College-preparedness tips: 

• Discuss your insurance needs with your insurance representative: you may need to purchase renters insurance for students if they are not covered under your homeowners insurance—it may depend on whether the student lives on-campus or in private housing
• Take an inventory of everything going to school with your child, and provide the student with warranty information for computers, electronics and appliances that make the trip
• Open a joint checking/savings account with your child
• Provide guidance about how to budget money for school—set limits for entertainment, cell phone and frivolous expenses
• Check your health insurance and verify whether your student is covered under your plan; see if the college provides a Student Health Insurance Plan and whether the cost is included in the tuition bill; and check to see if coverage is necessary or if you can waive options and costs
• Provide instructions on health insurance claims and referrals prior to receiving medical care
• If applicable, secure auto coverage for your child and check for good grade discounts
• Give students guidance on being financially responsible, the harmful potential of misused credit cards, and how reckless spending today can adversely affect credit ratings in the future

Did you know that August ranks 2^nd in sales for clothing retailers.
Be creative when it comes to shopping…sales begin as early as July!  A confident shopper is a savvy shopper, so prepare before you shop.

As the fall semester approaches, college students and their parents should think carefully about the students' ongoing health insurance needs. A serious illness or injury could lead to catastrophic consequences for a college student without health insurance.

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. We consistently champion the promise of postsecondary education to all Americans—and its value to our society. 

Student Loans: Avoiding Deceptive Offers
An education beyond high school is an investment in your future. But an education can be expensive and could require you or your family to take out loans to help pay for it. To learn more, see “Student Loans: Avoiding Deceptive Offers” at www.ftc.gov and visitwww.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

Find out how to save on college textbooks
Rentals, e-versions and used copies cut costs significantly.
Candice Choi, The Associated Press