Hey Freshers - Watch That Easy Credit

Summer holidays are over and school is starting tomorrow.

This fall, Student Finance 101 will add new articles about provincial student loan programs, plus more tips on saving money and cutting student debt.

Many of these articles and tips will help people who have already finished university or are still in high school.

But today's message is for those of you who start your first year of post-secondary school tomorrow:

Watch out for the easy credit!

If you aren't already loaded with credit cards by way of your parents, you will be soon. You may even get little 'gifts' for signing up. And banks will promote their private student loans and lines of credit as part of 'student packages'.

I know, I know, it's so hard to resist. But get a grip, because none of this comes free. You will pay and pay with interest for everything you borrow today.

And - unlike most government student loans - private student loans and lines of credits normally require you to pay each month while you're still in school. Just like those credit cards.

Grip-Getting Essentials:

1) Ask someone at your school student services centre where you can get free advice to help you handle all that easy credit. There is usually a free workshop offered during the fall semester. (Sometimes they even offer snacks.)

2) Keep using the free resources on Student Finance 101 - and any other website that helps you control your money!