Money Management Tips for College Students

Track your money. Once you realize how much impulse buying and other indulgences cost you, it will be easier to tell yourself "NO!"

Be frugal. Going to the movies, riding the bus, or even ordering pizza might cost less if you show your student I.D. Check travel fares for student discounts on bus and other commercial transit services as well as student discounts when you need to travel by air.

Stay financially secure by using caution.

Don't give anyone your Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers unless you know why they need them.

Never give a pin number to anyone!

Review credit card statements, bank statements, phone bills, etc. for unauthorized use.

Avoid scholarship scams. Real scholarships never charge fees and application information is available and free to everyone.

Keep only one or two major credit cards and use it sparingly. Set your own credit line and don't charge more than you can comfortably repay. Just because you have a $2,000 credit line doesn't mean you have to spend $2,000.

Make a personal budget based on your savings and income. Round up your available cash including gift money (if you're a recent high school grad), scholarship money, student loans, summer job savings, and money from your parents. You may want to designate types of money for certain uses.

For instance: Think of student loans as an investment in your education and your future. Use student loan funds only to pay school expenses like tuition and books.

Use money from home for things like groceries and phone bills.

Give yourself an allowance. Track your spending to find where your money goes and then choose between your wants and real needs.

Budget for a month at a time but set aside some time to review your finances each week.

A budget is like a money diet. Just because you bust it today, doesn't mean you can't start if again tomorrow. If you go over budget this week, next week commit to staying under budget.

Build an emergency fund. Save change in a piggy bank or jar. Deposit $X.XX a week from paychecks in a savings account when you cash your check.

Get a money calendar. Any calendar with big windows with room to write in amounts will do. Use the calendar windows to note:

Due Dates for scholarship and grant applications. Keep applying for financial aid all the way through college. Missing an application deadline is the most common mistake students make when applying for scholarships.

Upcoming school expenses (books and tuition's).

Bill payment dates.

Upcoming activities where you'll need cash. (Movies, dances, parties, etc.

Make bill paying easier by filing your bills by due date.

Buy books when you need them. Compare online prices with those at campus bookstores. Buy used books when you can. Check bulletin boards and school newspapers as well as used bookstores and online used booksellers.

Put your roommate in your financial planning. If you can,  contact your roommate before the semester starts and decide how you'll divide expenses.

Talk to your parents about who pays for what. Find out what you can count on from them and what you will be responsible for.

Ask for help when you need it. If you run into a financial disaster, call home and let your parents know you're in trouble. If an unexpected event changes your home financial situation, don't give up on school! First, talk with your financial aid office. Most colleges set aside funds to help students get through difficult situations.

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Foods That Help Control Blood Sugar

While there's no substitute for a balanced diabetic diet, adding certain foods may help those with diabetes keep sugar levels in check.

Oatmeal

Broccoli, Spinach, and Green Beans
Add plenty of nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and green beans, to your diabetic diet, diabetes experts say. These foods are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, which make them ideal for people with diabetes.

In contrast, starchy vegetables include peas, potatoes, corn, winter squash, and lima beans. There's no need to cut them from the diet, Moore says. "They do give us additional nutrients. We want to maintain balance." But because starchy vegetables have more carbohydrates and raise blood sugar more, it's important to stick to proper portion sizes, she says.

There's new evidence, too, that vegetables are healthy for people with diabetes.
Researchers have found that a low-fat vegan diet may help type 2 diabetes patients to better manage their disease. In a study published in DiabetesCare, 43% of people with type 2 diabetes who followed a low-fat vegan diet for 22 weeks reduced the need to take diabetes medications. That's compared to only 26% who adhered to the diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

On average, the vegan group also lost more weight and lowered levels of bad cholesterol. Because people with diabetes are more prone to heart disease, eating with heart health in mind matters as much as blood sugar control, Moore says.

Strawberries
Some diabetes patients shy away from strawberries because of their sweetness, says Moore. But a cup of strawberries makes for a healthy snack that won't raise blood sugar too much. They're a much better option than a cookie or candy bar.
"They're pretty low in calories and carbohydrates," she says. What's more, strawberries are high in fiber and water, so people will feel fuller longer. The longer that people with diabetes can stay full, the fewer carbohydrates they'll consume overall, she says.

