Checklist: This Weekend

Most students will be heading back to school after Labor Day, so now is the perfect time to take these last-minute, money-saving steps.

* Today: Work out a budget.

Encourage your college-bound kids to hold off on buying all their books until after classes start; the professor may have assigned only a chapter or two in some, making it easier to borrow the book from the library or classmates. Most clothing purchases can be put off too while your student checks out what’s necessary or in style.

* Saturday: Discuss handling credit responsibly.

It’s never been easier for young people to derail their financial futures with excessive debt. Consider helping your child get a secured credit card with a set limit, or add your child to one of your cards so you can keep track of the bills. For more information about credit, visit Bank Rate Monitor’s Web site at https://www.bankrate.com.

* Sunday: Get an education yourself.

Investigate what skills you might add that could increase your earning power. Many employers offer tuition help; find out if yours does and what restrictions apply. You might also qualify for tax breaks such as the lifetime learning credit or deductible student loan interest. For more information on taxes, visit https://www.latimes.com/taxes.