Social Host Liability Laws
The impact of hosting underage drinking events

Summertime often sets the scene for celebrations, some of which include alcohol. It's a good time to be aware of social host liability laws, which Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) describe as "laws that hold individuals responsible for underage drinking events on property they own, lease, or otherwise control." Those responsible can be parents, landowners and tenants. MADD goes on to say that, "Unlike laws that prohibit furnishing alcohol to youth under 21, social host laws focus on preventing underage drinking on private property without regard to who furnishes the alcohol. Their focus is on the venues in which underage drinking takes place rather than on the furnishing of the alcohol."

Social host liability can apply in situations when underage drinking occurs at your house, even if you aren't home. If someone is injured at a party hosted at your home, these laws can kick in, too. Older siblings or relatives need to be aware of these dangers as well so they can make smart choices.

Unlawful social hosting is a crime in 24 states and can result in civil lawsuits against hosts in 33 states. Violations may result in civil or criminal fines, prison terms and monetary damage awards, depending on the jurisdiction.

So, during this time of life when your student is still living with you, either full- or part-time, keep social host liability issues in mind. Let your student know what the consequences to you could be, should he decide to host a party at your house while you are gone. And think carefully about allowing underage drinking at your home. The outcome could be dangerous — and potentially lead to legal troubles — for those involved.

Source: MADD

Many students will be working to make — and save — money this summer so they can use it to pay for school costs. The idea is to get ahead so that they have money for textbooks and tuition, living expenses and laundry. Yet the temptation to earn and spend during the summer months can be strong for some students, especially if they aren't the wisest money managers.

Here are some strategies you can share with them to help them maximize their summer money:

• Set a weekly budget and stick to it. Only take out a certain amount from the bank and/or ATM at the same time each week. This ritual may help you better recognize when you're going overboard and hitting the ATM — and going over budget — at other times throughout the week.
• Don't rely on plastic. If you have a habit of putting things on your credit card, simplify for the summer.
• Keep costs to a minimum. Carpool to work to save on gas costs or take public transportation. Perhaps you can still go out to dinner with friends but cut out $2 by not ordering a beverage. Try thinking of other simple cost-cutting measures that can really add up!
• Set a savings goal. After the first month of summer, revisit your summer savings goal and see what kind of progress is being made. Are you on target? Behind? Ahead? Check in on your goal every other week or so. This will allow you to be completely conscious of your money — even that which is squirreled away in savings.

Students can have fun and save money too. It just takes some smart planning, creative thinking and a bit of discipline. You can help them get on a healthy financial path.