No matter how old our kids  get they’ll always be our babies. Even though we want them to fly, there are times they need a little extra support. Check out  some tips on how to financially support your child in college.

 

How to Financially Support Your Child in College (Without Going Broke!)

College is expensive—we all know that. Tuition, books, room and board, and those sneaky little fees seem to add up faster than you can say “student loan.” But beyond the big costs, what about the day-to-day expenses? Coffee runs, last-minute textbook purchases, emergency Uber rides—your child will inevitably need extra funds from time to time.

So, how can you help them financially—both with major expenses and those little surprises? Here are some smart ways to send money when they need it, plus extra tips to set them up for financial success.

Sending Money: Quick & Easy Transfer Methods

1. Online Bank Transfers (The Classic Method)

If you want a simple, no-fuss way to send money, setting up a joint bank account with your student is a great option. This lets you transfer funds instantly from your account to theirs—almost like giving them a digital allowance.

Bonus Tip: Set up recurring transfers so they always have a set amount each week or month. No last-minute “Hey Mom, can you send me $20?” texts (well, fewer of them anyway).

2. PayPal (Fast & Reliable)

If both you and your child have a PayPal account, you can send money with just a few clicks. You don’t have to share any banking details, and funds can be sent via bank transfer, debit, or credit card.

Why It’s Great:
Secure transactions
Ability to schedule payments
Option to send money via PayPal Credit if needed

3. Social Media Transfers (Yes, Really!)

Your kid is already on Facebook, Snapchat, or another social platform—so why not use them to send money?

On Facebook Messenger, you can simply:
Open a message with your child
 Click the dollar sign and enter the amount
 Add your debit or credit card and hit “Pay”

Heads Up: The transfer is instant on your end, but it might take a couple of days before the money is available to your child.

4. Venmo (The Cool Kid’s Choice)

Venmo is like PayPal but with a social twist—your child can send fun little messages or emojis along with payments (yes, they’ll probably tag you in something sarcastic).

How it works:
 Sync your bank account
Send money using your child’s username or phone number
Funds arrive almost instantly (as long as they have a Venmo account)

Watch Out: If they opt for an instant transfer to their bank, Venmo charges a small fee.

5. Money Transfer Apps (Super Convenient!)

There are tons of money transfer apps out there—some even let you send money internationally. Popular ones include Zelle, Cash App, and Wise (formerly TransferWise).

Each app has its perks, but key things to check are:
Transfer fees (some are free, others charge small amounts)
How quickly the money arrives
Any limits on transfer amounts

6. Western Union (Old-School but Effective)

Western Union has been around forever, and for good reason. You don’t need a fancy app or online account—just provide your child’s name and bank details, pay the amount, and choose whether they’ll pick up the cash or get a direct deposit.

Things to Consider:
Fees apply
It may take 1-4 business days for the money to arrive

Beyond Transfers: Helping Your Child Financially in Other Ways

Sending money is great, but teaching your child financial independence is even better! Here are some ways to help them cover costs and build good money habits.

1. Encourage Scholarships & Grants (Free Money!)

There’s a surprising amount of scholarship and grant money out there that many students never even apply for. Help your child search for options, especially:
Merit-based scholarships (for good grades or talents)
Need-based grants (based on financial need)
Special interest scholarships (sports, music, community service, etc.)

Tip: Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com make it easy to find and apply for free money.

2. Help Them Find a Part-Time Job (Without Overloading Them)

Working a part-time job can teach responsibility and help cover personal expenses. Good options for college students include:

Campus jobs (library, bookstore, tutoring)

Remote work (freelancing, virtual assistant, online tutoring)

Side gigs (pet-sitting, ride-sharing, delivery services)

Tip: Many colleges offer work-study programs, which help students earn money while keeping their hours manageable.

Teach Smart Budgeting & Money Management

Even if you’re sending money, your child still needs to learn how to manage it. Teach them to:
Use a budgeting app (like Mint or YNAB)
Separate wants vs. needs
Save a little from each paycheck or allowance

Tip: If they don’t already have one, help them set up a high-yield savings account so their money can grow.

4. Consider Student Loans (Only If Necessary!)

If your child needs additional financial help, student loans should be a last resort. When borrowing is unavoidable, make sure to:
Choose federal loans first (lower interest rates, better repayment options)
Avoid private loans unless absolutely necessary
Teach them about repayment—student loans are not free money!

Tip: Encourage them to borrow only what they need and to pay off interest while still in school if possible.

Final Thoughts

Let’s face it—college students aren’t always the best at budgeting (no judgment, we were all there once!). Unexpected expenses pop up, and sometimes, they just need a little extra cash.

By choosing a fast, secure, and convenient method, you can make sure your child has what they need—while also helping them build smart financial habits for the future. Now, go ahead and prepare yourself for those inevitable “Hey, I’m out of money” texts! 😅