Broke international student in the Midwest making minimum wage. What should I actually be doing with my money?
I’m an international student at a Midwest university working part time (minimum wage). Money is tight but I’m trying to be smart about it instead of just letting it disappear.
A few things I’m trying to figure out:
**•** What’s the best way to actually save when the paycheck is small? Is a fixed % even realistic on this income?
**•** Are high yield savings accounts worth it for someone with a small balance, and do any of them work well for international students / non-citizens?
**•** Budgeting apps: worth it or overkill? What do you actually use and stick with?
**•** Anything I should know about taxes as an F-1 student (tips income, filing, etc.)?
**•** Credit: can international students build credit here, and should I even bother this early?
**•** Any dumb money mistakes you made in college that you’d tell your younger self to avoid?
Not looking to get rich, just want to not be clueless and maybe have a small cushion by the time I graduate. Appreciate any advice.