Money Forum

College prepaid meal plans are sometimes a drag for students. You pay a flat fee at the beginning of the semester whether you eat all the meals or not. My schools dining service is set up buffet style so students can have all they can eat. Along with that, the dining commons has a rule stating, “No food or drink may be taken out of the dinning hall.” Here comes the ethical dilemma.

Are you thinking about getting a credit card? Credit cards are a great financial tool, but make sure you know how to use the tool correctly. Think about how horribly wrong things could go if you used a household tool or appliance inappropriately. I mean, you wouldn’t iron your clothing while you were wearing it! I would hope that a basic understanding of how to use an iron – and perhaps reading the warning labels – would let you know that ironing clothing on an ironing board will drastically lower your chance of getting burned.

Take special precautions, it’s affluenza season. It’s that time of year when your wants become needs and your wallet seems to hinder you from those “necessities.” Affluenza is a nonphysical disease that has affected many Gen Yers. Here are some of the signs of affluenza:

I have often wondered why budgeting software is so expensive. It’s almost like you have to be on a budget to even begin a budget. Take heart, because there are some free budgeting tools online.

Can you guess what this week is (Oct. 21-27)? It’s NS4RW – otherwise known as National Save for Retirement Week! Yes, that’s right, the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States passed a bill declaring this week to be set aside to promote retirement savings. Being the momentous occasion that it is, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get you thinking about your retirement savings!