Coffee and cinnamon have made headlines recently as foods that might be able to cut the risk of diabetes or help to improve blood sugar levels. But don't get the idea that such foods are magic bullets for your diabetic diet, experts warn.

"None of this is a magic potion for diabetes," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Cathy Nonas, RD. It's still important for people with diabetes to eat a balanced diabetic diet and exercise to help manage the disease, she says.

Nevertheless, some foods, such as white bread, are converted almost right away to blood sugar, causing a quick spike. Other foods, such as brown rice, are digested more slowly, causing a lower and gentler change in blood sugar.

If you are trying to follow a healthy diabetic diet, here are six that may help to keep your blood sugar in check.

Oatmeal can help control blood sugar -- but don't get the sweetened kind.

"Even though it's a carbohydrate, it's a very good carbohydrate," American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Marisa Moore, RD, LD, tells WebMD. Because it's high in soluble fiber, "it's slower to digest and it won't raise your blood sugar as much or as quickly. It's going to work better at controlling blood sugar over time."

Not only does this high-quality carbohydrate offer a steadier source of energy than white bread, it can also help with weight loss. The soluble fiber in oats "helps to keep us feeling fuller longer," Moore says.

That's important for people with type 2 diabetes, who tend to be overweight. "If you reduce the weight, you usually significantly improve the glucose control," Nonas says.

Barley isn't as popular as oats. But there's some evidence that barley, which is also high in soluble fiber, may also help with blood glucose control. Kay Behall, PhD, a research nutritionist at the USDA Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, has studied barley, and she suggests that people try eating boiled pearl barley in place of rice.

Besides oats and barley, Moore adds, "most whole grains are going to be a great choice for a person with diabetes."

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Foods that can lower Blood Pressure

Stock up on this citrus fruit the next time you hit the grocery store. Oranges are bursting with vitamin C, and some studies suggest that people who get lots of vitamin C in their diet may reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure.
Orange: Drink the juice (it’s loaded with other compounds that may reduce pressure.
Other sources of vitamin C: Guava, grapefruit, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi
Try this: Toss together a fresh citrus salad of peeled sliced oranges, shaved fennel, thinly sliced onion, olives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, recommends Aglaia Kremezi, author of Mediterranean Hot and Spicy.

Low-fat or skim milk
Getting enough of the white stuff isn’t just good for your bones. Milk and other dairy products contain a trio of nutrients that may push down your blood pressure: calcium, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are so important that the DASH diet (short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) includes two to three daily servings of nonfat or low-fat dairy products.
Best bet: Stay away from artery-clogging saturated fats by choosing nonfat dairy products.
Other sources of calcium, potassium and magnesium: Hazelnuts, wheat bran, calcium-fortified orange juice
Try this: Whip up a healthy version of an old-fashioned milkshake by blending skim milk, frozen strawberries and nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt.

Bananas
If your blood pressure has been inching up lately, make bananas your go-to fruit—they’re rich in potassium and fiber. “A diet with plentiful potassium-rich foods has been shown to help lower blood pressure,” says Joan Salge Blake, R.D., author of Nutrition & You: Core Concepts for Good Health.
Best bet: Bananas taste sweetest when their skins are slightly speckled with brown but they’re still firm.
Other good sources of potassium: Potatoes, tomato paste, apricots, lentils
Try this: “For a guilt-free dessert or breakfast, top banana slices with plain low-fat yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon,” Kremezi suggests.

Sweet potatoes
This super-sweet Thanksgiving staple packs a powerful potassium punch, which is why it deserves a spot at the dinner table year round. “Potassium causes the kidneys to excrete excess sodium from the body, and keeping sodium levels low can help drive down blood pressure,” Salge Blake says.
Best bet: Eat them with the skin for a tasty fiber boost.
Other sources of potassium: Beet greens, white beans, plain nonfat yogurt
Try this: Bump up the potassium content of potato salad. Boil sweet potatoes, then combine them with chopped apple, diced celery and sliced scallions. Toss with a dressing of olive oil, cider vinegar and honey.

