Money? That's right. Money.

College kids, and money. Oh - what a topic to embark on...

Compulsive shopping habits.
Walmart. Wegmans. Tanning. Movies.
Stress means spending money.
Food! Alcohol! Bars!
Shoes. Clothes. Bags.

If any of these ring a bell to you, it's probably because you send your cold, hard-earned cash on it...errr, rather swipe a plastic card, but still you're spending the money you worked for!

Here's the thing: We are bombarded with credit card offers in the mail. We are bombarded with advertisements for new cellphones, new laptops, new iPods, and even the hottest fashions. How do we get what we want without overspending? How we do define the difference between things we want versus things we need, and how do we get through college without going into credit card debt?

It's not just Brockport, and it's not all college students, but it is a growing concern for our generation. Lucy Lazarony, from Brakrate.com, sums it up the best "It's absolutely epidemic the debts I see with young people and it follows them into their 30s and 40s."

Check out this article for tips about how to avoid credit card traps: How to budget, limit yourself, and use your credit the way you should.

But reading an article won't solve your problems. As a fellow student, let me give you some tips and ideas...

I don't carry cash. Ever. For a few reasons - it can get stolen much easier, I spend it much quicker, and honestly I hardly ever need it because credit is accepted pretty much everywhere. So how did I manage to make it through college without any debt? I'll give you a few ideas...

1. Keep an eye on your money. You should always know how much money you've been spending, and how much is in your account.

2. I want that new iPod. It doesn't mean that you have to have it RIGHT now. If it's going to blow your bank account, then leave it in the store. Like it? Love it? Start a piggy bank for your expensive gifts to yourself. When enough change builds up you'll be able to get it. Or try and make a deal with your parents. Got a younger sibling? When you are home for breaks try this: "Listen, I'll pick up _____ whenever this break if you guys chip in half of my new iPod." They might surprise you with a yes answer.

3. Limit yourself to one credit, and one emergency card. Set a limit for yourself. If the company tries to give you a $5000 limit, call them and ask them to lower it. Limits can be overwhelmingly high, so you have to force yourself to make a budget. Know your monthly bills - your cell phone, car insurance, gas and electric, food bills, cable and internet, and anything else that you pay monthly. Once you have your monthly bills set, you can know then how much money you have to play with!

4. Are your friends going to the bars, and you don't have the money for it? Offer to be the DD, that way there is no temptation to spend the money you don't have on alcohol.

And finally 5. Don't waste your money! Don't go to Walmart or Wegmans and buy eight things you won't ever use. Spend wisely - it's key to making the right decisions.