Vacation should be a time to kick back, relax. But don’t let the carefree attitude spread to your wallet, which can lead to teeth-gnashing stress when the tan has started to fade and the bills have begun to arrive.

College will present you with a host of new experiences—including, perhaps, the experience of not having unfettered access to Mom and Dad’s wallet. But learning how to balance your checkbook while also hitting the books doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a checklist of financial lessons that’ll get you through the first year of college without unnecessary debt.

If you usually receive a refund after filing your taxes, it’s a good bet you’re ready to jump out of the gate. No expected refund? You probably procrastinate. Whether you hurry or worry, the tax filing deadline waits for no one. Here are five ways to make the process hurt less.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of debt that has crept into your financial life, it may be time to re-learn your ABCs—the ABCs of debt consolidation. Paying down your debt can be easier than you might think, as long as you follow a few simple steps. Avoiding additional debt, being wary of scams and creating a plan to achieve financial solvency can help you get control of your finances and get back on track.

Despite the predatory nature of most payday lenders, the short-term convenience and quick access to funds that payday loans provide has kept their business strong. Most consumers are either unaware of the incredibly high fees and risk of incurring more debt, or are in such desperate need of cash that they don’t take time to consider the alternatives. But there are other options! Instead of getting caught in a downward spiral of increasing debt and decreasing repayment, try one of these four alternatives to payday loans and keep your money where it belongs: in your wallet.