The Time Is Now!!

Now is the time to start planning your finances for NEXT school year - especially if it will be your first year away at college/university. Where is my money going to come from? How much will I need? How do I get the maximum benefit out of every dollar I plan on spending?
There are a lot of things to think about. The more time you take to do some research - find extra sources of income (scholarships/grants) - and prepare yourself, the easier the transition will be to life on your own.
There are lots of resources available on the internet to help you manage your finances. There are budgetting tools galore and general information by the website-full.
Take the time NOW to start managing your money in preparation for next year. You'll be glad you did once you take those first steps out into the Real World!

Tell Us YOUR Money Smart Student Story!

We're looking for some great money smart students willing to share their stories with our readers. What have YOU done to save money - make more money - or spend less money while you were away at college? Maybe you did something different even before you left home for university...If you did anything at all you're different than most people already!
Comment on this post and let others know why you are a Money Smart Student.

The Year to Make It Happen!!

As 2011 begins I just wanted to drop a little note to wish everyone all the best in the coming year. At the same time - the year will only be what you make it out to be! Make it your year-long resolution to learn everything you can about handling your money. Whether you are a highschool student getting ready to head off to college - or an adult reading this who is having some financial issues - make this your year.
Educating yourself about money is the best way to start off on the right foot, or correct things if they've gotten a little off course. Follow this blog and our Facebook page. We'll have regular video and written posts giving lots of tips and tricks to help you save money - earn more money - and spend the money you have wisely.
I am so looking forward to everything 2011 has to offer that I can't wait to get started. That's why I'm going to officially launch the entire program before the 10th of this month. My hope is once you see and hear what I have planned you'll really spread the word about Money Smart Students and together we can get thousands of students 'Ready for the Real World'!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

A quick note to wish everyone the best of the Holiday Season. No matter how - or what - you celebrate I hope everyone has a great time with family and friends.
Money Smart Students will be launching officially very soon so keep a look out for that.

The Credit Card Trap!

Any good financial plan heading into college or university must include one thing - NO CREDIT CARDS!! Do you really need that t-shirt they're offering to get you to sign up? Luckily - there are some new rules in place restricting the marketing of credit cards to very young students - but everyone else is fair game.
Studies show that students with access to a credit card will max that card out - regardless of the limit - before the end of their first year! That means you'll be working a lot of the next summer just to pay off your credit card bill from things you did and bought over the past 10 months. I'm sure you could find a better way to use all that money.
Try saving a little extra before you head off to school so the credit card can stay put away and only be used for dire emergencies. If you do have to use your card - try with everything you have to pay it off in full when you get your next statement. You'll reduce your interest charges and you'll have a leg up on lots of other students who will be struggling to keep up with their credit card debt.
There is one story which shows that some students are using their heads in regards to credit cards. A recent report in the Tennessean paper reported that Chase Bank in the United States spent nearly $1.4 million in 2009 marketing credit cards to students at the University of Tennessee. At the end of the promotion period a grand total of 9 - that's right - 9 new accounts had been opened!! Way to use your heads UT students!!
Staying away from credit cards will move you one step closer to being ready for the real world.

Official Unveiling Coming Very Soon!

So far - the posts here have been a little bit of a test. I've just been feeling out what to post and how long each post should be. The real work begins very soon.
Watch for the Grand Unveiling of the official Money Smart Students program in the week ahead. Then get ready to spread the word!!

It Costs Alot to Fill a Car These Days!!