DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The start of college – less than a month away – brings a new level of money management for incoming students and their families. Paul Goebel, director of the Student Money Management Center at the University of North Texas, offers smart financial moves that young adults and their parents can make now and throughout the school year to avoid money migraines:

• Create a financial survival plan. Families should identify all college and living expenses and funding resources to avoid financial surprises. Stick to the plan so students will begin and end each semester with money in their pockets.
• Decorate your dorm or apartment without breaking the bank. Take advantage of garage sales and thrift stores for finding quality furniture, clothing and other items at affordable prices. Also, plan ahead with your roommate. You won't need two refrigerators or two microwaves.
• Don't be afraid to talk about money. Share values, expectations and personal experiences. To prevent a money problem from becoming a crisis, parents need to encourage their students to reach out to them for advice. Universities offer resources, too. The UNT Student Money Management Center offers free coaching and personal financial consulting and planning services to UNT students.
• Multiple siblings in college? Buy in bulk. For back-to-school supplies like paper, pencils, folders, etc., families will get the cost savings of bulk purchases.
• Time purchases carefully. Buying after peak shopping seasons may save shoppers up to 70 percent. For school shopping, the peaks are in August and January.
• Be strategic with financial aid. Do not approach financial aid with a "take it all" mentality. If you've budgeted $4,000 for the coming semester and receive an $8,000 package, take the lower amount.
• Forgo the credit card. Students with credit cards are encouraged to use cash for purchases. It's a great budget tool and control mechanism to prevent overspending.
• Be mindful of your meals. For the university meal plan, use it or lose it. Also, be realistic and understand that most students will still dine out. To avoid spending too much, set a specific dollar amount for what will be spent on dining out. Students also can contact UNT Dining Services to discuss meal plan options that fit their budgets.
• Shop around for textbooks. Research on- and off-line to find cost effective options such as renting or buying used versus new. The UNT bookstore offers textbook rentals with new and used options. Additionally, renting an e-book from Chegg.com or another similar service will save the hassle and expense of shipping. 
• Get a job. Jobs allow students to earn money, build skills and make connections. On-campus positions offer flexibility around your class schedule. UNT's Eagle Network is a great place UNT students can find both on- and off-campus employment opportunities.
• Parents, set limits. Parents should have an open and honest conversation as to how much financial support they will give and what expenses their students will be responsible for.
• Consider the costs of a car on campus. Gas and maintenance add up. On-campus housing and bus stops provide students with easy access to residence halls, academic buildings and other amenities within walking distance. Carpool or use public transit, which may offer free or discounted fares to students. The UNT Shuttle and the Denton County Transportation Authority A-Train and buses travel around campus and to off-campus locations throughout Denton at no cost for riders with UNT identification.
• Never forget that grades are a student's first priority. Students need to know that they are expected to attend class, study and prepare for exams to prevent repeating classes and paying twice for the same knowledge. Keep your grade point average strong; that's a big deal for your long-term financial goals: graduating and getting a well-paid job.