Bonus Section

Finances

Develop a simple monthly budget to track your income and expenses.

Use a budgeting app that fits your needs (e.g., Mint, YNAB, or another budgeting tool).

Consider using the Your Financial Pharmacist budgeting template (https://yourfinancialpharmacist.lpages.co/budgeting-template/)

Review and update your budget on a regular schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually) that works for you.

Prioritize Spending

Understand the cost of professional organization memberships and student organization dues.

Prioritize involvement based on your interests, goals, and available budget.

Look for funding opportunities throughout pharmacy school, including:

University of Iowa General Scholarships

University of Iowa Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) Grants

University of Iowa Student Employment opportunities Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/seoy#accordion-item-2716-0

Local organizations (e.g., Rotary Clubs, community foundations, civic organizations)

Begin setting aside money for unexpected expenses, even if you start small.

Make regular contributions to build and maintain your emergency fund over time.

Explore part-time work only if it fits your academic schedule and personal bandwidth.

Consider positions such as a pharmacy technician in a community pharmacy or hospital.

Use Handshake and other University of Iowa career resources to search for opportunities.

Learn the types of loans you have (e.g., subsidized vs. unsubsidized) and how interest accrues. Resource: https://studentaid.gov/articles/subsidized-vs-unsubsidized-loans/

Review your interest rates, repayment options, and eligibility for programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Explore whether refinancing may be beneficial based on your financial goals and loan situation.

Use a loan repayment calculator to estimate the impact of making extra payments or paying loans off early. Resource: https://yfpwealth.com/early-payoff-calculator/