Easy Ways to Financial Ruin

Admittedly, most people go to college to get ahead, but if that's not in your cards, here's some ways to financially set yourself back for years!

Ok, so my opening is a bit tongue-in-cheek here. Of course we're not advocating that you actually do any of these things, but college years are pretty formative on your financial life, so I thought it would be a good idea to share just how easy it is to set yourself back if you're not careful.

This particularly fabulous list comes from Pimp Your Finances which specializes in personal finance for young adults. It's a definite "what not to do" primer! And, if you're well past your college years, it's still great (non) advice:

Take out more loans than you need.
 If these loan places are willing to give you the money, then you should take it, right? Wrong! Those loans will still be there when you graduate and you're struggling in the real world with real bills and very little  real money. Borrow only what you need!

Throw a credit card party.
Just sign on all the dotted lines so you get free money. Then, you use it to party! Woohoo. Yeah, just picture your parents' faces when you drop that little bill on them over winter break. Maybe you want to back away from the credit card applications now.
 
Don't waste your time with a Roth IRA.
I mean, seriously, you're not even old enough to drink so why worry about retirement? It makes no difference to start early and the money is better spent on enjoying your college experiences, however much trouble they tend to get you in. Be sure to say hello to that sweet, old Wal-Mart greeter who thought the EXACT same thing when they were in college. Think they go to work to hand college kids a basket because they want to?

These are just a few steps to whet your appetites! Be sure to visit Pimp Your Finances for the rest of the 'don't-dos.' You may not even consider some of these as damaging to your financial future, but the truth is, it all matters. Make smart decisions and you'll come out light years ahead. Alright now it's your turn. Give us to "do's" when it comes to college finances!
- Kristy Young