Sacramento State students can learn to avoid or get out of debt in a new program offered by the Student Financial Services Center.

The CSUS Money Management Program focuses not only on loans that students have, but also credit card debts, said Gina Feliciano, a financial adviser at the center. It also provides information on how to budget and spend wisely.

The program provides tools, tips and worksheets on debt, for both students who wish to avoid it and those who are mired in it. Students are assisted either in groups or individually, Feliciano said.

“(We) touch on the info and send you home ? it?s up to the students how to use it,” she said.

There are also monthly money management tips available at the center, as well as information on how to get out of the credit card debt cycle.

Students can obtain a money management folder that includes Web sites on getting out of debt, budget sheets to manage monthly finances and worksheets that allow students to analyze spending habits.

“We are not saying (students should not) obtain credit cards and loans,” she said. “Just use it wisely.”

There are also tips on how to survive on less money and how to reduce expenses, good for anyone to utilize, she said. Credit card debts are a major concern for students due to the availability and convenience of credit provides.

“Money is a big part of being a student, but don?t let debt be a big part,” she said.

The center is also working on an outreach program with area high schools to educate students on how to manage money before entering college, so students know that it?s not about borrowing, but budgeting as well, Feliciano said.

“We are trying to go where students are, rather than their coming to us,” she said.

Rather than renting a room on campus and waiting for students to show up, the program was publicized to students during orientation in September, and speakers are planned for the future, Feliciano said.

Feedback will be a big part of the program?s future plans, Feliciano said. There are customer evaluations available for students to fill out, and focus groups will evaluate how services can be improved. Further information is available at the Student Financial Services Center in Lassen Hall Room 1003.