College Senior Shares It's Not What You Make, It's What You Save That Counts Most
by Team Sammy
Guest Blogger Bradley Smith
In this special guest blog, Sammy Rabbit is proud to showcase the journey and insights of Bradley Smith!
Bradley is a senior finance student at Kent State University in Ohio and an aspiring entrepreneur dedicated to improving financial literacy education. After recognizing how unprepared many young people are when it comes to managing money, he began developing products to bridge this gap. Through hands-on work with students and educators, Brad has helped bring financial literacy into classrooms and beyond. His mission is to make financial education more accessible, engaging, and practical—empowering the next generation to take control of their financial futures.
Discover more about Bradley and his mission at the enterprisehe founded: Vinci Learning
Why It Doesn’t Matter How Much You Make, It Matters How Much You Save
The Moment I Realized I Was Unprepared
As I prepared to graduate high school in 2021, an overwhelming sense of uncertainty hit me. I had spent years learning math, science, and history, yet no one had ever taught me how to manage money—the one thing we all have to deal with, whether we like it or not.
Despite its importance, financial literacy wasn’t even a requirement in Ohio schools until the summer of 2022—just after I graduated. My luck, right?
That uncertainty turned into motivation when I joined a business program my senior year. My team and I launched a company focused on introducing students to financial literacy early, helping to make money management less intimidating later in life. We developed gamified products that were both fun and educational, with our most recent being Wayz to Wealth—an interactive game that teaches students the fundamentals of saving, investing, and budgeting in an engaging way.
Since then, I’ve been committed to helping others build strong financial habits early so they don’t experience the same anxiety I did before stepping into the "real world."
Most Important Rule: Save > Spend
Whether you make $30,000 or $300,000 a year, managing money is unavoidable—and it all starts with saving. No matter how much you earn, if you don’t know how to save, financial struggles will always follow.
You’d be surprised how many doctors, lawyers, and other high earners live paycheck to paycheck, just one emergency away from debt or bankruptcy. The harsh truth? Earning more money doesn’t fix poor financial habits. But learning to control spending and prioritize saving does.
Breaking Habits That Keep You Broke
Thankfully, most of our everyday spending is habit-based—meaning it can be changed! Some of the biggest money traps include frequent dining out, impulse shopping, and unnecessary subscriptions.
Did you know the average American spends over $2,500 a year just on coffee and takeout? That’s thousands of dollars gone—money that could have been saved, invested, or used for meaningful experiences. Small changes in spending habits can free up money for what truly matters.
Saving = Freedom
Saving isn’t just about having extra cash—it’s about giving yourself options.
Want to buy your dream car or take yearly vacations with your family? That starts with saving. Want to quit your job to start a business? You’ll need savings to make it happen.
Most importantly, you can’t invest if you don’t save first. If you set aside just $5 a day and invest wisely, compound interest could turn it into over $100,000 in 30 years—it’s like magic! Or, if you’re willing to take risks, investing in the right stocks could grow your wealth dramatically, helping you coast into retirement.
Final Takeaway – Start Now, Even If It’s Small
The best time to start saving is now. Even small amounts are better than nothing. A great first step is setting aside 15-20% of your paycheck. If that feels overwhelming, start with 5-10% and gradually increase over time.
Money habits don’t change overnight, but small, consistent efforts add up over time and set you on the path to financial freedom. Stay consistent—you’ve got this! Good luck!
Connect with our Featured Guest Blogger
Have Bradley as a part of your network. Connect with him on LinkedIn: Bradley Smith
Attention Young Leaders
We welcome and invite you to participate in Sammy's 'Be the Change' financial literacy initiative for college and high school students.
(1) Join peers advancing awareness on the importance of early age, youth, and family financial education by having your journey into financial literacy featured as a Sammy Rabbit Guest Blogger.
Index of Student Blogs (Click and scroll down)
(2) Then volunteer as a Sammy Rabbit Ambassador or Intern championing financial literacy in your community and around the globe! Learn more in these blogs or by CONTACTING Team Sammy today! We welcome your questions and suggestions on Sammy Rabbit and his mission to get kids, families & communities financially literate.
