Credit Management

It is important that students take an active role in the management of their finances. In order to minimize the amount that may need to be borrowed for your education, students are encouraged to establish a budget. There are a number of helpful websites available to help you financially plan for the college years as well as life after college.

Helping You Manage Your Debt - Use this link to find a budget worksheet to help you juggle expenses during college and after. This worksheet will provide a potential income for your career choice and will also help you fit your "real life" financial responsibilities into a budget.

Think you have the know how to use credit wisely? Nail down the basics to making credit work for you - not against you. At this site, find a budget builder, a spend wisely challenge and advice on knowing when to stop spending.

Help from the Iowa College Planning Center - Learn to live like a college student while you are one versus living like one after you've graduated!

www.jumpstart.org/madmoney/pgv_money_rc_main.html - Need a reality check on how to budget your money? Take this interactive test to see how you fare.

If you borrow to finance your education, be sure to keep track of your aggregate debt and the lenders. You can visit www.nslds.ed.gov to review your federal financial aid history. Please note that you will need your Department of Education PIN to access your information. If you have alternative loans through Iowa Student Loan, you can obtain information at www.studentloan.org.

Identity Theft

In an ongoing effort to manage your credit, it is increasingly more important that you take steps necessary to protect your identity. Identity theft occurs when someone obtains important personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, social security number, mother's maiden name, or account numbers to commit fraud or theft. Visit www.iowaattorneygeneral.org/consumer/advisories/ident_theft.html or The Student Guide for information and guidance on how you can protect your identity.

In Iowa, consumers can request one free credit report every 12 months from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If your identity has been stolen, it will be evident on these reports so we encourage you to request them yearly. To request your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.