Managing your budget

Sound financial health starts with making, understanding, and respecting your own personal budget. With practice and good advice, you will develop your budgeting skills in no time! Check out the resources available below to help you make a budget.

Fees

Proper planning is essential to ensure you have the financial resources necessary to meet your needs and pay for your studies. Be sure to review the detailed information available about your tuition and other fees.

Fees

 

Sample student budgets

Here are a few sample budgets based on different student profiles to give you an idea of how much money you’ll need and the expenses you can expect. These examples will also give you an idea of the cost of living in Québec City.

International students Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Sample budget – Undergraduate studies Sample budget – Undergraduate studies
Sample budget – Master’s studies Sample budget – Master’s studies
Sample budget – Doctoral studies Sample budget – Doctoral studies

 

Budget tools

Creating a budget is not as tedious as you might think, and the benefits are undeniable. A budget can help you figure out your priorities, achieve specific financial goals, reduce stress, prepare for the unexpected, and avoid the consequences of excessive debt.

The Bureau des bourses et de l’aide financière provides you with the following tools that allow you to establish a personalized budget to better guide you in your financial decisions and thus help you improve and maintain good financial health:

 

Budget management grid: Simple and especially designed for university students

 

Faistonbudget.ca: Online interactive tool

faistonbudget

Calculator – credit card

Exercise one or more of these tools will allow you to fully understand the risks associated with interest payments, improve your use of credit and help you limit debt:
Calculator – credit card of the Financial Markets Authority
Calculator – credit card of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

 

Further reading

Your financial institution may have its own financial education program. Talk to an expert, they’re here to help!

Money-saving tips

  • Create a budget: Sound financial management starts with making, understanding, and respecting your own personal budget. With practice and guidance, you’ll develop your budgeting skills in no time! The Student Awards and Financial Aid Office is here to help.
  • Reduce your debt: Borrow only what you need and schedule regular meetings with your financial planner.
  • Avoid paying interest: Set up automatic monthly payments of your credit card balance.
  • Use a reloadable prepaid credit card: If you have trouble sticking to your own spending limits, this is a great way to keep yourself on track.
  • Make your own meals: When you plan your meals in advance, you save a lot of money by cutting down on food waste. Make a list before you head to the grocery store, and then stick to it.
  • Find a cell phone plan that fits your actual needs: Ask for quotes from a few different providers and negotiate. Keep in mind that many places offer free WIFI, so don’t choose a package with more data than you need.
  • Find low-cost housing: The Université Laval Residence Office has affordable accommodations close to many campus services and amenities.
  • Avoid nonessential purchases: “Think before you buy” is a good practice for saving. Before you reach for your wallet, take a moment to ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”
  • Check online for sales: Compare products online before you go to the store so you can be sure to get the best price.
  • Set money aside: Open a savings account to set money aside for your personal plans and dreams—and to ensure you have a bit of a cushion for covering unexpected expenses without resorting to credit.