(Don’t) charge it! Educate your college-age child on the downsides of credit card debt

Description

Abstract: Students’ understanding of credit is becoming just as important as their ability to write top-notch term papers. Without it, today’s college students could be setting themselves up with debt loads (not even counting student loans) that may take years to pay off and hinder their ability to purchase cars or homes, or even to start their careers. This article offers tips for showing new students how to use credit cards responsibly. A sidebar shows how the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 offers college students new protections from overzealous credit card marketers.