Friday, June 6, 2008

A Generation of Convenience-How Does this Affect College Students?

Kids are growing up today with a world of modern conveniences at their fingertips. Instant gratification is of the norm. Everything is automated, from retrieving money from the bank, to having your bills automatically withdrawn on time. When you need gas, you just wave a tiny keychain device in front of the pump. We can remotely crank our cars, control the doors or open the trunk. No more going to the library for information, just type in a question online and a world of knowledge just pops up in front of you. Enormous record collections are all stored in a tiny device that you can drop in your purse. Our lives are jam packed with conveniences and luxuries that our parents never dreamed of. Food delivery, microwaves, convection ovens, we can have great meals in a snap, without gardening for the entire summer, canning vegetables and hunting for all of our meat.

Some would say that this generation is spoiled rotten. They have never had to work for anything. They have never had to develop patience. Anything they want, they can pretty much instantly get. Cell phones and remotes ensure that we are not inconvenienced in anyway when we need to make a call or change the channel. We can even fast forward through every commercial. The big question is, how has this automated world affected the psyche of college students? Will they be able to handle the pressures of the real world? Will they learn to be patient and responsible with their money? Will it be harder for them than it was for us?

College students have had their entire lives automated and geared for convenience. They now have easy access to student credit cards and online payday loans to help keep the convenience and instant gratification coming. As a parent of a college student, it is up to you to teach your child to be responsible with money and credit. This is not something that they learn in class, it is usually a trial by fire. More and more college students are learning the hard way how to manage their money.

Qualifying for loans and credit cards is incredibly easy now days. In fact, when they show up for college orientation, they will most likely encounter many kiosks offering t-shirts, book bags and other appealing free gifts to students who fill out a credit card application. Credit card companies have figured out that they can nab people early in life, take advantage of inexperienced money handlers like college students, and get a customer for life simply by offering a free magnet or insulated cup. Make sure that your student is prepared to reject these offers and find more responsible ways of building their credit.

If they need enough extra money to warrant carrying a credit card, then you might have them consider a student loan. Interest rates are low and the loan terms are geared to fit a student’s lifestyle. Many offer payback options that do not start until after graduation. Student loans are helpful when it comes to building credit. Payments begin after your student has learned a few life lessons and is not as likely to blow off payments for a new pair of shoes. Talk with your child and utilize the benefits of student loans.

About the Author: Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of student loans and information on how to get private student loans as well as consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net.

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