If you're a college freshman, congratulations! You're now likely financially responsible for yourself.

While that can be exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking — especially if you don't have a lot of money. You have the freedom to control your own budget. At the same time, you may have thousands of dollars in student loans.

How do you make smart financial decisions so you have enough money to spend at school — and don't graduate with more debt than you need?

Life Kit

Budgeting for college students

Yanely Espinal , a financial educator and the author of Mind Your Money , says it's crucial to have a plan. "You're going to need some rules and some systems, otherwise it's going to be chaos."

She offers students advice on taking out student loans, opening credit cards, splitting cost

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