Now it is time to go to the bookstore, library, and Internet and do research on saving, investing, and wealth building. Also, be sure to sit down with your Human Resources representative at work and learn about how you can take advantage of all the financial opportunities offered to you there. At this point, the sky is the limit when it comes to YOUR MONEY!

Meanwhile, here are a few small - and effective - savings activities that you can begin today.

• Designate a special box, jar or container of some kind where you can keep all of your pocket change. Beginning today, DO NOT EVER spend pocket change that you receive in any transaction! You will be pleasantly surprised to find that you will be "saving" approximately $5 - 8 per week once you begin this simple habit. That adds up to $260 by the end of the year. Want to take a short trip? There you go!
• If you already save your pocket change, accept this challenge. Every time you break a bill larger than $1, place every remaining $1 bill in an envelope in a drawer somewhere out of your sight. Force yourself not to touch this money! It is just amazing how much you will save between your pocket change and these $1 bills over a month's time. If you already save all of your $1's, then the next challenge is to never again break anything smaller than a $10 bill. (In other words, save all your fives.)

Once you are saving in these "little" ways, you will have the itch to save and will be well on your way to investigating savings vehicles with more long-term impact such as those offered through your employer, the stock market, and other financial services.

The pure momentum and empowerment of understanding how money grows itself through compounding interest will motivate you even more to learn about and participate in long-term savings programs that will benefit you and your family for years to come!

All of these exercises and suggestions may seem cumbersome and like they would take forever to accomplish. Not so! Start today and you will be well on your way within a month.

If you need help or would like support as you navigate this process, contact any CCCS by visiting www.nfcc.org or contact your school's Financial Aid Office for assistance.