Question about NM tech stipend

Hello fellow Sooners! So I have a question about the $2000 technology and textbook stipend that is included in the National Merit package. I want to use the money partially for a laptop and partially for books but I would prefer to buy my laptop before move in. Obviously I won’t have the money from them by then so I was wondering if you have to provide like receipts for what you use the money for because I wanted to buy the laptop with my own money and then reimburse myself with part of the national merit money. Does anyone know if that would be okay or will they not allow me to do that?

The school just gives you a $2k check no questions asked. Son bought one for less and pocketed difference - no one ever followed up & asked about it

yup, they don’t care what you spend it on but you need to keep track of what you spend it on for taxes. If you can prove you spent it on books and fees it’s not taxable a computer is ify as far as taxes are concerend.

You will not receive the tech stipend before move-in.

@HeliMom74 I know that’s why I was wondering if buying the laptop before and reimbursing myself for it once I have the money after move in was permissible. Looks like it should be fine based on the other comments. Thanks