schools
From work study to meal plans, here’s how college students can avoid debt
Summary by The Nashville Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Rachel DePompa , WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 23, 2026
· 2 min read
( InvestigateTV ) — As students head to college, a personal finance expert says knowing how to handle money early can prevent significant debt down the road. Kionnie Epps, founder of the YouTube channel The Responsible Homegirl, said one of the most overlooked financial realities for college stud...
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Summary created by The Nashville Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Rachel DePompa, WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 23, 2026 Indexed here Jul 23, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Kionnie Epps, founder of the YouTube channel The Responsible Homegirl, said one of the most overlooked financial realities for college students is that financial aid often drops after the first year, making a long-term plan essential.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville, where several colleges and universities are located, students can take advantage of on-campus resources to manage their finances effectively. Many local institutions offer work study programs and on-campus jobs that provide flexibility for students to balance their class schedules and earn money. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can develop a strong work ethic and gain autonomy over their finances. Additionally, students can explore local scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, to supplement their financial aid. By being deliberate about spending and avoiding debt, Nashville's college students can set themselves up for long-term financial success and make the most of their time in the city. As they navigate campus life, students should prioritize responsible financial habits, such as using meal plans and limiting credit card use, to ensure a stable financial future after graduation.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ( InvestigateTV ) — As students head to college, a personal finance expert says knowing how to handle money early can prevent significant debt down the road. Kionnie Epps, founder of the YouTube channel The Responsible Homegirl, said one of the most overlooked financial realities for college stud...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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