• Click here to complete the budget calculator.

• Don't buy on impulse. Avoid stores with only high ticket prices such as electronic stores.

• Buy clothing at discount stores or factory outlets; borrow clothing for special occasions.

• Clip coupons!

• Share housing expenses. Find a roommate...or two!

• View your savings account as a bill you must pay. Directly deposit a percentage of your paycheck into your savings account each pay period.

• Cook your own meals instead of eating out.

• Turn off lights and keep your thermostat set low in the winter, high in the summer.

• Utilize public transportation.

• Unsubscribe to newspapers and magazines. You can check these items out in the library or find the same information online for free.

• Do you need a home phone and a cell phone? Drop one or the other.

• UA provides free internet dial up. Take advantage of the opportunity!

• Utilize the free services on campus. There are plenty of entertainment opportunities right here at The University of Akron.

• Leave your ATM card at home. It can be as financially dangerous to use as a credit card.

For the Love of the Swipe...Avoiding Credit Card Debt

• 80% of college students have at least one credit card.

• The typical college student carries a balance of $2,300.00.

• The average college student graduates with $8,000.00 in credit card debt.

• Shop around for a card with a low interest rate.

• Set your limit low.

• Avoid signing up for a card with an annual fee.

• Avoid using a credit card for items you can not afford.

• Charge wisely - use your card only for emergencies and absolute necessities.

• Don't carry a balance if possible.

• If you must keep a balance, pay off more than your minimum payment each month.

• When you charge on your credit card, write yourself a check for the same amount and save it until the bill arrives. Better yet, pay for the item with a check!

• Don't use cash advances or blank checks from your credit card company. Interest rates are normally much higher on items purchased in this manner.

• Credit cards help build credit. Open one, but be careful of your spending.

• Last but not least....PLEASE, do not open a credit card just to obtain the free t-shirt! That t-shirt could end up costing you thousands of dollars.