If I work my way through college, won't grades suffer?

Dear Dave,

I'm going to college next year, and I'm pretty scared. My older brother is smart, but his grades aren't too good. He says he can't find time to study and work. How do people do it?

Justin

Dear Justin,

I'm glad you're thinking ahead, and trying to make your college experience a successful one. It's really just a matter of using your time wisely. You know how I always tell people to budget their money? You can do the same kind of thing with your time.

There are 24 hours in a day. Set aside seven for sleep and that leaves 17 hours. Let's say three meals combined takes three hours. You've got 14 hours left. If you're in class for four or five hours a day, that still leaves you with about nine hours. That's plenty of time during the week to study hard, hang out with friends a little and take care of other things. Then, you can work weekends, and have a little down time to relax, study more and run errands.

I worked 40 hours week in college, and I still graduated in four years with good grades. You can do it, Justin!

-Dave

Dave Ramsey is America's trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover,EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.