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If you're a college student or recent college grad and feel like you don't have a lot of money for food - or any dinner inspiration - this one is for you! As a recent grad, I know it can be really difficult to meal plan, get yourself to the grocery store, and work within a tight budget. "About 42% of millennials’ monthly food budget is spent on food prepared outside the home according to a survey last year by Acosta. Millennials spent an average of $202 a month on food prepared outside the home last year," according to a recent Wall Street Journal article.

Identity theft, sometimes called identity fraud, is extremely serious. Yet, reports say it happens to Americans every two seconds.  So, what is identity theft and is there anything you can do to lower your risk? Here are some tips you can use to protect yourself.

Setting off for college gives you a fresh start and renewed energy. You'll have the opportunity to get involved in a new social scene, begin living independently, and have the chance to establish your personality as a young adult. In the midst of this exciting time, it's important to remember that the main purpose of your college career is to lay the framework for your future. This framework goes beyond academics and career planning. By living independently, you now will have the responsibility of managing your finances.

Your tuition deadline has passed, but you still have a balance due on your account at your college. What do you do? We are here to help with this list of do's and don'ts for paying the balance on your tuition bill. 

First, a word of warning: the vast majority of employees believe that they deserve a raise. We all want more money!

Your credit history can impact whether you’re approved to open credit card accounts in your name, or if you can secure student loans, auto financing or home loans at competitive rates. Your credit history may even determine whether you’re approved to rent an apartment or secure a job with certain employers.

If you’re working to save money or develop a budget, the first (and ultimately, most important!) piece of advice is this: stop spending! Easier said than done, right?

First of all, give yourself a break. Most students – and yes, most working professionals too – have very little practical understanding of personal finance. American schools often don’t teach personal finance skills and responsibility, so most of us are left to our own devices to learn the ins and outs of credit use, borrowing, and debt.

Take a deep breath. Repaying your student loans is as time honored a tradition as college itself. Each part of the education financing machine is well-oiled and inspected, and you’re in for a pleasant surprise here – there are options to help you succeed in your repayment, alternative routes to help you manage your debt responsibly, and genuine benefits lurking around in the corners. Let’s shine a light on some of them, and talk about best practices for managing this new responsibility.

Credit cards are awfully enticing. Pizza, PS4 games, full tanks of gas...you name it, you can charge it. And while it might seem that only an evil little demon of a financial tool could work that kind of magic, the truth is: