College-money lessons you need to learn now

High school may have prepared you for college academically, but you may be less ready to handle your money, especially if you need student loans.

More than two-thirds of college students at all levels said in a survey that they feel stressed about their personal finances, according The Study on Collegiate Financial Wellness, a 2017 report by The Ohio State University.

Here are some personal-finance lessons to take to campus.

• Max out free financial aid: Get the most free aid possible before borrowing money. Every year, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to qualify for federal, state and institutional grants, scholarships and work- study. Search for additional scholarships with tools like the U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarships Finder.

Track your loans: If you do borrow, maximize federal student loans before private options. Federal loans offer more repayment options and, in some cases, forgiveness.

• Stick to a spending plan

• Consider paying student loan interest now: If your spending plan allows, you can lessen your total debt by making monthly interest payments while you’re in school.

• Build credit for the future: Creditworthiness is key to getting approved when you rent an apartment or apply to get a credit card, auto loan or home loan. — Anna Helhoski, Nerdwallet