College Students Get 7 Money Tips to Build Credit, Budget and Plan Loans

2 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 12

Seven recommendations in the latest student-finance guide urge college students to start managing money early, with the strongest emphasis on building credit, budgeting and tracking student debt before graduation.
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and advisers say students can begin with secured or student credit cards while keeping the main rule simple: spend only what can be paid off each month.
Budgeting advice centers on irregular income from jobs, aid or family support, including a practical rule to divide monthly bills by 4 so students know how much to set aside each week.
Savings should come before investing, with experts recommending an emergency fund that can cover rent and essentials for a few months to handle immediate needs.
The guide also urges students to discuss spending limits with friends, use free campus financial resources and treat mistakes as part of a long-term learning process.