There are any number of money management tools and websites available to you. Some help you to budget, while others share tips about investing and borrowing wisely without incurring huge debts that will follow you from college well into life. Some are websites and the others smart phone apps.

See the "Links of Interest" menu above for a list of such tools and try a few out to see what works for you.

Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

• Save, save, save: Start, or boost, your emergency savings account. It's OK to start small. For example, save your loose change over time, put money normally spent for eating out or other extras into a savings account and watch your money grow. Consider either a local institution or an online savings account that allows you to keep your money accessible.
• Use free services: Use only a free checking or share draft account. There are many to choose from, so look for an institution that does not require keeping a large deposit for free services. Be sure to select one that does not charge a monthly fee.
• Track your monthly spending: Keeping track of your income and expenses will help you to stay focused on what you can afford and allow you more flexibility with your monthly spending. If you spend less than you planned to during a month, put the excess amount into a savings account or your rainy day fund.
• Use credit sparingly: As a student, stay away from free credit card offers and banks that want to offer you a pre-approved credit line. If you use a credit card, don't live on it and use it sparingly.

The National Endowment for Financial Education offers a number of publications, as well as CashCourse (www.cashcourse.org), a website designed for college students to offer tips about budgeting and living on campus while attending college. The site requires a free login account for access. NEFE also has the CashCourse Budget Wizard at a separate website that allows you to budget, track and save. Visit http://budget.cashcourse.org.

America Saves, a campaign from the Consumer Federation of America, offers this tip:

"Never purchase expensive items on impulse. Think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours. Acting on this principle will mean you have far fewer regrets about impulse purchases, and far more money for emergency savings."

Visit the America Saves website for 54 ways to save.