Craigslist is a popular place to start, local papers, even real estate brokers, there are often room mate wanted ooards in colleges. You will usually be asked for a security deposit and one month's rent. Today they may do a credit check and ask for references to check your character.

There are a couple of ways to find an apartment. Newspapers, craiglist, a rental agent, etc. Once you find the housing you like, you'll receive a lease. Make sure you read and understand everything on the lease. If you have questions show it to someone who can explain it (your parents,lawyer). You will have to go through a credit and reference check. Depending on the agreement, be prepared to pay a security deposit as well as you monthly rent at lease signing. Check out inchargehousing.org

ON TIME...so you can maintain a good credit score..Usually bills are monthly..Find your style..you can write a check, do it online, or instant pay..they do it for you....just do it ON TIME

Make sure to pay your bills on time and most bills need to be paid monthly There will be a date on the statement that the payment needs to arrive by. Send it out in plenty of time. If you payments are constantly late, the creditor will report it and you'll start to received poor credit ratings.

 Be especially careful with credit card bills.  They tack on penalty charges that can really break you.  Also, if you pay by check, be sure to mail it early.

You can go online and check for the best offers and rates. If you travel a travel rewards card would make sense. Do not get sucked into all these offers for 10% off if you open a credit card because there is too much temptation to buy what you dont need and the interest rates will get you in the end if they are not paid on time.  You need to be responsible with a credit card or you can easily get into debt.

Shop around for the lowest interest rates. However, I prefer the first card to be the old green amex. You have to pay the balance off each month so it doesn't get you into the habit for paying high rates and spending more than you have. Go to bankrate.com for current interest rates.

The advantage of having your parent's name on the account is gives them access to your account and they can easily deposit checks and money in for you. If you are trying to establish your independence and begin to build your own credit then it is time to have your own account.

That depends, if you're still getting money from your parents, it is easier for your parents to transfer into your account if you are in joint name with them. If you're not dependent on them, then you should get your account in your name only.

Communication may not be your instinct but it is always the answer to making things work......call your landlord and respectively apologize for not having your rent on time.  Tell him when he can receive it .  A landlord has a right o start eviction procedures for not paying rent. You may need to create a budget to make sure you can afford your monthly payments more easily.

Yes-remember that the landlord is counting on your rent. It would be like you not getting your paycheck on time. People always prefer honestly.

Yes Yes Yes I always had a hard time paying my rent on time, my pay schedule simply didn't match the bill schedule. I explained that to my landlord and he changed the due date. In addition, as long as you are a good tenant, the landlord will probably prefer to wait on you, then lose money while he finds a new tenant. in fact, most businesses will understand the occasional late payment and be willing to work with you if you contact them and let them know whats going on. If you just let it go until you can pay it you may find you have unexpected fines tacked on.

Yes ... offer to pay what you if you can pay a little

All banks and all checks to seem to have a life of their own.  You better ask. 

Ask the teller when you deposit because they could put a longer hold on the account.  Most large banks clear checks quickly 24-48 hours but if you are depositing a check from a small local bank it could take up to 5 business days.

These days checks can clear within 24 hrs, but most banks say 3-5 days. If the check is from the same bank that you use it can clear immediatly but you must inform the teller and deposit it as cash.

ask the bank

Yes, this is a fair proposal. They should be happy to chip in especially because you are doing the driving.

First of all, I would hope that your friends would at least offer. If they haven't, put a little change box on your dashboard with a sign that says gas money and your friends will probably start throwing some change in it.

Yes, gas is expensive and car pooling is great for the environment and for your pocketbook. If your friends don't offer,  feel free to ask nicely. "Hey, guys, I don't mind driving, but can you help with gas?". Or suggest that you take turns driving if your friends also have cars. Don't be taken advantage of just because you have a generous nature.

Tough one.I think this is a case by case answer. I think a good rule may be don't lend money to anyone if you really need it back. It's an idea to ask the parents but I would say only if they can afford it because really it is between you and your friend and your friend should ask his/her parents before you do.

Talk to your friend first and tell them you are desperate for your money. Maybe you didn't make it clear that you needed it back. There is a difference between giving and lending. Make sure you make a schedule for repayment when you lend. I wouldn't go to the parents. They probably don't realize you lent money in the first place. In the long run, try not to get into this habit. Money and friends don't mix well.

Talk to your friend first. If you go to his/her parents you might not have that friend anymore. "Neither a borrower nor a lender be, loan oft losses self and friend" paraphrased Shakespeare here. It's hard to pressure a friend for money owed, but if you really need the money, and your friend is unable to pay it, ask him/her to go to their parents or you will have to.

