You thought you were finished with the college bills when you figured out how to pay the tuition. But you hadn't reckoned on buying the microwave, the mini-refrigerator and, of course, those extra-long sheets.
Once your kids head off to school, you may face other financial emergencies. What if they get sick, lose the laptop or overdraw their checking account? Here's how to handle those situations with a minimum of pain to your pocketbook, and your child's.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For more advice on managing money in college ...
A College Checklist for Parents
You've taught your kid how to do his own laundry. Now it's time to sit down and talk money.
Crash Financial Course for College Frosh
There's still time to help your child learn to manage money before he or she heads to campus this fall.
Financial Survival Tips for Freshmen
Eight things college students wish they had known about money before they started school.
When is it Worth Going Into Debt?
What you need to know before you whip out your plastic or fill out a loan application.
Build Credit Without a Credit Card
There are alternative ways you can establish credit and learn financial responsibility before getting your first card.
College students can easily fall victim to these costly bank charges. Learn how to avoid or minimize the damage.
For advice on paying for college ...
See our video that offers a no-nonsense guide on student loans and read our stories for advice on financial aid, scholarships and 529 plans.
Paying a College a Team Effort
Parents and children should share education costs. The key is to find the right balance for each party.
Boost your chances of getting someone to pay for your master's or PhD.
Plus ...
Test Your Knowledge of Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid can seem as daunting as taking college-entrance exams. Whether you're a parent or a college-bound student, our quiz will help you understand the process better.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Soar on China Trade Talk HopesTreasury Secretary Bessent said current U.S.-China trade relations are unsustainable and signaled hopes for negotiations.
-
2026 Disney Dining Plan Returns: Free Dining for Kids & Resort BenefitsPlan your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation now. Learn about the returning Disney Dining Plan, how kids aged three to nine eat free, and the exclusive benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
