December: Gather information.

Use available resources for college planning.

• Talk about the "college experience" with friends or siblings who are home on college break. What is college really like? What do they wish they had known sooner? What advice can they offer you as you prepare for senior year?
• Visit www.mapping-your-future.org for information on career planning, college selection, and financial aid.

Manage your money during the holidays.

For many people, managing money this time of year is a challenge. Money management skills will help you avoid overspending on gifts and events.

• Talk to your parents about their spending/saving philosophies. How did they learn about money management?
• Research money management on the Internet.
  • Check out the NEFE Teen Resource Bureau site at www.ntrbonline.org.
  • Learn about budgeting, spending wisely, and saving at teen sites www.themint.org and www.gotmoola.com.
  • Take the "reality check" quiz at www.jumpstart.org to find out if your current choices and plans will support your ideal lifestyle.

Attend a VSAC workshop.

VSAC offers several FREE workshops on everything from SAT and ACT test preparation to the financial aid process.

• Ask your school counseling office for the date of VSAC's Paying for College night at your high school. If you've missed the presentation at your local school, consider attending one in a nearby community. View the statewide Paying for College presentation schedule.
• Check out the list of VSAC Resource Center workshops.