<<..Back To "Get Organized"

Deadlines and paperwork don't just apply to academic work. Students also need to be organized when it comes to the "business" side of life. Here are some things you can do to help develop good habits before your student leaves home:

Open a checking account
The balance doesn't have to be large, just enough to get him in the habit of keeping a check register up to date, paying bills by check or online from the account, and reconciling the register and statement monthly.

Get a credit card
Most credit card companies and banks will give a student a credit card if a parent co-signs. Getting your child her own credit card while she is still at home means you can discuss how to use it and let her have some "practice" paying bills on time and in full while you can still monitor it.

Establish a budget
Estimate all the expenses he has as a high school student - entertainment, clothing, gifts, personal grooming, school supplies, etc. - and give him an agreed-upon amount each month to cover your share. He'll learn to make tradeoffs and choices about spending money while you're around to consult, and he'll be more likely to live within his means once he gets to college.

Set up a personal file box
Make a folder for banking, bills, summer job, etc. and encourage her to file the paperwork associated with each so she can find it easily when she needs it.