Bills.com Offers Course Guide for College Finances as Students Go Back To School

San Mateo, Calif. (Vocus) August 19, 2009

This school year, the passage of Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act will change the face of college debt -- and Bills.com offers a "syllabus" of six ways for students to gain money smarts along with a diploma.

Many college students build up tremendous amounts of debt. Between 2001 and 2007, student loan balances rose 18 percent to an average of $ 22,700 per borrower. In 2008, 84 percent of college undergraduates had at least one credit card, and students are carrying record-high balances -- an average $ 3,173 in 2008. More than one in five students (21 percent) had credit card balances between $ 3,000 and $ 7,000.

But this year marks a turning point in college-student debt: With the passage this year of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act, this is the last semester that credit card lenders will be able to solicit students in person and on campus to open credit cards. It is also the last semester in which credit card companies will be permitted to issue cards to applicants under age 21 without an adult co-signer or proof of adequate income.

For those heading to campus, Ethan Ewing, president of free online consumer portal Bills.com, offers this roster of college disciplines to help students obtain straight As in personal finance:

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Can College Students Afford To Throw Money Away? With WhiteFence.com They Won't

Houston, TX (PRWEB) August 19, 2009

This fall WhiteFence.com helps college students find the best deals on housing related expenses like high speed Internet, television service, home-phone, electricity, renter's insurance, even newspaper delivery and more.

As 19 million college students head back to school and try to stretch their dollars on everything from books to beers, many are at a loss on how to save on their single largest expense - housing. According to a study conducted by "The College Board", a non-profit membership association for students and parents, 2009-2010 moderate housing expenses are estimated to be $ 17,000 - $ 23,000 for the year based on location and term.

Beyond rent, students can continue to make smart money decisions with the help of WhiteFence.com. By selecting the best possible products and plans, students have saved up to $ 100/month just by spending 15 minutes online doing their homework to make wise purchases. That annual savings of $ 1,200 could translate into a new laptop or spring break trip.

WhiteFence makes the research easy be providing information on available home service options and pricing for a specific address in one place. Students can easily compare their options and sign up for services online at WhiteFence in less time than it takes to have a late night pizza delivered.

About WhiteFence

WhiteFence is a free nationwide service that helps people who are moving or looking to find the best deals on phone, Internet, television, electricity, natural gas and other home services. By simply entering a street address into the secure site, people looking to save money or start new service can find the most comprehensive list of plans available for their specific address from over 400 nationally recognized partners. As the most trusted home service shopping source for 24 million people annually, WhiteFence makes it easy to establish service directly on the site in a few simple steps.

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Related College Books To Rent Press Releases

Providers of CareOne Debt Relief Services Launch Debt Free U, Helping College Students Chart Financial Waters

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) August 19, 2009

College students and young consumers across the country now have access to education and financial tools designed expressly for their needs. This 100% free, non-commercial portal launched today, just in time for the start of a new school semester.

Debt Free U empowers young adults to master money management during this critical stage in their lives. With a full range of interactive tools and practical information on the issue that matters most to young consumers, Debt Free U helps college students face tough financial decisions with confidence. Online calculators, an extensive resource guide and blogs with the latest information help students cut through the financial jargon and get clear, simple information on how they can control their debt.

Additionally, Debt Free U established social media websites including Facebook, Myspace and Twitter @DebtFreeU, to establish ongoing dialogue with the students and young consumers utilizing the site's resources.

Now more than ever, students need education and support to establish smart money management habits. According to a national study conducted by Sallie Mae, one of the nation's largest student loan providers, the average college student carries more than $ 3,000 in credit card debt on at least four credit cards, and close to one fifth of seniors carry balances of more than $ 7,000.

"College is a huge milestone for young people and the financial responsibilities incurred can seriously damage a student's financial health well beyond graduation," says Clarky Davis, CareOne Services' spokesperson. "With college tuition, rent, books and credit cards, it's no wonder so many college students find themselves in debt."

Having helped over 4.5 million people with their debt, CareOne Providers know that debt problems can happen to anyone. Too often, good financial management is a lesson that occurs too late in life and learned through personal hardship. Fortunately, some of these hardships can be alleviated with improved money management skills and by making informed financial decisions. CareOne wants to help consumers before the problem gets out of hand.

About CareOne Debt Relief Services

The CareOne Debt Relief service mark is owned by 3C Incorporated. Organizations that bear the CareOne Debt Relief service mark are industry leaders committed to providing consumers with superior financial fitness education and service.

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