BU Today: Surveys have found that most students have little grasp of financial literacy. Why is that?

Bodie: Financial literacy is knowledge about how to earn money, save it, invest it, borrow it, and manage financial risk. Many students have little experience with these financial activities before starting college. Their parents support them and make financial decisions for them. Most high schools do not provide courses in personal finance and do not cover financial topics in other courses like mathematics.

What’s the most important step for college students to help them manage their finances? 

The most important steps would be to get part-time employment to earn money and to create a budget to manage expenses. And find unbiased online sources of financial information and advice. For advice about investing and other important financial decisions, see this series of videos produced by BU’s Human Resources office. While originally intended for faculty and staff, much of the material contained will be of use to any student who is seeking guidance in saving and investing.

How critical is it to create a budget and what’s the best way to stick to it?

Creating a budget is essential. The best way to stick to it is to be accountable to a parent or other close relative. Establish penalties for violating budget targets.

It’s important for college students to begin building a credit history. Why is that so necessary at this juncture in their lives? 

A good credit history enhances one’s ability to borrow money. It can be essential in finishing one’s higher education to pursue a career, securing a place to live, or starting a business.

Is getting a credit card a good way to do that? (An estimated 56 percent of students report having one.)

This is probably the easiest way to get credit. But credit card debt is very expensive. You should always pay it off in time to avoid monthly interest charges and late fees.

Students are barraged with offers for credit cards when they first arrive on campus. What should they look for in a credit card company, and what should they avoid?

Security is a major consideration. Make sure you understand how the company handles your information and protects you against fraud. The interest rate and late fees charged are another major consideration. Students may want to check out the Creditkarma website. It provides a list of low-interest-rate credit cards and pros and cons for each card. It’s important that you read the fine print to know what the interest rates are, how and when those rates can change, and whether an annual fee is charged.

Should students open a savings and a checking account? If so, what should they look for and what should they stay clear of when opening them?  

Students should certainly open savings and checking accounts. Look for the best interest rate and lowest fees available. Make sure that good deals are permanent and not just for the first month or two. Security is a major consideration. Make sure you understand how the bank handles your information and protects you against fraud.

When signing a lease for an off-campus apartment, what should students consider, especially if they’ll have roommates, but they’re the ones signing the lease?

Pay careful attention to the restrictions on occupancy and who is responsible for repairs. A good resource for information about tenant rights and responsibilities is the Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Tenant Rights and Responsibilities; it offers tips for what to do before signing a lease as well as information about late payment penalties and rent increases.

If you find yourself in debt, what’s the most important thing to do? 

Verify what interest rate you are being charged and what penalties you are subject to if you cannot pay off the debt.

Can you recommend certain apps that can help a student maintain a budget? 

I like mint.com.

If you need to take out loans to pay for college, what should you consider? 

You need to consider how much you will have to repay after college and your ability to earn enough to cover it.

What other financial advice do you have for college students?

Take free courses in personal finance from unbiased sources—for example, the nonprofit SAM (Smart About Money).

Students can save with student discounts, too. Can you talk about that?

Whenever you purchase tickets to events like movies, concerts, sports, remember to ask if a student discount is available. Bookstores often offer student discounts too.