The College Girl’s Guide to Credit

I’ll just charge it.

The solution to every shopping problem any girl has ever had. It’s quick. It’s efficient. And swiping a pretty piece of plastic that closely resembles a gift card distances you from the reality that eventually you’ll have to actually pay that money.

Now don’t get me wrong. Credit cards are awesome. You don’t become the owner of more shoes than there are days in a month by not liking credit cards. But that doesn’t mean that they’re not a dangerous little deviants that should be kept at a distance until they can be handled properly. And by handled properly, I mean, paid off promptly. Because the longer you put off those payments the worse it gets and the worse your credit score gets. What’s your credit score, you ask? Well, ladies, that’s a good question. In fact, it’s the question most of this post is dedicated to answering. So take a deep breath and bear with me here.

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New Year, New You: 6 Easy Ways to Avoid a Money Hangover

[It's a new year (which I am having trouble remembering when I have to write the date on anything), meaning it's the perfect time to wipe that slate clean and start anew. And we're gonna help you out. Every Thursday in January we're bringing you advice from experts on ways to improve yourself and your life. From mental health to making the most of your workspace, we'll all work together to get our lives, health and GPAs back on track. First we feng shui-ed our rooms to make them happier, more productive places. Then we centered ourselves so we could handle whatever comes our way. Now let's get our finances in order with Fool.com's Dayana Yochim.]

Let’s face it, “the talk” is awkward for everyone: You, picturing your parents at your age; your parents trying to cover all the bases (protection, safety, responsibility and the long-term consequences of your young-adult actions) before letting you leave the nest.

You know we’re talking about the “money talk,” right?

What’s the big deal? Well, unlike the mechanics of procreating (which, if you’re reading this, we can assume your mother and father mastered at least once), there’s a good chance that your parents made a mess of their own finances back in the day. They might even feel like they’re still unqualified to offer sage advice. After all, this stuff isn’t taught in most schools, which leaves most folks learning money lessons the old-fashioned – and very expensive – way: At the school of hard knocks.

I’m here to do your folks a solid and give you six money management tips that will help you avoid graduating with a major financial hangover. Read More »


Candy Dish: Mackenzie Phillips Has a Dirty Secret

mackenzie phillips

And it is really, really gross.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is a mama!

Hayden Panettiere and Kevin Connolly are doin’ it.

Drool-worthy designer boots. Drool.

This baby is giving Beyonce a run for her money.

Beware of those college credit cards.