Oct. 11 presentation to help students understand money matters

University of Nebraska-Lincoln students will spend a fast-paced evening on Oct. 11 with Bill Pratt, author of "Extra Credit: Seven Things Every College Student Should Know about Credit, Debt and Ca$h."

In his "Money Rules!" presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Nebraska Union, 14th and R streets, Pratt will provide tips for making money decisions and offer easy-to-use advice for students on how they can keep more cash and have more fun while in college. The event is free and open to the public.

"People think of a budget like some sort of money diet that restricts you and keeps you from doing what you enjoy. In fact, a budget is quite the opposite," Pratt said. "Knowing how much you can spend on things you want without stressing over it will actually let you enjoy your life and your money."

Students will also learn other "money rules," including:

* Credit cards: Fun today, freaked out tomorrow.
* Budgets: Know money, know fun. No money, no fun.
* Credit scores: The only points that matter.
* Identity theft: Stealing more than a glance.

A former credit card industry executive and an economist, Pratt is an expert on life and money for young adults. He's an instructor at East Carolina University and teaches personal money management to hundreds of college students around the country every year. Pratt is also author of "The Graduate's Guide to Life and Money."

"Money Rules!" is sponsored by the National Student Loan Program and UNL's Student Money Management Center, www.unl.edu/smmc.

Pratt's books will be available at a discount price the night of the event. Proceeds go to the Student Money Management Center.

The National Student Loan Program, is a national, private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Lincoln. With nearly 25 years of experience providing services to higher education, the program specializes in financial literacy education, student loan debt management services, and Title IV training and compliance support for college administrators across the country.

WRITER: Erin Wirth