CHECKLIST: BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Things to do this weekend with your money: Students are heading back to school, which makes it a good time for some financial education.

* Today: Work out a budget. Include clothes, school supplies, transportation, tuition and other costs. Contact the schools to find out what supplies will be needed right away and which ones can be purchased later. College-bound students should delay buying books until they see the course syllabi and discover which volumes are essential and which can be checked out of the library.

* Saturday: Talk about credit. One-third of college and high school students have credit cards, and most have no idea how to handle them. 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: Talk about loans. Most financial aid today comes in the form of loans, but school-related debt can haunt a young person for years. Scholarships, grants and part-time jobs can help lessen the need for loans.