College Student's Life After High School: A Parent's Nightmare

Most parents want their child to succeed and build a future brighter than theirs were. They don't want their child to end up in jail or stand in the unemployment line every year. Many parents don't know how to help their child go on their own with holding their hand every step of the way, that is why you need to learn to give them a responsibility and push them out the door. College is one answer. It prepares them for long-term goals of security. It starts in High School, however. Pave the road by keeping a portfolio of their grades, SAT scores, Awards, Recommendations. These may seem unimportant to you know because it's just high school, but it is a record of their performance to determine their eligibility into a good college.

Unfortunately, many middle-class families are unequipped to fund the high cost of tuition, room and board, and supplies for college. We look to federal aid, grants, educational loans and work-study programs to help fund the financial strife. Many parents save money, but it's still not enough for the additional costs or the inflated cost of living for their college student. There are websites that will educate the parent on college requirements, but you also need to educate your child for the future. Here are some tips to help your child move forward:

Allow your child to get a major credit card with a very small limit under their name. Don't groan. This establishes their credit history. Monitor their credit card bills and make sure they are paying the minimum on time. I have heard many people complain that they should be able to get an educational loan because they never had any bills. Wrong. Financial companies depend heavily on your credit report to determine credit-worthiness. This is their proof of how responsible your child is on paying their bills on time, especially because of their age and the stereotype of young people being irresponsible about their bills. Moreover, no history means no loan.