• Thursday, February 06, 2025: Drive Your Future: Master the Car Buying Game from 04:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Festival Highlands Room: ired of feeling lost in the car-buying process? This seminar by Finance Professor Jeff Hulett will teach you how to confidently navigate every step, from understanding financing options to spotting the best deals. Learn insider tips and tools to make car buying simple, empowering, and stress-free—because your dream car should come with peace of mind. Register here
• Bankroll Your Best Life: Budgeting Hacks for JMU Students| Febraury 20, 2025, in Festival Highlands Room @ 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Personal Finance Professor Jeff Hulett is Ready to help you take control of your finances and make your money work for you? In this seminar, discover simple, actionable budgeting hacks tailored for JMU students. Learn how to save smarter, spend wiser, and build lifelong financial confidence—all while living your best college life. Register here
• Personal Investing for the Recent Graduate By Dr. Jason Douglas Fink| , Febrauary 27, 2025, in Taylor 305 @ 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: This presentation will cover the basics of investing, starting at the very beginning (such as What is a stock? What is a bond?), and building to a point where students will understand the importance of investing in a 401(k), and how to choose a solid portfolio to do so. The importance of diversification, starting early, investing in only what you understand, and the use of tax advantaged accounts will all be demonstrated. Register here
• Money is a Mindset: April 16, 2025, in Taylor 306 @ 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm by Finance Coach Lindsey Scott. Money is an emotional topic. As we walk through life, we pick up different attitudes and beliefs around money to form our own money mindset. Curious what your money mindset is and how unlocking it is your key to true financial wellness? Register here
• Networking the Easy Way: Conversation Skills for Career Development | , April 8, 2025, in Taylor 306 @ 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: It’s easy in the job search to get sucked into the black hole of online applications, submitting resume after resume with no response from employers. Escaping that void comes down to who you know and how you talk to them. Come learn how to set up and navigate simple conversations to build your network and let your connections bring the opportunities to you. Register Here
• How to crush real life | April 02,  2025, in Festival Ballroom A @ 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm :  OCL is thrilled to welcome back Pete Hardesty, co-author of two Amazon #1 bestsellers, Adulting 101 Books 1 and 2. Join us for his compelling presentation, Transitioning into the "real world" can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can navigate it with confidence. This workshop will cover five key areas essential for success, including overcoming anxiety, managing finances effectively, excelling in the workplace, and practical life hacks to make daily living easier. Join us for an engaging session packed with insights and actionable tips to help you thrive in every aspect of life! Register here

Our financial coaching sessions are tailored specifically for JMU students! Get personalized advice on creating a spending plan, saving for short-term goals like spring break, or even managing your first paycheck from an internship. Consultations are free, confidential, and available in person or virtually.

Schedule your session today with our Financial Literacy Graduate Assistant, Sushma Shivalingaiah, by emailing her at shivalsx@dukes.jmu.edu. Take control of your finances and plan for a successful future!

Office Hours:

Mon – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Tuesday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Wednesday-12:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Thursday-12:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

• Budgeting Basics: Learn how to create a simple budget that works for your JMU lifestyle. Attend one of our workshops to get started with practical tips on planning for rent, groceries, and weekend fun.
• Budgeting Tools for Dukes: Explore tools and strategies to help you track your spending and stay on top of your financial goals. Our workshops provide hands-on guidance to help you choose the best approach for your needs.
• Duke Dollars Stretching Tips: Join our sessions to learn creative ways to save money on everyday expenses, from groceries to study materials, while maximizing your resources.

The Pantry

The Pantry is a joint effort on campus, supported by the Basic Needs Advisory Board, co-chaired by Off-Campus Life and Community Service-Learning staff, and university and Harrisonburg community partners. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank ensures we have a consistent supply of quality, nutritious food options. The Pantry is stocked with shelf-stable goods, some hygiene products, a limited selection of fresh produce from JMU Dining Services each week, as well as fresh bread.

• Main Pantry: The Union, Taylor Down Under, Room 112; Monday from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• East Pantry: EnGeo, Room 0302; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Food Planning & Costs

Content coming soon including:

• Cost Comparisons: JMU meal plans, grocery store prices, etc.
• "When times are tough"
• The cost of prepared food
• Dining out
• Food subscriptions

Food Prep

Content coming soon including:

• One-pot meals
• Healthy foods at home

Where Does Your Money Go?

• Breakdown Your Budget: Learn about common spending categories for college students and how to balance essentials with entertainment.
• Reducing Unnecessary Expenses: Join our sessions to identify areas where you can cut costs and prioritize your financial goals.
• Resources for Smarter Spending: Discover ways to manage housing, utilities, and other expenses efficiently while staying within your budget.

Credit Cards Made Simple

• Credit Card Basics: Learn the essentials of how credit cards work and how to use them responsibly.
• Building Good Credit Habits: Attend our workshops to understand how to establish and maintain a positive credit history.
• Managing Debt: Get tips and tools to avoid credit card debt and create a repayment strategy if needed.

Taxes 101 for JMU Students

• Filing Your Taxes: Learn the basics of filing taxes as a student, including what documents you’ll need and common deductions you may qualify for.
• Workshops on Tax Preparation: Attend our sessions to gain confidence in preparing and submitting your tax returns.
• Understanding Student-Specific Tax Issues: Explore topics like tuition credits and student loan interest deductions to ensure you’re maximizing your refund.

Plan Your Path to Financial Success

• Setting Short- and Long-Term Goals: Learn how to create realistic financial goals that align with your academic, personal, and career aspirations.
• Actionable Steps for Success: Attend our workshops to break down your goals into manageable steps, from saving for a spring break trip to building an emergency fund.
• Tracking Progress: Discover tools and techniques to monitor your financial growth and stay motivated.
• Building a Vision for the Future: Understand how small, consistent actions today can lead to long-term financial stability after graduation.

Protect Yourself from Scams

• Recognizing Scams: Learn how to identify and avoid common scams targeting students, including phishing and fraudulent job offers.
• Preventing Identity Theft: Join our workshops to understand how to protect your personal and financial information.
• Getting Help: Find out what to do if you suspect fraud or fall victim to a scam and where to report it.

Adulting after college