Managing Your Money

Must Know Info Before You Rent a House or Apartment


You’ll soon be scoping out places to live…as in, “on your own.” Even if you’ve already moved out of your parent's house before now, there's a good chance you've still got questions as to the ins and outs of renting. Preparation is the first step, so read on.   Read More...

How to Compare Interest Rates on Credit Cards


Credit cards: the bad boys in the world of interest expense. Though it may not seem like it on the surface, credit cards are loans. You’re being lent the means to buy things in exchange for the promise that you will pay that loan back. Their sky-high interest rate percentages can eat you alive if you don’t pay the balance off completely every month.   Read More...

Interest Rate Basics When You Borrow Money


Today, because societies realize the value of investment for the future and for large public and private projects, lending has practical applications in every aspect of our modern world. Regardless of whether it’s for a credit card, loan, or line of credit, money lenders charge a price for allowing clients to borrow money and use their capital over a specific period of time.   Read More...

Personal Loan Application Quick Guide


In addition to taking out student loans, there are plenty of times in your life you might need to take out a personal loan, like when moving or buying a home or car. Much like applying for student loans, you will need to research to find the right lender for you when it comes to the terms of the loan and customer service.   Read More...

Student Credit Cards 101


Credit cards are incredibly enticing for college students. And while they do help you build credit, they can be awfully tempting when it comes to spending money you don't really have. So what's the real lowdown on credit cards?   Read More...

How to Deal with Student Credit Card Offers on Campus


It's no shocker that many college students graduate with thousands of dollars of credit card debt. College is expensive, with books and supplies and fabulous parties that you need a new outfit for. Okay, so besides essentials, it is extremely tempting to use that credit card you have-hopefully just to build your credit while in college-on other things. Credit card vendors know this about college students, and that's why so many of them are probably camped right outside your dorm as you read this.   Read More...

Pay Off Debt Faster: Managing Personal Loans Properly


You may think that applying and getting approved for a loan in the first place is tough, but managing your loan and paying it back can be the trickiest part. Like repaying student loans, paying back your personal loans is extremely important for staying debt-free and having a high credit score when you want to make a large purchase down the road.   Read More...

Savings Account Options


Once you have set your savings goal, the next step is researching your savings account options to figure out which one is right for you. Much like credit cards, savings accounts rely heavily on how high the interest rate is. But in the case of savings accounts, interest rates are your friends rather than your foes. Make sure to research accounts that will garner you the highest interest rate in order to collect the most money in the long run. Note how much the fees are associated with these higher interest rates and decide on the perfect account.   Read More...

Credit Scores: Range and Rating Breakdown


Simply put, a credit rating is a credit score range that many student loan and private loan lenders use to determine whether or not they will give a loan or line of credit to an individual. Fair Isaac Corporation, or FICO, created the model that most U.S. credit lenders use when calculating credit scores.   Read More...

How to Find Online Savings (and Earn Money Too)


The internet has completely changed the way we spend money. Nowadays, you can compare prices with the click of a mouse and you don't have to worry about if you could have saved money elsewhere. In addition to putting a little pocket change back in your wallet, the internet is also one of the best resources to make a little money, too.   Read More...

Goal Setting for Saving Money


Whether you're saving for college or the future, it's always best to set your savings goal.   Read More...

Bartering Makes a Comeback


Sometimes being broke calls for a little ingenuity. If you are plucky and smart, you can employ a little planning and persistence to get the things you want without blowing your budget. And if you have any special skills or a lot of stuff lying around to trade for things you really need then you're well on your way to becoming a bartering champion.   Read More...

Ways to Save on College TextBooks and School Supplies


As if saving for college wasn't hard enough, you'll spend a fortune buying books and supplies each semester. It doesn't help that buying books ain't that much fun. Here are some easy tips on how to save money when purchasing your books.   Read More...

Saving on Grocery Shopping


Now that you've decided to set a monthly budget to meet your savings goal, one of the ways you can easily cut back on expenses is to shop smart at the grocery store. It's no shock that food prices are rising at least 6% every year, so here are some tips to help you save money when you're purchasing the most essential of expenses: food.   Read More...

Money Saving Tips for Everyday Expenses


After you've decided to start saving by setting a realistic goal and making a budget, the next step in succeeding in your money-saving endeavor is to come up with ways to save money here and there. Here are some penny pinching tips to help you on your journey to purchasing your dream vacation or home.   Read More...

Making Your First Financial Investment


Once you start saving and planning for the future, investing might become a great option for you. It has never been easier for beginners to start investing. With tons of online investing options, you're just clicks away from building your portfolio.   Read More...

