College move-in season is here – cue the teary goodbyes, Target runs, and an avalanche of dorm décor. If your child is stepping into this new chapter of independence, there’s one thing that can cast a long shadow over all the excitement: money stress. 

With tuition, housing, and day-to-day costs rising year after year, now is the time to make sure your student heads off with more than just a shower caddy – they need a financial game plan. Here are five practical tips to help your college-bound kid stay in control of their money this semester. 

1. Credit isn’t free money – teach them to use it wisely

 College is often the first time your child will be bombarded with offers for credit cards, some even handed out on campus. While credit cards can help build credit and offer useful protections for large purchases or travel, they’re also a fast track to debt if not handled carefully. 

 Remind your student: if they can’t afford it now, they shouldn’t swipe for it. Carrying a balance means racking up interest – sometimes 20% or more. Instead, encourage them to pay the full balance each month and to use credit only for planned, manageable expenses. 

2. Skip the daily splurge

Daily habits add up fast. A $5 iced latte between classes might not seem like a big deal, but at five times a week, that’s over $100 a month—and nearly $1,200 a year. And that’s before we get into late-night food delivery. 

Help them think about opportunity cost. That same $1,200 could go toward spring break travel, a used laptop, or emergency savings. Framing it this way helps turn impulse spenders into intentional savers. 

3. Save on travel—they’ll be back for Thanksgiving

 While your student is off discovering themselves, odds are they’ll still be home for the holidays. Encourage them to sign up for travel discount programs like Amtrak Student Advantage, Greyhound’s Student Discount, or airline youth fares when available. 

 Some U.S. banks offer student checking accounts that come with perks—like cash-back offers or travel discounts. It’s worth comparing benefits when they set up their first independent account. 

4. Use student discounts like a pro

 From tech and software to clothes and food, brands are eager to win students over with big savings. Your student can use their .edu email or college ID to snag: 

• Discounts on laptops and software from Apple, Dell, and Microsoft 

• Meal deals at restaurants like Chipotle, Subway, and Buffalo Wild Wings 

• Subscriptions to services like Spotify, Hulu, and Amazon Prime at student rates 

 These small wins make a big difference, and learning to shop around early builds smart spending habits that last long after graduation. 

5. Plan before they pack

 It might not be as fun as picking out twin XL sheets, but creating a basic budget before move-in day is essential. Most college students have never managed a full monthly budget before, and their first semester can be a real financial wake-up call. 

 Before they go, sit down together and outline: 

• Expected income (job, allowance, financial aid refunds) 

• Fixed costs (tuition, housing, meal plan) 

• Flexible expenses (books, entertainment, food delivery) 

 Tools like FinFit’s MoneyView financial dashboard can help your student visualize where their money is going, stay on track, and avoid the late-semester scramble for cash. 

 Final thought 

Sending your child to college isn’t just about academics and independence – it’s about helping them build life skills that will carry them far beyond the classroom. With the right habits and resources, they can avoid common money pitfalls and set themselves up for long-term financial health. 

 A little planning now means fewer late-night calls home later.