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If you're a high school senior, the cost of college probably isn't your top concern right now. Usually during that first semester of senior year, you're more worried about getting into the school you want  — not how you'll pay for it.

For a lot of students, saving money for college doesn't feel like an urgent matter until the summer before you leave — when all the "busy-ness" of senior year and excitement of graduation are past. By that time, you know where you're headed for school and how much financial aid  you're getting and it all finally feels real.

Unfortunately, June is a little late in the game to start a real savings plan for fall. You'll be better off if you start concentrating on saving right now.

So how can you get motivated? Try to make it real for yourself. Forget about the vague, fuzzy "saving for college" idea — start thinking more specifically about what things you'll need to pay for next year. No matter where you go to college, you're going to have some of the same expenses , so list them out and use them as goals to save for. Here are some ideas:

• Laundry money — laundry will probably cost around $5 a week. Plan on 40 weeks worth of laundry, and make a goal to save $200 to stay in clean clothes for the entire year.
• Eating out money — even if you stick to your pre-paid meal plan, that generally doesn't include supper on Sunday nights. Figure you'll spend $10 eating out on Sunday nights each week — and aim to save $400 to cover Sunday meals for the year.
• Books — these will probably run anywhere from $200-$600 per semester. Set a goal of saving $500 for your first semester's books.

These are just a few of the basics you'll need a stash of cash to cover during your first year of school. Try saving for just one of these items to make it a really achievable goal. It feels good to know exactly what you're saving for — and what it takes to get there.

Are you saving money for college? Tell us how it's going!

Caroline

Remember your senior year of high school, when all anyone could ask you was "Where are you going to college?"

Well, now that you're in college, the questions keep on coming, but this time you get it from every new person you meet (which is a lot your freshman year): "What's your major?"

If you're undeclared, that gets to be a pretty short conversation. And eventually you do have to settle on a major. So how are making the major decision? Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Take some career aptitude tests. Check with your academic advisor to see if he or she can recommend some good tests. You can find a number of these tests online, but beware — they may be commercially linked, so it's probably best to get some advice before diving in.
2. Ask the people who know you best. I majored in journalism on the recommendation of my brother. I loved to write, so I don't know why journalism hadn't occurred to me. I guess at the time, I wasn't thinking about my talents as much as I was thinking about what I "should" major in to get a good job.  Entertain the ideas of those who see you from the outside looking in. They shouldn't make your decision, of course, but they may have some good insight for you.
3. Explore potential jobs. Check out potential jobs as a way to explore different majors. Do some volunteer work, get an internship, do some job-shadowing — and always ask people what they majored in. You're likely to find some surprises along the way — and you might get some career-path ideas.
4. Do some research. Thumb through your school's course catalog, check around online, browse some career-books, read articles and reports about fast-growing career fields  and list anything that catches your eye. It's a good way to gauge your interests, and remind yourself what's out there.
5. Know what you're getting into. As you're making your decision, definitely follow your heart and your talents, but be realistic and know what you're getting into.  Think not just about the major but about the career path you plan to follow. Consider what jobs in the field will pay and compare it to what you're paying (and borrowing) for school. Be sure that reality plays some part in your decision and that you're keeping the future in mind.

Have you decided on a major? How did you make your decision?

Caroline

If you're a high school senior, how are you going about exploring the colleges that interest you?

Are you searching online? Talking to your parents or guidance counselor? Reading up on the literature colleges send you?

These are all good approaches, but when it comes to choosing you college, nothing really beats an in-person visit to the campus. Many campuses host special "Senior Days"  where you can get a personal tour, lots of good information and maybe even some cool freebies like game tickets.

It's great to visit on a Senior Day because of all the pre-planned sessions just for you. But if you can't make it to a pre-scheduled day like that, check out this link  for some help for planning your own campus visit.

If you've already attended a Senior Day, let us know how it went!

Caroline

We all make mistakes. But money mistakes come with a price.

Recently Wells Fargo made a change to its overdraft charge policy that makes those mistakes a little easier to swallow!

In the near future (the final date’s still TBD), your account will not be assessed overdraft fees if you become overdrawn by $5 or less. Also, no more than four overdraft charges will be charged per day.

Also, in the coming months, customers who want to opt out of overdraft coverage will have that option — you’ll be able to specify that you don't want your transactions authorized or paid into overdraft if you don't have funds to cover the transaction.

That's all good news, but more importantly, how can you avoid overdrawing your bank account in the first place? Just a few simple ideas:

• Bank online. Get yourself set up for online banking, so you can view your account any time. You can see pending transactions and easily transfer balances from one account to another, which can help you avoid overdrafts.
• Sign up for overdraft protection. At Wells Fargo, enrollment in overdraft protection is free, and can dramatically reduce the fees you're charged for overdrawing your account.
• Sign up for mobile banking. Right now Wells Fargo is offering this service for free. It allows you to keep track of your account, like check balances, review recent activity, and transfer funds — all from your mobile phone.
• Go low-tech. Although many online tools are helpful, you don't have to be high-tech to keep good track of your bank account. Use a good old-fashioned check register to record all your account activity: check card purchases, deposits, ATM withdrawals, etc. You can also use this as a backup, even if you're banking online.

