smart money strategies
Taking It to the Bank
If you don’t already have checking and savings accounts in your own name, open both before college starts. That will make it easier to pay bills and provide a safe place to keep your money. How can you choose the right checking account?
- Check to see which financial institutions provide the best features and charge the lowest fees.
- Find out which financial institutions have branches located near where you will live, work, or go to school.
- Ask each if they offer a special checking account for college students.
These are ALL good strategies. Many financial institutions offer “student accounts” with special features and lower fees. Because credit unions are nonprofits, they often charge lower fees than banks. Shop around before applying for an account.