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Supporting Your Family
While Supporting Yourself

Financial decisions that reflect your values.

Every student's financial situation is different. Some students are responsible only for their own expenses, while others help support parents, siblings, children, or relatives. Many UTEP students also balance work, school, caregiving, and family responsibilities. Financial wellness isn't about eliminating these responsibilities—it's about making thoughtful decisions that support both your goals and the people who matter most to you.

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A Framework for
Financial Decision-Making

When financial responsibilities compete, use this 5-step framework to make decisions that reflect your values and help you move toward your long-term goals.

1
IDENTIFY
The financial challenge
Examples:
Ask yourself:

What requires my attention at this moment?

  • I can't pay both my rent and tuition this month.

  • My family needs financial support.

  • I don't have enough time for school, work, and my caregiving duties. 

  • I have to pay my medical expenses and cannot afford tuition.

  • I am worried about paying for textbooks.

  • I need to work more to afford all my expenses.

Identify the situation before trying to solve it.
2
Reflect
on your values
Think about the values and responsibilities that guide your decision.
Examples of values:

  • Family 

  • Education 

  • Health & Well-being 

  • Financial Stability 

  • Personal Growth

  • Community

Ask yourself:

  • Which responsibilities are most meaningful to you?

  • What do I want this decision to reflect?

  • How might this decision affect me now and in the future?

Explore
3
supports and resources
You don't have to do it alone. Many supports and resources are available to help you succeed.
Supports

  • Family

  • Friends 

  • Mentors

  • Professors 

  • Classmates

  • Academic Advisors

Ask yourself:

Who or what can help me succeed?

Campus Resources

  • CARE

  • Financial Aid

  • Academic Advisors 

  • Food Pantry

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

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Explore UTEP Resources here
Possible Adaptations

  • Meet with your professor

  • Ask if an extension is possible

  • Adjust your work schedule

  • Modify your budget

  • Use free campus resources 

  • Delay a non-essential purchase 

  • Adjust your school schedule (without impacting your SAP)

  • Request an emergency loan

4
Act
on your plan
Examples of first steps:
Ask yourself:

What is one action I can take today that moves me forward?

  • Email my professor

  • Schedule a Financial Aid appointment 

  • Visit CARE

  • Review my budget

  • Call my support system

  • Meet with academic advisor

Choose one action to take. Small steps create big change.
Take action with a daily planner
5
Adapt
as life changes
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  • Reflect on whether your current plan still aligns with your values.

  • Adjust your goals or budget as needed.

  • Reach out for support when new challenges arise.

  • Keep moving forward one step at a time.

When life changes:

Adapting doesn't always mean changing yourself—it can also mean changing your environment, accessing supports, or using available resources.

When life changes, you don't have to abandon your goals—you can adapt your routines, environment, and supports to help you continue moving forward.
Situation & Adaptation Examples
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Living on the Border Creates Unique Financial Opportunities

El Paso is part of one of the largest international border regions in the world. Every day, thousands of people legally cross between the U.S. and Mexico for work, school, family, healthcare, shopping, and recreation. 

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This unique location gives many students and families access to goods and services that may be more affordable while following U.S. customs regulations. 

Examples:

Some families obtain medical or dental care in Mexico.

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Some shop for groceries or household goods.

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Others enjoy restaurants, cultural events, or leisure activities. 

Before you cross:

  • Compare prices and total costs (including transportation). 

  • Make sure the items you're purchasing can legally be brought back into the U.S.

  • Declare all items when returning to the U.S.

  • Keep receipts when appropriate.

Helpful Resource

Know what you can legally bring back before you shop.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go

Review U.S. Customs rules, duty-free allowances, and restricted items.

Your environment can influence your financial choices.

Living in a border community provides opportunities and resources that are unique to our region. Consider how your environment can support your financial goals while making informed decisions that reflect your values. 

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