A good credit score is essential to your financial health. Not only is this number used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness, but landlords, employers, cell phone companies, and utility providers may also check it.

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.

Car shopping can be a grueling and intimidating task, however here are some simple tips you can follow to make the experience more pleasant and help you drive out of the dealership with your best deal.