We all strive to be above average in some of the things we do. Scholars are hoping to surpass the average grades, athletes are striving for higher than average statistics, you get the picture.
Yet we tend to settle on being average in other arenas. And, yes, sometimes it's just fine to run with the pack as just your average Joe or Jane. 
But there is one area that you should never find comfort in being average — your finances.
Why not? I can tell you from personal experience that finding comfort in being average can come back to bite you!
When I graduated from college, a little over $2,000 on a college credit card followed me into the real world. Now for someone who had a scholarship to cover college expenses that seems a bit high, right?
Well, here's the deal. Looking into some credit card facts I kept hearing over and over that the average college student graduates with over $2,000 in credit card debt. So I thought, "What the heck?" If my counterparts are dealing with the same situation, I can charge a few things, too.
However, when we get stuck thinking that the debt is inevitable, we become less conscious of how much we are spending on things we don't really need. Part of that $2,000 on my credit card was for an iPod, and be sure that I whipped out the plastic for a pair of shoes or two (or three...).
So in the end, thinking average college debt was OK helped me develop some pretty bad spending habits. And unfortunately, those habits stuck with me until I started working for a bank and talking about financial education!
I challenge you to be better than average when it comes to your finances — both during college and after. Think twice about charging that sweatshirt at the campus bookstore. Resist ordering a pizza for dinner when you could use your pre-paid meal plan at the campus cafeteria.
Don't fall into the average trap with your student loans, either (the average for student loan debt is almost $20,000 ). Consider a part-time job to supplement your living expenses rather than taking out more student loans. Pay your interest during school to avoid capitalization.
Each tiny step will put you leaps and bounds in front of the students who settle for "average."
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