So tell us: How do you keep track of your bank account?

UPDATE: Oops, we jumped the gun on our original post! We recently learned these changes to our overdraft policies are a work in progress, which means they’re not yet available. We’ve updated our post to reflect that! We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and will let you know when those services are up and running.

Caroline

As a high school senior, you've got a busy year ahead of you. While you might be mentally ready to set things on "coast," now is not the time for that! Besides keeping up your grades, you've got a bunch of prep work to do to get ready for college. It's all pretty deadline oriented, so if you haven't created a master calendar yet, it's a good idea to start one.

Here is a basic timeline of things you'll need to remember to stay on top of college planning:

September

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your choice of colleges.
• Start a scholarship search.  Look online and tap your guidance counselor to get help with local scholarship options. Note all scholarship application deadlines on your master calendar.

October

• Decide which schools to which you'll apply. Make a note of all the application deadlines and put them on your master calendar.
• Secure recommendations from teachers, employers, or other adults. Give them at least a month to write their letter.
• Start thinking of topics and drafting outlines for college application essays. 

November

• Submit your college application information on time.
• Schedule campus visits and interviews.

December

• Keep an eye on scholarship deadlines and continue your scholarship search.

January

• File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after January 1 as possible. File online at fafsa.ed.gov. 
• Attend a financial aid night to learn more about paying for college.

February

• Provide your counselor with the necessary mid-year grade forms, if your schools require them.
• Register for advanced placement tests.
• Complete scholarship applications.

March

• Watch for your Student Aid Report (it should arrive about four weeks after submitting your FAFSA).
• Check your mailbox! You should begin receiving your admissions decisions from colleges.

April

• Compare financial aid awards  from different schools and keep these in mind as you weigh your options.
• Look for additional funding if your financial aid package is not enough to cover your costs.
• Think about private student loans.
• Use Wells Fargo's online tools and calculators help plan.
• Make the final decision and notify your schools.

May

• Enjoy the last few weeks of high school, but remember to keep your grades up!
• Make sure your final transcripts are sent to the college you'll attend.

Summer

• Save money from your summer job and gradually buy things for school.
• Know your freshmen orientation dates.

Any other ideas to add to the senior year calendar?

Caroline

When it comes to your non-school expenses, who is paying them — you or your parents?

As you head off to college this fall, it might be a good idea to talk it over with your parents and make sure you're on the same page about which bills you'll pay and which bills they'll pay.

If you're just starting to take on some responsibility for your finances, it will be an eye-opener to learn just what it costs to keep you afloat. You may not have any idea about all the costs included in owning a car or renting an apartment. Your parents will definitely appreciate your asking about it!

Here are some of the biggies to think about:

• Cell phone : Are you still on your parents' plan or will you be getting your own plan? If you're on a "family plan" with your parents and siblings, take some time to look over the bill and maybe talk with a representative to make sure you've got the most cost-effective features. And think about the future: Will you be using more minutes/texting once you're away at school? Don't wait for a big bill to get things organized.
• Rent/utilities: Rent might be something you can pay on your own. But if your parents are shouldering your share, maybe you can afford to take on some of your utilities. Once you split these among your roommates, they usually aren't too bad. Plus it will be good training for the future — you might start thinking of ways to save energy  if you're facing the bill each month.
• Car expenses: Even if your car is paid for, there are still plenty of expenses that go along with it outside of gas — insurance for one. If your parents are paying your car insurance, you can help them out by getting good grades. Insurance companies sometimes give a "good student" discount , so have your parents look into it. Don't forget about oil changes, registration fees and general repairs. Even if you can't afford to help pay for all these things, you should know what they cost — someday all these expenses will be yours.
• Personal items/expenses (food, clothing, haircuts): Again, if you're just starting to pick up some of your own expenses, this might be a good place to start. Most of your personal expenses are things you can control, so it will help you learn to discipline your spending — you'll be more inclined to shop for bargains  or eat within your meal plan when the cost is coming out of your own pocket.

When it comes to your college expenses, what things are you paying for?

Caroline

Yeah, yeah, your bags, boxes and laundry baskets are packed. You've got all the goods for college : a couch, TV, dorm fridge, new towels, laptop. What else could you possibly need?

