Money Matters
Maximize your financial knowledge!
College Savings Options
The links below will take you out of the CU Anschutz web site.
There is no one strategy for college savings ... because each family's situation is different you need to … look at all the options.
Manage Your Credit
Maintain good credit so you can borrow when necessary.
Credit Report
Annual Credit Report - When it comes time to borrow money from a bank the determining factor will be your credit history. If you have struggled to pay your bills on time or been through other financial difficulties you should understand what lenders will see in your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit agencies every year. One suggestion is to obtain one report from an agency every four months. This is the only website where you can obtain a free report; do not be misguided by other agencies offering to send you the report for a fee or require you to sign up for a trial period.
Credit Resources
- How to Rebuild Your Credit - Steps and tips on how to rebuild credit.
- MyFiCO's Credit Education - helps you understand how credit is granted and how bad decisions impact you later in life. Tips are offered to help you boost your score and prepare you for applying for future financing. Avoid being a victim of identity theft by using suggestions on myFiCO. A glossary of credit related terms is included to help you better understand what you are applying for.
- Understanding Your Credit Score - An overview of credit scores and tips on how to build and improve credit scores.
Managing Debt
- Coping with Debt - The Federal Trade Commissions's tips on managing your debt.
- Motley Fool's Reduce Your Debt is a six-step action plan for getting your debt under control.
Manage Your Money
Learn the 10 Basic Steps to Getting Smart About Money.
Avoid Scams - Before you apply for financial aid, learn how to spot potential fraud, avoid paying for free services, and prevent identity theft.
CashCourse - was created to help students understand the basics of financial literacy. You can explore an array of topics including budgeting, credit management and student loans. Additional sections provide information about employment and the decisions you make when securing a job. It is never too late to start building a healthy financial future! Here are some worksheets to help you with managing your money.
FDIC Money Smart Podcast Network - covers topics such as the basics of borrowing money wisely, using a spending plan to achieve financial goals, and how to effectively use banking products. Listen to the audio files online or download them to your portable audio player.
File Your Federal Tax Return For Free - If your adjusted gross income is less than $58,000 you may be eligible for free tax preparation and electronic filing. Visit www.irs.gov to learn more about eligibility requirements and providers. Any questions regarding this free service should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Providers may offer to file your state tax return for a fee. Information about filing an electronic State of Colorado tax return can be found here.
FinAid! - is a comprehensive website for all types of financial aid related issues. Up-to-date information about federal legislative changes, loan calculators and general financial aid information are among the various topics covered.
Financial Avenue - Put your finances on the right path. Financial Avenue offers a range of online courses to help students and adults gain life-long knowledge about the basics of personal money management.
Know Before You Owe--Mortgage Are you thinking about buying a house? Understand your loan options, shop for the mortgage that’s best for you, and avoid costly surprises at the closing table.
Mint.com - Get a handle on your finances the free and fast way.
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better.
Manage Your Student Loans
Stay on top of your student loan debt.
Are you graduating?
Want more information about student loan repayment? We have several resources to assist you. Use the links below for additional information to help you better understand your repayment options.
- Exit Counseling Information for Student Borrowers
- Repayment Plans - U.S. Dept. of Education
- Student Loan Simulator - helps you calculate student loan payments and choose a loan repayment option that best meets your needs and goals.
Tax Incentives and Credits
The federal government provides a number of tax incentives that can help lower the cost of higher education. Below are information pertaining to those tax incentives and credits.