An online guide for those signing up for credit cards for the first time has been released for college students. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, says the new guide will help young consumers from falling into financial traps that can damage their credit records long after they graduate. CU cautions that students should never finance their college education or living expenses using a credit card. On the other hand, credit cards are useful for emergencies, purchasing essentials online, and establishing a solid credit history. An estimated 76% of undergraduates carry at least one credit card and
most get their first credit card at the age of 18. For a copy of Consumers Union's credit card guide for students guide, see http://www.consumersunion.org/finance/CollegeCCTips.htm.