There are a few more things to bring to college with you, but don't worry, they won't take up any more room in your parents' already loaded-down minivan! This is a more non-traditional packing list, but vital stuff to have with you as you embark on your new adventure:

1. An open mind. You're going to meet all kinds of people and study all kinds of subjects in college. Be ready and willing to listen to new people and new ideas.
2. Consideration for others. This is especially important if you've never had to share your room, your clothes or your car. Remember that your roommate  may not appreciate your taste in music or housekeeping habits. Try to respect that and come to an agreement.
3. Curiosity. A healthy curiosity about life will take you far in college. Pay attention, ask questions and get involved. You'll be amazed at what you learn when you actively look for the opportunity.
4. The ability to speak up. You'll have to be your own advocate in college, so if you're not used to speaking up, now's the time to start practicing. If your roommate didn't remember to bring #2 on this list, you'll probably have to say something. If your professor grades  on class participation, you'll have to be ready to jump in the discussion. If you're struggling with a class, or need some academic advice, your advisor isn't going to come looking for you — you'll have to speak up.
5. A sense of responsibility. Going to class, managing your money, doing your laundry  — it's up to you now. As you head off to school, know that it's your job to tackle it.

For those of you already in college, anything else the freshmen need to pack?

Caroline

The start of college is just around the corner, and for you freshmen, it will be a time of new beginnings — you'll have a lot of new freedoms and new responsibilities. It can be exhilarating, but a lot to take in all at once.

I got a lot of good advice when I started college, and I thought I'd share some of it with you, to help you get off on the right foot:

1. Go to class. This may seem basic, and you may be planning on it right now, but once you get to college, you'll find that a lot of people do skip class , especially the early morning sessions! Don't give in to the temptation. Even though no one is around to make you answer that alarm clock, get in the habit of always attending class. It will make a big difference in your grades. In my opinion, it's even more important to attend class than to do the required reading. (Obviously you should do both, but I'm just saying!) Plus, you are paying for these classes — get your money's worth!


2. Study between classes. Once you start college, you'll probably be surprised at how much free time you have during the day. You're used to being in school seven hours a day, but in college you may only have three classes on any given day. That leaves lots of hours in between. Resist the temptation to head back to your dorm room and watch soaps between classes. If you don't have an on-campus job to occupy your time between classes, then stick around and head to the library. Review your notes, catch up on reading (you'll have a LOT of reading to do in college), or finish any assignments you might have. If you get in the habit of staying on campus and studying during the day, you'll find that you have a lot more free time in the evenings.


3. Stay on the weekends. It can be tempting, especially in the first few months of college, to pack up and head back home on the weekends. After a long week of the unfamiliar — finding your way around campus, trying to get a handle on your classes — many students prefer to spend weekends in their comfort zone, around old friends and family, in familiar surroundings. Resist the urge, especially at first, even if you find yourself at loose ends on the occasional Friday night. If you stick around on the weekends, you'll find that most other freshman are also looking for friends  and trying to figure out college life. You'll quickly start making more friends and finding things to do. It will be important to your happiness and your ultimate success in college to have a strong network of friends and a fun social life at school, as well as back home.


4. Be careful with your money! College may be the first time you've been in charge of your own money, so now is the time to start some good habits. Figure out the best way to keep track of your checking and savings account balances. Managing your accounts online may be the easiest way. Save your receipts so you can keep track of your spending, and compare it against your online transactions. Start working on a budget from the get-go.


5. Be cautious about credit cards. You'll be inundated with offers at college. Get just one credit card and don't charge any more than you can afford to pay off each month to avoid additional interest charges.

For those of you who have survived your first year of college, do you have any tips to share with the incoming freshmen?

Caroline

If you're starting grad school  this fall, you probably have a million things on your mind, but I'm guessing health insurance isn't one of them — that is, unless you're studying public policy and have been following the health care reform debate  in Washington!

If you've been covered under your parents' health insurance policy while you were an undergrad, be sure to have them send in the proper paperwork to ensure that you're still covered this fall.

My stepdaughter is starting graduate school in a few weeks, and my health insurance company needs a fall transcript to keep her on our policy. You definitely don't want that to lapse!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, most insurance companies like to be reminded every semester that you're still in school. I'll be sending in transcripts every August and January for the next couple years — so remind your parents to do the same.

Caroline

Question for you college freshmen-to-be: Do you plan to get a job  when you start school this fall?

It seems to be a common question among new college students. Should I get a job, or will I be too busy with school work? However, with the tough economic times we're all facing, there may be more of you who have to work whether you want to or not.

If you have to work, fear not. I worked all through college, and besides loving (and needing) the money, I think it helped keep me organized. No, I couldn't sleep as late as some of my friends and I missed some of that soap-watching downtime , but otherwise, I didn't suffer and neither did my grades.

Some students really fear that they won't be able to keep up with their homework if they get a job. My recommendation? Get a Work-Study  job if you're eligible, or get some other job on-campus. These kind of jobs let you work in those otherwise wasted hours between classes and leave your evenings free.

Although in an ideal world, you'd be studying between classes — the reality is that many students are napping, watching TV or otherwise wasting time during the day. You could be making money, getting real-world experience and making future job contacts instead.

Another nice thing about on-campus work: It's likely those labs and offices shut down during your designated vacation time, and your supervisors are understanding if you've got a big test to study for and need some time off.

If you worked during college, what did you do? Do you recommend that new freshman get a job right away?