Let's face it, it's a good friend who helps you move. If you are lucky enough to have wonderful friends to help you then make sure you treat them to all drinks and food to show your appreciation. Do not ask your friends for help unless you would be willing to help them when they move. Try to make it fun, some music and laughter.

If you ask, you must be ready to help out when they ask you. The more friends, the quicker it goes. Make sure to get them a thank you gift, like a case of beer or bouquet of flowers.

A credit card can be useful if you are able to pay the full balance every month and therefore you can begin to establish credit for yourself. A credit card can get you into big trouble with overspending and accumulating debt. It is never smart to pay your bills with a credit card.

Sometimes credit cards get you into trouble but at one point in your life you need to establish credit. If you have regular income, it might be time to open one but make sure you pay it every month on time. My first credit card was American Express green. I like it because you had to pay the whole balance of each month. This way you really have to be careful not to over spend. There is a very good website geared to students and personal finance. Take a look at studenomics.com

You can save change...it does add up. Another good way is to see where you might cut out something you do like buy coffees and lattes..certainly you could save money if you quit smoking. I know someone who didn't spend her dollar bills and was able to save for a trip this way.

All I hear today is the common app which is more of a generic application that some schools will take. Financial aid frorms are also very important. Each school will have different requirements.

Every year, commonapp.org adds more and more colleges. This is a great online tool. You fill out an application, pick your colleges (and any supplements they might have) pay and hit the send button. Commonapp also has download areas for teachers reference and school documents. Check the individual colleges to see if they need anything else. If you need financial aide then you need to get the FAFSA forms. Your guidance counselor can help you find these forms but your parents will need to fill them out with you.

Fill out the FASA form with your parents as soon as possible after January 1st. It is the one form that virtually every college and university requires to award financial aid. Commonapp.org should be your next stop, many colleges now accept this on-line application. Once you have chosen the colleges you wish to apply to, send in your commonapp. Some colleges do require that you fill in their application forms, and almost every college has different requirements for personal essays, teacher recommendations and personal recommendations so check carefully. Be very careful to send the right info to the right school, I know, sounds stupid, but it happens.

Depends on the service of the bill you are paying. If you are late with utility bills they will turn off your service but they will warn you. They may be willing to make a deal with some partial payment. The worst thing you can do is ignore the situation. With all unpaid or late bills you risk lowering your credit score.

It's good to call the creditor and let them know. They will also want to know when the payment will be sent. Make sure you remember to send it.

It is always good to call the bank

This is a subject you will need specific help with as there are many grants and scholorships and financial aid formulas unique to everyone' own unique circumstance. Start with a financial aid counselor and dont give up.

There are many programs to get financial aid, FAFSA (federal agency), merit scholarships through the college your choice and several local organizations offer aid through communities. Also, try starting college in the Jr. or community colleges. The courses there are usually less expensive then large universities. Many traditional required courses are transferable and you could get a lot of credits done for cheaper.

This is a subject you will need specific help with as there are many grants and scholorships and financial aid formulas unique to everyone' own unique circumstance. Start with a financial aid counselor and dont give up.

There are many programs to get financial aid, FAFSA( federal agency), merit scholarships through the college your choice and several local organizations offer aid through communities. Also, try starting college in the Jr. or community colleges. The courses there are usually less expensive then large universities. Many traditional required courses are transferable and you could get a lot of credits done for cheaper.

No question about it, college is a huge expense and if your family can't afford to send you to school, and most families can not afford it, you must seek out other means. Many students opt for night school, part-time and if you have drive and commitment, this can be accomplished. If you are a good student and have always wanted to get a college education, there are other options. With all the grants and scholarships out there, money shouldn't stand in the way. Some of the bigger, better colleges have opted for a "No Loan" Financial Aid Policy. Check this article from CNNMoney.com for a list of colleges that participate in this program, and don't stop there. Research all the grant and scholarship opportunities you can find. DO NOT pay money for services promising to help you find scholarship money, there are so many free services out there. Start with the U.S. Department of Education site, www.education.gov and the Student Scholarship Search site www.studentscholarshipsearch.com. Google Fastweb, a scholarship Database that catalogues all sorts of grants, loans and scholarships. If you have always wanted to go to college, and have worked hard to fulfill that dream, don't give up on it now. In addition to government grants and aid and school scholarships, search out all the local scholarships available. Check with your guidance counselor to find out how to apply for them and start early. Be a pain in your counselor's ass if you have to. All those little scholarships can add up and be used for books, supplies and dining plans.