Freshman Finance 101
Here's what college students need to know about managing money -- and how parents can help.
You thought you were finished with the college bills when you figured out how to pay the tuition. But you hadn't reckoned on buying the microwave, the mini-refrigerator and, of course, those extra-long sheets.
Once your kids head off to school, you may face other financial emergencies. What if they get sick, lose the laptop or overdraw their checking account? Here's how to handle those situations with a minimum of pain to your pocketbook, and your child's.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For more advice on managing money in college ...
A College Checklist for Parents
You've taught your kid how to do his own laundry. Now it's time to sit down and talk money.
Crash Financial Course for College Frosh
There's still time to help your child learn to manage money before he or she heads to campus this fall.
Financial Survival Tips for Freshmen
Eight things college students wish they had known about money before they started school.
When is it Worth Going Into Debt?
What you need to know before you whip out your plastic or fill out a loan application.
Build Credit Without a Credit Card
There are alternative ways you can establish credit and learn financial responsibility before getting your first card.
College students can easily fall victim to these costly bank charges. Learn how to avoid or minimize the damage.
For advice on paying for college ...
See our video that offers a no-nonsense guide on student loans and read our stories for advice on financial aid, scholarships and 529 plans.
Paying a College a Team Effort
Parents and children should share education costs. The key is to find the right balance for each party.
Boost your chances of getting someone to pay for your master's or PhD.
Plus ...
Test Your Knowledge of Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid can seem as daunting as taking college-entrance exams. Whether you're a parent or a college-bound student, our quiz will help you understand the process better.
-
Stocks Chop as the Unemployment Rate Jumps: Stock Market TodayNovember job growth was stronger than expected, but sharp losses in October and a rising unemployment rate are worrying market participants.
-
Should You Renew Your CD?With rate cuts impacting earnings, we examine if now is a wise time to renew CDs.
-
7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
-
I Need to Cut $1,000 From My Monthly Budget, and I've Already Given Up Starbucks and Dining Out. What Else Can I Do?Here are some creative ways to save up to $1,000 a month, even if you feel like you've already made all of the obvious cuts.
-
I'm a Government Employee and Need to Get By Until the Shutdown Ends. What Can I Do?The second-longest shutdown in history is leaving many federal workers with bills due and no paycheck to cover them. Here's what you can do to get by.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
