When it comes to college, you’re just beginning your adulthood.  What does this mean for you?   You can now legally smoke, you can have your own checking account and your own credit card.  You can join the army.  You can do just about anything but drink alcohol.  When it comes to your money, there a few things you need to know before you start heading down that road of debt.

Credit cards are everywhere – When you hit that college campus for the first time, you’re going to see credit card solicitations everywhere!  Don’t sign up for that free shirt.  Instead, go online to a website that caters to college credit card reviews, etc.  Get a card that fits your needs, not the person handing out the free t-shirt.

Don’t apply for 5 credit cards – Save yourself the hassle and apply for only one credit card.  You don’t need $5,000 in credit limits.  This is only going to spell disaster for you later down the road.  For now, let’s stick with the small credit limits.

Stop borrowing – If Mom and Dad are helping you with everything, stop it!  You’re an adult now, so act like one.  Who wants to see a college kid getting all of his money from Mommy and Daddy.  Does this make you an adult?  No.  Go out there and work for your money like your parents did.  You’ll feel like a whole new person.

Be cheap- College isn’t for those looking to drive around BMWs and wear the top brands like Polo.  Instead, start saving your money and get into the habit of using coupons, etc.  Not only is it a good habit, you’ll soon find out down the road that millionaires never because millionaires by buying things just to look “cool”.

Bank fees suck – Banks are multi-million dollar businesses for a reason.  They love to tack on fees such as over drafting fees, under the limit fees and so much more.  Make sure that you read your banking fine print to know what your frees are.  If you don’t, you may soon find a bank account balance of $0.

Make a budget – Instead of just spending your money left and right, try and stick with a budget.  Write down exactly how much you’re going to spend each month and what you’re going to spend it on.  If you can stick with a budget, you will find yourself saving more money.

It’s not hard to manage money in life.  Just don’t spend more than what you earn and try your best to put as much money toward college as possible.  I also recommend that you look into reading more about finances and money in general.  You can learn a lot about retirement and savings.  Don’t be one of the millions that are in debt today.  Instead, start learning and implementing some of these tips and come out ahead!