Credit card offers start pouring into the mailbox for consumers at a relatively young age. Most high school graduates will begin receiving such offers before leaving home for college and many more will get offers and promotional materials while in college. The promotionals may seem like a great deal but for most of the recipients, they do not yet know how credit even works. Without a solid knowledge-base of credit, students can be facing a life-long battle with debt and other financial difficulties.
Here are 6 things college kids need to know about credit cards:
Introducing Your Own Credit Report – Opening a credit card account will also likely be the start of your credit report. As many teens can’t wait … (more) April 23, 2009

Posted in Choosing Credit Cards, Credit Card Tips, Debt Consolidation, Promotional Offers, Report and Score, Student Credit Cards Comments Off

Schools do not teach our children much about financial management. It is up to the parents and guardians to teach effective money management techniques to ensure that children grow to be adults who know how to manage their finances. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Piggy Bank: Start simply and gear the methods to your child’s age. Starting when your child is between the ages of three and six is a great time to begin teaching the basics of saving. Children love piggy banks and putting the change into the slot! Whenever your child receives money for holidays and birthdays, or if you decide to give a small allowance to your child, show them how a portion of … (more) April 18, 2009

Posted in Money Saving Tips, Student Credit Cards Comments Off

For many years credit card companies have been more than eager to accept credit card applications from students. Times have changed and most lenders are considering only the most credit worthy applicants. This could spell trouble for students who are interested in using a credit card to establish and build their credit history as they have less income and little to no current credit history to prove creditworthiness. A study released on Monday suggests students are using credit cards more to finance college related expenses, so many students may wonder how they will find a credit card company willing to do business with new consumers. 
Search Online – While it is true that lenders are targeting individuals with higher incomes (thus … (more) April 15, 2009

Posted in Credit Card General, Student Credit Cards Comments Off

The U.S. dollar is losing its value to other currencies. Initially, it was caused by a large deficit in trade and spending over a few recent years, according to analysts. This situation causes financial experts’ concerns. This might threaten the U.S. financial stability, as slowing economy is not the most attractive factor to investors. But let’s not go into the details of U.S. economy. I am offering you to figure out how the dollar decline can influence students. Study-abroad programs, to be more exact.
The dollar sags, the costs for college study-abroad programs rise. Over the last few years the prices have gone up to 10-15%. And that is quite a sufficient jump. The dollar went down by 5% against … (more) April 1, 2008

Posted in Student Credit Cards, Student Loans 1 Comment »

When your kid graduates high school, when you see him or her in that graduation cap and gown, you realize that your baby-boy of girl grew so big. And you get that mixed feeling of melancholy and pride for your child. Going to college is the next important step in your kid’s life. And that is the reason for most parents’ concern.
And it is not only your child’s tuition, safety, and health you should worry about. As soon as your son or daughter turns eighteen, they become eligible to get credit cards. And if your kid starts using his or her first credit card without the necessary knowledge and out of your control, your newly-fledged credit card holder can get … (more) February 19, 2008

Posted in Student Credit Cards 4 Comments »

I know credit cards can be really bad, when they’re used wrong.  As students, though, you’ve got so many great opportunities for good student credit cards that offer outstanding rewards programs and reasonable interest rates, that if you just learn how to use the effectively, you can enjoy the freedom they give you and build your credit at the same time.
Around the holidays, money can be a little tight, especially for the typical student who probably doesn’t budget all year for the holiday season!  Using a credit card to purchase gifts for family and friends is ok as long as you figure out how much you can afford to spend (and pay off in a reasonable amount of time).  To … (more) November 7, 2007

Posted in Student Credit Cards 2 Comments »