High School/College

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Life Stages: High School/College

College is a time of new-found financial freedom. But that freedom can lead to trouble without the proper understanding of money management. Use these resources to help you make better informed decisions about personal finances before entering the working world full time.

How to choose the best bank for you: When opening a checking or savings account, security and convenience top the list of must-haves. But how do you know which bank, savings and loan or other choice is the right one for you? There are many different factors to consider.
Top 10 tips for managing money in college: You just earned your first paycheck from your new college job and you feel like you are at the top of the world. Now you can finally afford that new outfit, a trip with your friends to the movies and the new gadget you’ve been eying. Here are ten...
Tax Returns 101: Have a job while still in school? Read this before reporting earnings to Uncle Sam.
The lowdown on loans: Student loans can be a lifeline if you’re in a bind for tuition. But mismanagement of them will suck you in hook, line and sinker.
Money-wise advice for new grads: Each year, college graduates are leave college life behind and embark on their first “real” career. Check out these steps to start off on sound financial footing.
Podcast series: Getting ready for the real world: The transition from college to the real world is an exciting time in a young adult’s life. But along with the new job and lifestyle comes an entirely new set of financial responsibilities. The Financial Fitness Ohio podcast series is a free...
Podcast series: Creditworthy and debt-free: In this podcast series, college student Nicole Jackson has questions about how to manage her finances while still in school. Listen as she sits down with financial expert, Janice M. Zajac, CPA of FRAN SYS, and gets practical advice on credit...
Student loan basics: Your loans aren't going to go away, and you'll want to repay them as quickly and easily as possible. So whether you have a small sum or a small fortune to pay off, you'll want to brush up on some student loan basics.
The best way to save for college: In the college savings game, all strategies aren't created equal. Ideally, you'll want to choose a savings vehicle that offers you the best combination of tax advantages, financial aid benefits, and flexibility while meeting your overall...
ABCs of Financial Aid: Financial aid may be the deciding factor in whether your child attends the college of his or her choice or even attends college at all. That's why it's important to develop a basic understanding of financial aid before your child applies to college.
Sticker shock: Creative ways to lower the cost of college: Even with all of your savvy college shopping and research about financial aid, college costs may still be prohibitive. Before you throw in the towel, you and your child should consider steps that can actually lower college costs.