Summer Money Conversations
This regular column will address financial issues as we all contend with today's shaky economy.

Textbooks, tuition, housing ... As you and your student plan ahead for the upcoming academic year, some questions can help you get on the same page when it comes to key money topics:

• What are the "big ticket" items to consider when budgeting? Consider things like tuition, room, board, etc.
• How much will travel cost this year? Consider gas and insurance costs, the estimated number of weekends residential students will travel home or elsewhere, if the student is job searching this year and needing to go on interviews, etc.
• What money will be coming in? Consider scholarships, grants, work-study and other jobs.
• What are the estimated costs for those "little things" that can quickly add up? Consider laundry, school supplies, entertainment, conference attendance, postage, clothing, toiletries, parking fees, equipment costs and more.
• Where can you cut back this year? Consider riding a bike and using public transportation instead of having a car, vowing to order out only once a month, etc.

By talking about things now, you and your student can be on the same money page once the upcoming academic year arrives.