Clark Howard, My Hero

If someone were to ask me what one piece of advice I would give a college student, I would tell them to stay away from credit cards for as long as you can. And ALWAYS pay the minimum balance. I've been listening to Clark Howard, a radio personality who specializes in consumer advocacy, and it's really help to change my thinking. Did you know that a negative credit report, such as a late payment on a credit card, can stay with you for seven years? I've become very paranoid about my finances now just thinking about that. The best thing you can do is pay off those high interest credit cards. Make it a priority. Imagine NOT having to pay out the 12 - 18% interest on that money you borrowed? Now imagine being able to put those payments you make to GOOD use... such as depositing it in a savings account or money market fund. Or a Certificate of Deposit?

Ok, enough preaching... just check out clarkhoward.com and he can teach you all kinds of stuff about saving money on travel, on the internet and how to protect yourself from scams.