College is an opportunity to learn how to be independent individuals.  It’s important to remember that college is more than just meeting the academic requirements to obtain your degree, but also about learning responsibility.  Here are some basic safety tips for maintaining financial stability:

Financial Safety

• Track your expenses and financial transactions to keep proper budgeting records.
• Do not post personal information (i.e. birthday or social security number) on social networking sites.
• When using online banking services, be sure that the website or application is legitimate and your deposits are insured.
• If using a public computer, be sure that you log off of any sites that hold financial or personal information.
• Review your credit report.
• Limit the amount of money you carry with you.
• Beware of scams targeting college students.  These may include salespeople in door-to-door sales, employment scams, credit card, email and other financial scams or attempts to gain access to your financial information.
• Consider renters insurance for your apartment or residence hall to protect your things.
• Never write down your banking passwords.
• Properly discard of any applications (credit card, etc.) that could potentially be damaging if in the wrong hands.
• Ask the University’s financial advisors for financial tips.
• Avoid using ATM when it is dark outside, use only ATMs in well-lit, safe areas.
• Remain alert and aware of your surroundings when you are at the ATM.
• Request a receipt for all financial transactions and record them properly.
• Communicate with your financial aid office and make yourself fully aware of your financial responsibility for loans and student aid.