Dear Abby: As a senior in college, I have learned many things, but I have one important lesson to share with anyone who is just beginning a college career. In my freshman year, I was bombarded with credit card applications promising great rates and free merchandise for signing up. I couldn't resist accepting, but promised myself I would use credit cards only for emergencies. Well, here I am about to graduate and now I owe several thousand dollars on my cards. I calculated that if I pay only the minimun each month, it will take me 12 years to pay off what I owe. The sad fact is that I have nothing to show for this debt. Much of it was for meals with friends, going out to clubs and living beyond my means. Some tips I wish I had been given to me before signing up for those cards:

• Live within your means. College can be about having fun, but you can do that without going into debt. Be creative and expand your horizons.
• If you cannot pay cash for a meal at a restaurant, do not eat out. Eat at the school cafeteria or make a sandwich.
• The new CD or DVD you want still will be around when you can afford it. Listen to the radio or rent a movie instead of buying it on credit.
• Rather than going to a club or movie with a group of friends, find inexpensive activities (like playing cards or board games) and spend your evening enjoying them. You'll be amazed at what you can save.
• If your college offers a class on managing credit cards - take it! If you already have resolved never to rely on credit, it will only reinforce that decision.