College Money Matters Checklist

Making sure you have everything in order

With all of the financial information available, it's important to make sure your college-bound students run through one final checklist before they reach their final destination in the fall. They should keep copies of all paperwork and pay special attention to any deadlines in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when they arrive on campus.

Make sure they have done all of the following before they head off to college:

• Paid housing deposit
• Received Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Accepted any college scholarships and found out if they have to reapply next year
• Finalized details of their student loan, if applicable
• Planned out a budget for the school year
• Purchased a computer and any related equipment
• Made sure all bank accounts are in order
• Selected an account that does not charge ATM or monthly transaction fees
• Taken care of any car maintenance
• Purchased any necessary airline tickets
• Sent completed section of promissory note to financial aid office
• Put money aside for books, folders, pens, paper, calculators, and other miscellaneous school-related items
• Paid registration fees that financial aid doesn't cover
• Paid tuition deposit and finalized details of payment plan
• Purchased all dorm room necessities (they should talk to their roommates first to see what items they will be bringing.)
• Purchased long-distance phone plan or secure phone card
• Purchased cell phone, if necessary
• Applied for a credit card, if necessary