The financial side of college comes with a vocabulary all its own. This A-to-Z guide walks through the terms and decisions families encounter most often, from opening a checking account to staying on track to graduate. A is for the checking account you'll want to open. If possible, choose a bank with locations near both home and campus, and make sure parents can easily transfer money when needed. This makes day-to-day spending much easier to manage. B is for budget. Create a

As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability and overwhelming debt. The good news? October 1st marks the opening of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year, giving you a clear starting point for this important journey. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by every U.S. college and university if your student is applying for need-based financ