Consider car sharing for your student

Your college freshman-to-be is lobbying relentlessly for a car on campus this fall. You’re just as adamant that the set of wheels remain in the garage and that he learn to take the bus, bike or just walk when the need arises for a shopping trip, a haircut or weekend entertainment.

Take advantage now of student loan consolidation

The Special Direct Consolidation Loan program offers advantages over traditional plans, the biggest being a 0.25 percentage point decrease in the borrowing rate. That’s because these “bargains” can be expensive and impulsive and have more than the usual strings attached. But a special one-time loan consolidation offer from the U.S. Department of Education is an exception to my rule.

Young workers need the right attitude

I confess I’ve had my share of cringe-inducing customer service experiences with young workers who have brought a “my parents made me take this minimum wage job” attitude to work. It’s easily apparent when that is the case. That’s why a sign at a rental car agency made such an impression on me.

Summer jobs introduce kids to Uncle Sam, taxes

“You didn’t tell me how MUCH they would take out in taxes.” Expect to hear those words from exasperated teenagers or college students over the next few weeks as they set aside their calculators and toss their textbooks to start summer jobs.

When you need college advice, consider this option

Finally it’s down to two schools, but you can’t make up your mind. With so much riding on the decision by the May 1 admissions deadline, whom will you call for help? The college experts at Unigo.com hope you’ll reach out to them.

Superheroes save the day financially

When it comes to money smarts, Tony Stark knows what he’s talking about. Who’s Tony Stark? Hint: He’s a megazillionaire who fights for justice as a modern day superhero dressed from head to toe in high-tech armor. He’s Iron Man.

Internship competition is likely to be tough

It’s as much a part of spring as March Madness — college students knocking on doors and interviewing for summer internships. This spring, however, a cold wind may be blowing in the face of many young job seekers.

College 529s get more creative to attract savers

The good news: Money in state-sponsored 529 college savings accounts grew by more than 4 percent in 2011, despite the roller-coaster stock market. The downside: Net contributions — total contributions minus withdrawals — were down slightly at the end of last year compared with 2010.

Want to cut the cable? First, cut cable costs

I have a love-hate relationship with my cable company. I love history shows, soccer and other live sports, but I hate getting socked with a bill for a lot of channel surfing that comes up empty. It reminds me of playing a game that I cannot win.