This is the day that you have worked hard for, to graduate from high school. For some it was easy to get through high school and for others it was some hard work. Either way, more than likely you have been in school for twelve years and what one thing did you not learn? Money Management!



That is right. Have you heard of a high school that offers a class in money management? If so, let me know so that I commend them for what they are doing. Unfortunately, most of them do not and our students are failing when it comes to managing money.

They are not being taught in high school. Parents are not teaching them because they were not taught. Not all parents, but there were a lot of people that were not taught how to manage money, myself being one of them.

As you are looking at your student graduating from high school and preparing for college, what is the one thing you could do to help them? Teach them how to manage money over the summer and establish a budget for college.

Let's face it, when graduations start they are going to receive money for graduation, financial aid from the college and even some student loans. But will they know how to manage the money so they do not end up in a financial situation that you nor they can handle?

What is the second step you can take ? help your student establish a budget. Every time I speak with college students, the biggest lesson they need to learn is budget, budget, budget. Sit down and write on paper all of your expenses and income.

For example:

Income for the month:

Expenses:

Books:

Food:

Gas (if you have a car)

Extras (clothes, etc)

Remaining money:

I recommend you have your student do this for each semester. This keeps the budget realistic and attainable. Stress to your student they do not need to get a credit card while they are in college. Establish healthy financial habits and goals. These habits will remain throughout their life even when they are out of college.