A recent story by USA Today found the Credit CARD Act of 2009 is cutting down on card companies cashing in on college students. Cards issued through universities and alumni associations dropped by 17 percent in 2010. This benefits student spendaholics, but a lack of credit history is an obstacle for upcoming grads ready to finance a new car or upgrade their furniture. Here are a few smart ways for students to start building credit history.

Credit Cards

We're not suggesting students go out and open a bunch of credit cards, but some plastic used responsibly can go a long way towards creating good credit. There are several options for students to help avoid high interest rates and annual fees.

A secured credit card is one of the easiest for the credit-less to acquire and requires a deposit equal to the credit limit. Rates and fees vary, so comparison shopping is a must. Another option is to become an authorized user on a parents' account. Students don't have responsibility for the bill, but still get the benefits of on-time payments on their credit report.

PT Money put together a list of the best credit cards for students, making comparison shopping much easier.

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The Associated Press reports a typical U.S. household will spend $4,155 on gas by year's end -- the biggest budget bite in 30 years.

Gas prices may have dropped precipitously in the last few months -- down an average of 12 percent at present since September -- but they're still hovering up there amidst the heavenly orbs. We can either hope Mars has plenty of "Texas tea" or start listening to consumer advice on how to save at the gas pump. Read on for seven such tips:

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Summer is here, and among the usual camps, trips to the pool and visits to the local theme park, deciding on original places to take children during the summertime can often be difficult for many parents. If there’s a way to link vacation activities with what children learn in school – history, geography, math, the environment, technology – all the better.

Dr. Rick Bavaria, senior vice president of education outreach for Sylvan Learning, North America’s leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, suggests the following destinations that mix summer learning with fun.

Each of the suggested Summer Learning destinations below has a tie-in to school subjects such as science, history and technology, and also offers opportunities for some great back-to-school stories to share with classmates!

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Adventures in Wisdom Announces a Movement to "Empower 1 Million Kids"

Kids are learning their ABCs and 123s, but they aren't learning the one thing that has the greatest impact on their happiness, confidence, and success in life - it's their mindset.  Now there is a quick, easy, and fun way to get the conversation started with the Empower 1 Million Kids movement.

"Our children's mindset is how they choose to think about themselves, the world, and what is possible for their lives," shared Renaye Thornborrow, founder of the Empower 1 Million Kids movement.  "The good news is that mindset skills can be developed and we want to help start the conversation by encouraging parents and mentors to take just 10 minutes a week, over the next three weeks, to share a fun short story with the kids in their lives.  The stories are free but the skills are priceless."

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I  have recently been chosen by Eggland's Best Eggs to host a brunch for my family and friends and I'm super excited.  My Eggland's Best brunch will be happening tomorrow morning and they were nice enough to supply me with a myriad of tips and techniques about how to prepare the freshest tasting eggs.  Keep reading to learn more about this essential breakfast treat!

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