18 APARTMENT GUIDE 4 photo courtesy of iStock BUDGET (CONTINUED FROM 15) Financial Literacy Guide on its Web site, www.financialaid.ku.edu. The guide includes worksheets, tips and general information for students trying to effectively budget their money. But aside from this publication, the University offers little guidance for students trying to balance their budgets. Russo said he hadn't heard of any aid for budgeting and personal finance. "If they do, they're not forward enough about it, because I'm not aware of it," he said. But better help for students struggling with budgeting may come within the next Student Senate term. Libby Johnson, Lawrence sophomore and Student Senate executive secretary, said Senate planned to create a visible and accessible center to help students with their personal finances. Johnson said the old resources simply weren't working. Student BodyPresidentelect Mason Heilman laid out plans for a Financial Planning Center to be placed in the fourth floor of the Kansas Union. "They're very underutilized. I've barely even heard of it, and I'm pretty involved," she said. "It'll be a lot more visible and convenient," Johnson said. students and would provide help and advice to any student who might need it. This could include help with taxes, loans, rent contracts or financial aid applications. The center would be run by business "I had a steady income, and now I will spend just as much with a limited income." MIKE RUSSO Lenexa sophomore "I'm a commuter. I drive about 36 miles to school, so gas prices really affected me." But until these plans become reality,the tension WILL FLICKINGER Kansas City, Kan., senior between instant satisfaction and saving for necessities remains a common problem for students. Russo said his problems started when he had to limit his working hours after graduating from high school. "I leave my debit card at home so I'm not tempted to use it." MIKE RUSSO Lenexa sophomore "I had a steady income, and now I still spend just as much with a limited income," Russo said. High gas prices contributed to the financial troubles of Will Flickinger, Kansas City, Kan., senior. "I'm a commuter; I drive about 36 miles to school, so gas prices really affected me," Flickinger said. Spending more money on gas meant less was available for food and fun, and it even affected his academics. "I took on more hours at work, which made it a lot harder to do schoolwork," Flickinger said. Russo still finds it difficult to keep his spending under control, but he has taken small steps to check his losses. He gets all his spending money in cash, instead of using his debit card. "I leave my debit card at home so I'm not tempted to use it," he said. Edited by Grant Treaster APRIL 23,2009 (2) 05 81. JIRA A THE UNIVERSITY DAILY ANSWER