unbiased resource where you can find in-depth personal finance courses, articles, calculators and tips to help you manage your money through life's ups and downs.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was established by Congress, and works to promote financial education and enforce consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB also provides a wealth of information for college students, including paying for college and repaying student loans.
Linkedin Learning
Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com) and Northwestern University have partnered to offer University students unlimited, on-demand access to a full library of online courses at no additional cost for a pilot period of one year. Search a financial wellness topic to learn more on that subject.
MyMoney.gov
MyMoney.gov is sponsored by the Congressionally chartered Federal Financial Literacy and Education Commission, which is made up of more than 20 Federal entities to help strengthen American's financial capability and increase access to financial services. Among other topics, this website covers five major financial principles: earning, saving & investing, spending, protecting, and borrowing.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. This website provides a wealth of helpful information and guides on important topics such as purchasing a car, home mortgages, credit, credit cards and how to avoid scholarship scams.
Northwestern Student Financial Services
Student Financial Services helps students understand the billing process and your financing options at Northwestern. This University website provides important information including billing dates & deadlines, policies and payment methods. You can also find contact information here for your appropriate financial aid office.
Other Informational Resources
Many websites provide information and tools to learn about and manage your finances.
Napkin Finance
NapkinFinance.com is a great online tool to introduce yourself to important financial topics. They provide quick and easy resources on everything you need to know about money in 30 seconds or less. Their mission is to empower visitors to manage their money and understand basic financial concepts in a simple, fun and engaging way. Their wide array of topics include investing, Money 101, and Michelle Obama's course on higher education.
NerdWallet
NerdWallet offers financial tools and advice to help people understand their options and make better financial decisions. You can find deals on credit cards, insurance, mortgage rates, and more, ask questions and get advice, and learn about ways to reduce your bills.
Illinois Attorney General Consumer Information
The Illinois Attorney General's website provides information and publications related to general finances, scams and identity theft, and consumer protections.