Herbs and spices
Salt may be off-limits when you’re trying to lower your blood pressure, but you can spice up your dishes with fresh herbs. Even easier, raid your spice rack. “It’s no doubt stocked with wonderful dried herbs and spices that are naturally sodium free,” says Salge Blake.
Best bet: If you like fresh herbs but don’t have time to chop them, try herbs in a tube, like the ones from Gourmet Garden.
Other sources for flavor: Onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice
Try this: Make an exotic spice mix by combining Aleppo or Maras pepper (available at Middle Eastern markets or Kalustyans.com) with ground cumin, lemon zest, Greek oregano and chopped cilantro, Kremezi suggests.

Salmon
Few foods have more heart-healthy benefits than this nutritional superstar. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest not only lower blood pressure, but may also boost good cholesterol, cut triglycerides and slow the growth of arterial plaque.
Best bet: Turn it into a supper staple. Salmon and other omega-3-rich fish are so good for your heart that the American Heart Association recommends eating two 3.5-ounce servings per week. No time to cook? Canned or pouched salmon is just as good: Instead of tuna, mix it with nonfat yogurt and diced celery to make a tasty sandwich spread, or toss it with greens and other veggies for a main-dish salad. It’s available with or without bones and skin.
Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids: Herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies
Try this: Give grilled or broiled salmon steaks or filets a tropical flair with a fresh and spicy salsa. Combine diced papaya, mango, pineapple, red bell pepper and red onion with chopped cilantro, olive oil and lime juice.

Dark chocolate
The next time you crave chocolate, give in. Besides their mood-boosting effects, the flavonols in dark chocolate may protect against high blood pressure and stroke, in part by improving the elasticity of blood vessels.
Best bet: When choosing chocolate, go as dark as your taste buds can stand. Check labels for the percentage of cacao, which is the source of all that antioxidant goodness. Dark chocolate typically ranges from 45 percent to 80 percent cacao. And eat a square, not the whole bar.
Another healthy chocolate treat: Sugar-free hot cocoa—in one study it lowered blood pressure, but the sugared kind did not.
Try this: “Toast slices of chewy whole-wheat bread, then brush them with fruity extra virgin olive oil while they’re still warm. Sprinkle the slices with Aleppo or Maras pepper to taste, and top with shavings of good quality dark chocolate,” says Kremezi.

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Cinnamon Health Benefit

Some research has found that a particular type of cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. However, other studies have not found a benefit. Studies of cinnamon for lowering cholesterol and treating yeast infections in people with HIV have been inconclusive.
Lab studies have found that cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and fight bacteria. But it’s unclear what the implications are for people.
For now, studies have been mixed, and it’s unclear what role cinnamon may play in improving health.

How much cinnamon should you take? Because cinnamon is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. Some recommend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder a day. Some studies have used between 1 gram and 6 grams of cinnamon. Very high doses may be toxic.
Can you get cinnamon naturally from foods?
What are the risks of taking cinnamon?

• Side effects. Cinnamon usually causes no side effects. Heavy use of cinnamon may irritate the mouth and lips, causing sores. In some people, it can cause an allergic reaction. Applied to the skin, it might cause redness and irritation.

• Risks. Very high quantities of cassia cinnamon may be toxic, particularly in people with liver problems. Because cinnamon may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes may need to adjust their treatment if they use cinnamon supplements. An ingredient in some cinnamon products, coumarin, may cause liver problems. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, cinnamon -- as a treatment -- is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Interactions. If you take any medication regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using cinnamon supplements. They could interact with antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, heart medicines, and others.

Cinnamon is an additive to countless foods. When purchased in the store, common spice cinnamon could be one of two types or a mixture of both. It is either "true" or Ceylon cinnamon, which is easier to grind but thought to be less effective for diabetes. Or, and more likely, it could be the darker-colored cassia cinnamon.

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Diabetes + Cinnamon

Diabetes - cinnamon may help improve glucose and lipids levels³ in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetics Care.
The study authors concluded that consuming up to 6 grams of cinnamon per day "reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes." and that "the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases."
In addition, a certain cinnamon extract can reduce fasting blood sugar levels in patients, researchers reported in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Alzheimer's disease - Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. According to Prof. Michael Ovadia, of the Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University, an extract found in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that can inhibit the development of the disease.

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Cinnamon May Potentially Be Effective Against HIV

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Cinnamon is used to help treat muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to Diabetes UK. However high quality research supporting the claim remains scarce.

