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College students today face a difficult time with easy access to a credit card and a lack of financial literacy. The authors' study concluded that the average college student is currently accumulating debt at an increasing rate. They believe the allure and purchasing power of a credit card causes some young adults to forgo their own inhibitions and just spend. This study provides an excellent source of quantitative information in the form of survey responses and charts. The authors break down their survey group into many categories, such as age and sex, to examine debt. The plethora of data allows correlations to be made and therefore a better understanding of college student credit card debt. However, the sample size was only 448 students on five college campuses, and in the future, a larger sample size could provide a more detailed and accurate analysis.

Thaler discusses the "financial literacy crisis" facing most Americans. Today, a record number of Americans are inept when it comes to financial literacy and as a result accumulate large sums of debt and fail to plan for the future. The author explains that Americans get into trouble because current financial systems such as credit cards are not user-friendly. To counter this escalating problem, researchers believe financial programs should be created that provide consumers with basic financial knowledge and assist them in making good choices. Finally, parents must begin teaching financial literacy to their children at a young age and not keep the subject a private matter. Thaler's argument that new financial programs should be created is logical given the current crisis situation he identifies, but he fails to outline a way to do so. Norvilitis, Jill, Michelle Merwin, Timothy Osberg, Patricia Roehling, Paul Young, and Michele Kamas. " Personaility Factors, Money Attitueds, Financial Knowledge, and Credit-Card Debt in College Students." Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 36.6: 1395-1414. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO Roeschh Lib., U of Dayton. 17 March. 2009

This paper focuses on the recent decline in the American and how American's saving habits are in need of change. Currently many Americans do not own stock, let alone their own home and many college students are facing credit card debt. The average American has a negative savings rating mean they spend all of their disposable income and then dip into their past savings. At least 45% of college students are in credit card debt and this number is likely to continue to rise.

A psychological article about college students and financial management. The study examines debt and spending habits of students and how that may of occured. Their are statistics of demographics, financial classes, and even personality types and their relationship to debt. Could provide a good viewpoint of sociological and psychology factors for research.

The authors discuss how college students' overreliance on credit cards and accumulated student loans have left many graduates with outstanding debt and poor credit scores. Credit card companies aggressively solicit college students, who are enticed by the power a credit card grants. Upon graduation, students with large sums of debt may find it difficult to find a job or rent property due to poor credit. To counter this surge of irresponsibility, the authors propose colleges create programs to educate students on how to use a credit card responsibly. The problem with creating more programs is universities must spend extra funds to create and maintain such an initiative. The authors fail to propose an early education curriculum for younger children to immerse them in the area of personal finance.

A study done on debt with college students. The article includes statistics. The statistics agknowledge the ongoing financial problem especially with young people. The statistics can be confusing but it is an interesting and valuable article.

The article states that especially in times of economic trouble, no one can afford to be financially illiterate. The authors focus on the management of debt and college students. Specifically they address credit cards and student loans. They also speak of how certified public accountants are great educators for this problem. A valuable article to relate Accounting classes for students and their financial literacy.

Americans are not the only people facing a financial literacy crisis according to this article. The Canadian governments new budget calls for the creation of financial programs. During the recent economic crisis many Canadians have amassed debt and the government aims to quell this trend. The United States government is also trying to implement similar programs for its citizens.

Green, Amy. "Push for financial literacy spreads to schools." Christian Science Monitor 101.70 (09 Mar. 2009): 13-13. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Roesch Lib., U. of Dayton, Dayton, OH. 14 Mar. 2009. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=36874111&site=ehost-live>.

Green shares the story of Roy Kobert and John Ninfo a bankruptcy attorney and bankruptcy judge who both volunteer their time teaching kids the importance of financial literacy. With the economy plummeting out of control both men have decided to be advocates for teaching financial literacy to children and young adults. Both men have seen the devastating effect that financial literacy ignorance has caused on the economy and individuals. They fear that if creditors can lure the youth into debt, our countries youth future is in jeopardy. Their goal is to stop the madness before it starts through education intervention. The article also talks about several different programs promoting financial literacy that have been implemented in different states across the country.

Article from Kansas City Gazette. Describes a bill proposal to increase financial knowledge in the US. The problem specifically lies with young adults and college students. It provides statistics as well as some startling facts to the problems with credit card debt and financial literacy.

Green shares the story of Roy Kobert and John Ninfo a bankruptcy attorney and bankruptcy judge who both volunteer their time teaching kids the importance of financial literacy. With the economy plummeting out of control both men have decided to be advocates for teaching financial literacy to children and young adults. Both men have seen the devastating effect that financial literacy ignorance has caused on the economy and individuals. They fear that if creditors can lure the youth into debt, our countries youth future is in jeopardy. Their goal is to stop the madness before it starts through education intervention. The article also talks about several different programs promoting financial literacy that have been implemented in different states across the country.

A brief article on the importance of understanding credit cards and credit card debt. focuses on a student testomonial. Provides explanation of credit card terms.

The article discusses financial-literacy programs at universities and colleges in the United States. Programs like Texas Tech University's help its students master the basics of budgeting, saving, and not buying what they can't afford. These programs are especially important as colleges grapple with rising costs and an economic downturn in the country. The author states that financial literacy affects student retention, productivity, and mental health, and may also generate good will in a time when colleges are being criticized for repeatedly raising tuition, fees, and housing costs. (From the EBSCO abstract.)

The article focuses on the problem of college debt and knowledge about financial terms. It also goes into discussion of what some universities are doing to help this problem by offering classes/seminars. Valuable article.

Although many families have lost their savings with the current market decline college tuition continue to increase. This article explores various strategies and implementations to save for college and not accumulate debt. Parents should be aware that colleges are slashing budgets and reducing spending, but many have agreed to continue financing scholarships and financial aid packages. It is a good idea to have your child apply to three safety schools because competition is at its highest. Thanks to the government student loans are still readily available and should be a families first option due to the low interest rate.

Today's consumers are faced with difficult financial decisions everyday. Making the wrong choice could cost someone their savings or their home. By becoming financially literate people decrease the risk that they will become victims of financial mistakes such as aquiring excessive debt or associating with predatory lenders. Many families have only one spouse take care of all the finances and this could lead to problems should that spouse die.

This article focuses on the financial education of American consumers. The researchers have labeled Americans as having excess debt, poor retirement planning and insufficient savings. They believe one answer to the financial problems facing Americans has to do with the amount of financial information available. In some cases credit cards provide too much information and technical terms which may confuse the consumer. On the other hand when there is too little information the consumer may not be able to make proper choices.

Free online personal financial advisor to help you manage your finances. Save money, decrease debt and make plans with Thrive. One of a number of websites popping up, designed to make users financially literate in a hands-on way.

The fourth quarter college plans have continued to decrease due to the economic crisis. The assets in 529 college savings plans fell over 21% from last year. Investors are optimistic and the data shows that people are still attempting to save for college. Unfortunately many parents do not know how to save or how much they will need for college. College expenses continue to increase faster that wages and have increased at a rate of 5.7% a year. If this trend continues the gap between income and college tuition is going to be even more difficult to cope with.