The 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing: Financial Wellbeing

When we talk about your “wellbeing” as a college student, we’re talking about more than having a good attitude or hitting the gym. Wellbeing is made up of eight interconnected dimensions that shape how we feel, function, and live. These include emotional, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial wellbeing. When one area is off, it can affect all the others.
In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the eighth and final dimension: Financial Wellbeing.
What Is Financial Wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing is your ability to manage your money in a way that supports your current needs while building stability for your future. This includes your relationship with money, how confident you feel making financial decisions, and how in control you feel over your financial life.
For college students, this often means learning to budget, understanding financial aid or student loans, handling part-time income, and figuring out how to cover basic expenses while juggling school. It can also mean navigating emotions like guilt, stress, or comparison when it comes to spending or saving.

How Financial Wellbeing Shows Up
Your financial wellbeing can affect your stress levels, sleep, focus, and even your sense of independence. Some signs that this dimension is in a healthy place might include:
- You know where your money is going each month and feel in control of your spending.
- You can cover your basic needs (food, rent, supplies) without constant anxiety.
- You’re aware of your student loan or debt situation and have a plan for managing it.
- You’re building habits that support long-term stability (even small ones like saving a little or avoiding impulse purchases).
- You feel confident asking questions, setting financial goals, and learning what you don’t know.
When financial wellbeing is solid, it reduces stress and allows you to focus on your academic, social, and personal life with more clarity and less fear.

What to Watch For
Money stress is extremely common in college. Many students are managing finances for the first time and often doing so under pressure. Some signs your financial wellbeing may need attention include:
- Constantly worrying about money or avoiding your bank account altogether
- Struggling to afford essentials like groceries, textbooks, or transportation
- Feeling overwhelmed by debt or unsure how student loans work
- Making purchases that bring short-term relief but long-term stress
- Feeling isolated, ashamed, or behind financially compared to peers
- Not knowing where to start when it comes to budgeting or saving
Financial wellbeing is a skill set, and like any skill, it can be learned and strengthened over time.
That’s a Wrap on the 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing!
If you’ve read through all 8 Dimensions, take a moment to check in: Which dimensions feel strong for you right now? Which ones might need more care or attention?
The 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing are a simple way to assess the full picture of your life, while also giving yourself permission to grow, one dimension at a time. You’ve got this!