Fungal infections - according to the National Institutes of Health, cinnamaldehyde - a chemical found in Cassia cinnamon - can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.

HIV - a study of Indian medicinal plants revealed that cinnamon may potentially be effective against HIV. According to the study authors, "the most effective extracts against HIV-1 and HIV-2 are respectively Cinnamomum cassia (bark) and Cardiospermum helicacabum (shoot + fruit)."

Multiple Sclerosis - cinnamon may help stop the destructive process of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a neurological scientist at Rush University Medical Center. Cinnamon could help eliminate the need to take some expensive and unpleasant drugs.

Lower the negative effects of high fat meals - Penn State researchers revealed that diets rich in cinnamon can help reduce the body's negative responses to eating high-fat meals.

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How to Minimize Your Risk TRADING SECRET

No investment advisor likes to admit it, but no stock picking system is perfect. Sometimes, the stocks we think will explode, don’t. Sometimes, the stocks we feature lose money.
There may not be a foolproof system to predicting the stock market, but we do have a foolproof system for managing risk. Follows one of the safest risk reduction systems available.
Using these three simple steps, you can reduce the risk in your stock picking plan:

Three Ways to Take Risk Out of the Stock Market

1. Screen Your Picks.
   This might seem obvious, but patterns that look like they are developing into predictable trends do not always follow through. After combing over thousands of stock charts a day, ChartAdvisor will often not fetures a single stock.


2. Get In. Get Out.
   ChartAdvisor preaches setting realistic target exit prices for all stocks. We lock in high returns while the stock is high, and we get out before the market has a chance to change its mind.
   
3. Set Tight Stop Losses.
   This step is absolutely critical to minimizing your risk in the stock market. If a sure-fire winner turns out to be a fizzled-out dud, your system needs to have a built-in, abandon-ship trigger. That is, you need to know when to cut your losses and move on to brighter prospects.

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Triple and Double Bottoms and Tops Trading Secret

Triple and Double Bottoms and Tops: Reversals upon reversals

When you see a W or M pattern forming, you may have just discovered a money-making double bottom or double top pattern. These patterns are common reversal patterns used to suggest the current stock trend may be likely to shift.
But don’t panic if your double bottom or double top patterns do not develop as you had originally thought. You haven’t lost your chance for cash. If your W or M pattern reverses for a fourth time, you could now be working with the profitable triple bottom or triple top.

Double Bottom Pattern

Double Bottom Pattern A small peak is surrounded by two equal troughs.

Purchase When:

• The price exceeds the middle-peak price.

Watch For:

• A price increase of 10% to 20% from the first trough to the middle peak.
• Two equal lows, not to differ by more than 3% or 4%.

Set Your Target Price:
For the double bottom pattern, sell your stock at a target price of:

• Entry price plus the pattern’s height (distance from the peak to the bottom of the lowest trough).

Double Top Pattern

Double Top Pattern A small trough is surrounded by two equal peaks.

Short Sell When:

• The price drops below the middle-trough price.

Watch For:

• A price decrease of 10% to 20% from the first peak to the middle trough.
• Two equal highs, not to differ by more than 3% or 4%.

Set Your Target Price:
For the double top pattern, buy shares at a target price of:

• Entry price minus the pattern’s height (distance from the trough to the top of the highest peak).

Triple Bottom Pattern

Triple Bottom Pattern Three equal troughs amid a series of peaks.

Purchase When:

• The price exceeds the resistance established by the prior peaks.

Watch For:

• A series of three identical troughs at the end of a prolonged downtrend.

Set Your Target Price:
For triple bottom patterns, sell your stock at a target price of:

• Entry price plus the pattern’s height (distance from the resistance to the bottom of the lowest trough).

Triple Top Pattern

Triple Top Pattern Three equal peaks amid a series of troughs.

Purchase When:

• The price falls below the support that formed from the prior troughs.

Watch For:

• A series of three peaks at relatively the same level.

Set Your Target Price:
For triple top patterns, buy shares at a target price of:

• Entry price minus the pattern’s height (distance from the support to the top of the highest peak).

Now You Know

The five most profitable stock patterns:

• symmetrical triangle
• ascending and descending triangles
• head and shoulders
• double top and double bottom
• triple top and triple bottom

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