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When it comes to saving money, many College students get an F. Once they step on campus, they're tempted by Credit Cards and poor spending habits, and all Mom and Dad's money lessons go out the window. How to avoid falling into this Financial trap? Learn some life lessons on using credit cards and penny-pinching.

Spend Time on Learning to Save
Don't just sign up for class, sign up for Capital One's MoneyWi$e University. This program teaches responsible spending habits and basic money management skills like credit card clues and the art of budgeting. By familiarizing yourself with the financial challenges you'll face during college, you can avoid the big fat zero in your wallet that other students often acquire.

The program has reached many young people across the country, including students at the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) and Washington State University (Pullman, WA). Learn more about it at www.moneywise-u.com.

Use Your Common Cents
Like MoneyWi$e University, The Common Cents Tour (created by the American Education Services) can help students like you with your financial shortcomings and guide you to a healthy economic outlook. Download the free program at www.youcandealwithit.com. There's also valuable information on Career development, a budget calculator, and debt survival tactics on the site -- so it's not just about saving for now, it's also about planning ahead.

Students Lend Their Saving Lessons
"When I receive a paycheck, I always put part of it into a savings account," says Matt Hanson, a freshman at Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ). "Normally, I put half into a checking account and the other half in savings, leaving me with spending money as well as money saved."

"To make money, I have a temp job right now with the university bookstore. I put myself on the call-back list, so if they need people [to work], I'm one of the first employees they [contact]," says Brandy Green, a freshman at Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ). "I also use all the coupons I can get my hands on -- they help out when you're running low on Cash."

"Instead of throwing away lots of cash on new textbooks, buy used ones so you can use the extra money on other college necessities," advises Nicole Mendoza, a Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ) junior double-majoring in accounting and art history. "And don't be tempted to use credit cards, either. It may feel like you're not paying at the moment, but you'll definitely be paying later."


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Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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