- Invest in smart plastics. Instead of paying for cell phone plans,

consider phone cards. Also consider pre-paid credit cards that allow you

to increase credit limits as often as needed. Instead of paying for a car

and insurance for students far from home, it may be smart to establish a

frequent flyer membership so they can earn points for traveling home.

- Eat wisely on campus. It is healthier and cheaper to pack a lunch

than to eat at school food counters and off-campus fast-food restaurants.

Deli wraps; cold cuts, cheese and veggie snack trays; and salads with grilled

meat are easy to make and will keep in lockers or cars for a few hours. Consider

investing in a food dehydrator and make your own fruit chips, fruit rollups

and beef jerky.

- Comparison shop. Sunday circulars and direct-mail coupons provide

great updates on sales of trusted, name-brand items. Pay particular attention

to sales expiration dates. And remember, if it's not on your list, don't

buy it even if it is a great deal.

- Pay with cash if possible. Set a spending amount and stick with it.

Pay with cash when possible and leave your checkbook and credit cards at

home to avoid temptations for unplanned and unnecessary purchases. If you're

short on cash, some stores still offer layaway plans if you need time to

save up for purchases.

- Use credit wisely. If you have to use credit, limit purchases to

items you can pay off in 90 days or less. If you have more than one credit

card, use the card with the lowest interest rate. Remember, using a credit

card is like taking out a short-term loan. If you're not careful to minimize

charges and make payments on time, this short-term loan could become a long-term

financial and credit disaster.

- Prepare for next year. Start budgeting now for next year. Set aside

money that's designated for back-to-school shopping. This way, you won't

be overwhelmed by unexpected costs that could lead to a financial crisis.

If back-to-school expenses are driving your budget into a deficit, contact

CCCS at 1-866-330-CCCS or www.cccsinc.org.

For 40 years, families have turned to Consumer Credit Counseling Service

of Atlanta for help with money problems. CCCS is a nonprofit, community service

agency dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve a lifetime of economic

freedom. A United Way partner, CCCS provides free, confidential budget counseling,

community and personal money management education, debt management programs,

and comprehensive housing counseling.

CCCS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families

and Children and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Governed by a

community-based board of directors, CCCS is funded by creditors, clients

and grants from foundations, business and government agencies. Service is

available at local offices in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

CCCS offers around the-clock help by phone at 1-866-330-CCCS or at its Web

site, www.cccsinc.org.