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Money Mondays
By Imagine Scholarships
Sherri Ross
November 04, 2024
🌟 Welcome to this week's Money Monday!
Money Monday: Stay Strong & Finish Strong – Conquering the Semester Slump
We all hit tough weeks where motivation feels out of reach, and the pressures of school and saving for the future can be overwhelming. But remember, these are the weeks that matter most. Let’s find ways to stay strong and finish strong, both academically and financially.
I have a life motto that I’ve lived by for many years. “Discipline buys freedom.”
What do I mean by this?
The Concept:
Discipline may feel like a restriction, but it’s actually the key to greater freedom and opportunity. By practicing discipline—whether in your studies, finances, or personal habits—you create options for your future.
Think of discipline as an investment. The more you invest now by being disciplined, the more freedom you’ll have later to make choices that align with your dreams and goals.
Examples:
Financial Example: By practicing financial discipline, such as saving money, avoiding unnecessary debt, and budgeting, you give yourself the freedom to pay for college without stress, take advantage of future opportunities, or even pursue a dream career.
Academic Example: Studying regularly and staying on top of your assignments may feel tough, but it buys you the freedom to choose your college, explore your career options, and live a life where you’re prepared for opportunities.
Relatable Illustration:
Imagine you have a goal of going on a dream vacation. If you are disciplined in saving and cutting back on small expenses now, you can afford that dream trip without financial stress. That same principle applies to larger life goals.
Or consider an athlete: They practice with discipline every day. This effort gives them the freedom to perform confidently during a game and potentially open doors to future opportunities.
Key Takeaway:
Discipline isn’t about missing out; it’s about prioritizing what matters most to unlock freedom in the areas that are truly meaningful to you. It empowers you to live life on your own terms.
Words of Wisdom
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
When you feel like giving up, think of all the little efforts that will add up to something big. You’ve made it this far, so let’s keep pushing forward! Keep the end goal in mind as you go through your week.
For College Students
Academic Tip: Study smarter, not harder. Use active recall and spaced repetition to make the most of your study time. Take breaks and stay hydrated.
Financial Tip: Review your spending habits from the semester. Are there areas where you can cut back to save more? Small adjustments now can make a big difference later.
Action: Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task, then give yourself a 5-minute reward break. For your finances, put aside $5 from this week’s budget to go toward future education costs. Every dollar counts!
For High School Students
Academic Tip: If you’re struggling in a subject, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A teacher, tutor, or even a friend can make a world of difference.
Financial Tip: Keep track of where you’re spending money. Are there ways to save, like bringing lunch from home or cutting back on small daily expenses?
Action: Spend an evening organizing your schoolwork and make a list of study topics you need to review. For finances, make a “wish list” of things you want to save for and plan how to do it.
For Parents
Tip: Your encouragement is powerful. Take a moment to acknowledge your child’s hard work, even if the results aren’t perfect. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Action: Plan a small family activity to destress together, like a walk or a game night. Also, review your family’s education savings plan to ensure you’re on track.
For Educators
Tip: Share stories of perseverance with your students. Knowing that others have pushed through tough times can inspire them to keep going.
Action: Offer a short guided reflection or meditation in class to help students refocus. A moment of mindfulness can go a long way.
Quote of the Week
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot
Resource of the Week
Since we are still in the beginning of a new month, here is a daily savings tracker to help you finish this month with a little money in your savings account.
Don’t forget to check out Imagine Scholarships for tools and scholarships to help you manage the financial side of your academic journey. Access to resources is key when you’re pushing through a tough semester! If you’re not using Imagine Scholarships yet, I encourage you to sign up today. We have just loaded many new scholarships and have incredible resources that go way beyond scholarships. We truly are the one stop shop you need for college admissions, success and financial aid.
Fun Fact of the Week
Students who keep a gratitude journal report higher motivation and better academic performance. Taking time to be grateful might just be the boost you need to finish strong!
Challenge of the Week
Take 15 minutes to write down 3 things you’re grateful for and 2 goals for this week, one academic and one financial. Focus on making progress, even if it’s small. Remember: forward is forward!
Scholarship of the Week
Meaningful Story
Meet Jordan, a high school senior who struggled with motivation halfway through the year. Jordan made a list of “reasons why” attending college was important, including dreams of becoming a nurse. By focusing on the end goal and taking things one day at a time, Jordan boosted grades and earned extra savings through part-time work. Jordan’s story reminds us that even when the journey feels tough, staying committed to your vision can lead to great rewards.
Looking for more scholarships? If you or your students aren’t already using Imagine Scholarships, signing up is your next step. As the leading platform for scholarships, college, career, and life readiness, we connect you to scholarships you can actually get with expert guidance to make your educational journey simple and easy.
Have a wonderful week, Imagine family. This week, when you’re writing your goals, set aside a little time to brainstorm keywords you can use to search for scholarships. Think of words that describe you and your interests, your major and career goals. Using keywords like this to search will make it easier to apply for scholarships — the money is out there just waiting for you! Did you know our most successful students apply to 3-5 scholarships each week?
We want to know you!
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sherri and Team Imagine
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