Since the 1980s, the price of attending college from tuition alone has increased more than 130% when adjusted for inflation. Other indirect costs of attending college have increased, too. Preparing financially for college, given the upward trend in college prices requires a firm commitment to starting early.

If college costs continue to increase at this rate, and there is substantial and creditable evidence to support this rate as a minimum, by the time a child born in 2007 is ready to go to college, college itself will likely cost 260% as much as back in the 80s. As a result, preparation and budgeting are key ingredients. Keep in mind, that while there is a wide range in college costs, and in general, private four-year colleges have exceeded the general trend in college attendance costs.

Buying a new or used car can be a hair pulling event. After the initial surge of elation passes, and the new car smell fades, you’re left with a large piece of metal in your driveway. Avoiding some of the common pitfalls of car buying can help you save money and maximize the car buying experience.

Before committing to buying your next car, research your particular needs, personal finances, and potential candidate cars. Make preliminary decisions about what you are going to buy before you step outside the door. In fact, a very tech savy user could save thousands on a new car purchase by buying online. The reason? You are LESS LIKELY to get suckered by a slick car salesman.

With software packages to address and help you plan everything from typing an email to scheduling your dog’s next grooming there is no surprise that a myriad of financial planning software exists. Selecting a financial package that best addresses your needs can be challenging.

To help you identify your financial planning software needs, first you have to be aware of the particular types of software available. Second, you need to relate what software package will best meet your needs. Lastly, you need to test and review the software. Good financial planning software will be easy to use, functional, and something that you actually do use.

In one word, “Yes.” The very job function of every financial planner is to take an in-depth look into your personal situation, assess your resources, and help you develop a strategy to grow your finances throughout your working years. They will work diligently to help you establish a sound retirement plan.

As part of that, their first step is to identify financial areas where you are spending money. They will often offer tips on reducing your “latte-factor.” This financial term refers to the purchase of small items that add up over time. Additionally, an effective financial planner will often suggest strategies such as refinancing big-ticket financial obligations. They are trained in the art of managing your money.

Money financial planning for college students is the hardest course during an undergraduate degree. It is often overlooked, as there is no classroom cap, and no GPA on your transcripts.

However, unless you want to be asking people to send you your latest eBay purchase using Ramen Noodles as packaging material, budgeting your limited cash flow is essential. College can be an time of extraordinary debt accumulation, thanks to easy-credit, government backed loans, expensive textbooks, and of course, for some partakers, BEER.

The following tips offer college students some practical financial planning advice.