Some families talk early about college. Most high school counselors have a daunting workload, and can’t do much by way of individual attention. If you’re one of the many without a clear idea of what you want to do after high school, that’s fine. There are ways of checking the facts, checking the options, and letting the decisions emerge.

So here are some facts. Read more

Just to begin to understand the education issues that affect your family, it helps to have an overview of a bigger picture. Read more

The New York Times’ series on study abroad is an eye-opener. You can send your kid to a prestigious, English-speaking college in Europe for less that it would cost at a U.S. private institution. Surprisingly, it’s different but not daunting. Read more

It’s not only credit cards that are dangerous to college kids’ financial health. The new wrinkle is targeting them for prepaid debit cards which carry hefty hidden fees. Read more

Save Money: Use Your Library

Guess what: the local branch library is apparently being reinstated as part of the family. Like family hikes and picnics, it’s available free of charge.

Beth Weingarner of the SF Examiner staff reported recently that San Francisco Public Library says use is up 12 per cent over last year at this time. Read more