Smart Checking Account and Savings Account Creation


A checking account will definitely be important when you need to start paying for bills, which I hope for your sake is later rather than sooner because paying bills sucks. What should you look for in opening your first account and what is the difference between checking and savings accounts?   Read More...

Transportation Costs in College


Owning a car in college can add a ton of expense and, in my experience, a lot of hassle. But sometimes it's also unavoidable since getting around in some cities can be a challenge otherwise. Before making the decision about what you're going to do to get around when you're at school, give this cost breakdown a gander.   Read More...

Budgeting for the Budgetless


Budgeting doesn't sound like a blast, I know; and it's not. But it can give you some real satisfaction to watch your numbers fall in line and know that you're financially sound and setting yourself up for peace of mind in the future. We can't stress the importance of budgeting enough, so we took the initiative to make it easy for you. Follow these painless steps to create a budget and live regret-free.   Read More...

College Student Housing Options Part 2


Depending on where your college is, off campus housing costs can either be through the roof or dirt cheap. Definitely do your homework before making a commitment. Renting a bedroom in a house with other students can be pretty cost-efficient. Apartments will usually run a little more.   Read More...

College Student Housing Options


Take if from one who has learned the hard way; being prepared for your student housing options in college can make the difference between making and quite nearly breaking your college experience. I pulled these gems of wisdom from eight moves in four years. Read on for tips.   Read More...

How to Save and Still Have Fun


Creating a monthly budget doesn't mean you can't have any fun. You just have to know how to save for those little extras and how to find cheap entertainment. In addition to budgeting for living expenses and bills, make sure you create a budget for entertainment expenses.   Read More...

Debt Consolidation Loans - Overview for Any Type of Debt


If you've had student loans, you may have read about student loan consolidation and how it may not be right for everyone. Much like student loans, consolidating your personal loans may not be the best decision for you. But if you're having trouble repaying and managing your loans, it may be the right time to consolidate.   Read More...

Debt Advice for Young Consumers


More than two-thirds of graduating students will have student loan debt. A decade ago, only half of all students had debt. With average student loans totaling almost $20,000, this debt can largely be contributed to the exorbitant rising cost of college. But, while student loans are sometimes necessary evils, some students are also graduating with at least $2,500 in credit card debt.   Read More...

Understanding the Real Value of a Dollar and Other Econ Matters


As a college student-or recent graduate-terms like inflation, gross domestic product and dollar value may sound like a bunch of mumbo jumbo, but, in reality, these somewhat daunting financial phrases affect you and your debt more than you might think.   Read More...

Tips for Managing College Student Credit Card Debt


It can be easy to preach about how to prevent credit card debt and the necessary evils of student loans, but it's incredibly difficult to manage debt once you've amassed it. Sometimes struggling with debt can be overwhelming, especially in this scary economy. So, what are ways to manage your debt, and perhaps even help reduce it?   Read More...

Bad Debt VS. Good Debt


Not all debt is created equal.  Debt can be a negative term that can send most students shivering with fear, but did you know that some debt is actually considered beneficial?   Read More...

The Truth About Your Credit Score


Credit can assist with major purchases like buying a house or a car. If you don't have enough cash on hand when you want to make the purchase (and most people don't!), you can take out a loan to borrow the money from a lender and pay the principle back with interest over a period of time.   Read More...

Your Free Credit Report: 4 Things to Look For


Yes, you can and should be checking your credit report at least once a year to make sure that all in credit land is as it should be. How, you ask? What should I do with it once I get it, you ask?   Read More...

Identity Theft Protection & Prevention Tips for Young Adults


When I think about all the times I left my day planner lying around in class, neglected to cover a PIN pad, or had bank statements sitting out on my desk during a party, it's remarkable that I'd made it that far without an identity theft incident.   Read More...

Building a Good Credit Score in College


We keep hammering this home, but keeping a good credit score is so important. Not only for making large purchases like a home or a car, but sometimes prospective employers will check out your credit score to see how responsible you are with your finances.   Read More...


Free Student Calculators

Get Custom Student Calculators for
Your School’s Website!

Put free, multifunctional calculators on your site in just a few easy steps.

Free Student Finance Sites

Need a financial literacy website but don’t have the resources?

As a Debt Free U Partner you can take our site and customize it with your school colors and logos - for free!

No Cost, No IT Expertise, and No Web Hosting Required

DFU Advocates

"Our students found Debt Free U to be a valuable resource. We're excited about our center’s collaborative efforts with Debt Free U aimed at strengthening the financial literacy skills of our students"
-Paul F. Goebel, Director of UNT's Student Money Management Center

What Do You Think?

Who or what is the primary source of your college funding?






Brain Still Buzzing? Try a Test or Quiz
Look for us on