Sending a child to college marks an important milestone for families, bringing both new opportunities and natural questions. It’s often the first time students manage money independently while balancing classes, new responsibilities and newfound freedom. This transition also creates a valuable opportunity for parents to guide and teach their children how to build strong financial habits.

While it’s easy to focus on major expenses like tuition and housing, the everyday financial behaviors students develop during this time can shape their future long after graduation. College presents an ideal environment to introduce foundational financial skills in a real-world setting where the stakes are manageable, but the lessons are meaningful. The following areas highlight key lessons parents can help reinforce as their child begins this new chapter.

Understanding cash flow matters more than ever

For many students, college marks the first time money is not simply “there” when they need it. Whether funds come from a checking account, part-time work, or family support, learning how to track income and expenses is essential. Teaching students to understand the difference between fixed costs, like rent or meal plans, and flexible spending, like entertainment or dining out, can help them avoid running short before the semester ends. A simple budget can be a helpful tool that builds awareness and confidence.

Credit is powerful

Credit cards are often heavily marketed to young adults, but few understand how credit really works. College-bound students should recognize that credit is not additional income; interest can accumulate quickly, and payment history plays a critical role. Developing habits like paying balances on time, keeping utilization measured, and regularly reviewing statements can help build strong credit rather than costly missteps. These early behaviors often shape long-term financial health.

Saving is not just for later — it supports flexibility

Students may assume saving can wait until after graduation, but even modest savings during college can serve an important purpose. Emergency expenses, unexpected travel home, or gaps between part-time income can derail finances quickly without a cushion. Understanding the value of saving, even in small amounts, helps students experience firsthand how preparation creates options and reduces stress.

Financial decisions reflect values

College is often when young adults begin defining what matters most to them. Encouraging students to think about how they spend money, and why, can help align spending with personal priorities. Whether it means minimizing debt, prioritizing experiences, or saving for future goals, learning to make intentional choices fosters independence and accountability.

The goal is not perfection, but to equip students with practical tools and a healthy relationship with money as they enter adulthood. For parents, this means maintaining open conversations, setting realistic expectations, and providing ongoing guidance that can help build confidence in financial decision-making. For families navigating this transition, a financial advisor can provide clarity, outline long-term implications, and help balance education goals with future financial independence.

Bronwyn L. Martin is a Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Consultant with Martin’s Financial Consulting Group, a financial wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. in Kennett Square, Pa. and Havre de Grace, Md. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for over 25 years. To contact her: www.ameripriseadvisors.com/bronwyn.x.martin.

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There are plenty of AI stocks whose valuations have surged amid the current AI boom. There are now three companies worth at least $4 trillion, six companies worth at least $2 trillion, and 15 companies worth at least $1 trillion. And of the 15 companies worth at least a trillion, 13 are tech companies.

One of the newest members of the trillion-dollar club is Micron (MU 1.05%), which had a market cap of $1.07 trillion as of the market close on July 8. The stock is up more than 660% in the past 12 months and 200% this year, making investors a lot of money along the way — including President Donald Trump.

Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure showed that he owned between $1.67 million and $6.65 million in Micron stock. Should Trump’s stake in Micron be a sign that investors should follow his lead?

At the right place at the right time

Trump’s stake in Micron is noteworthy given the company’s $250 million commitment to the president’s “Trump Account.” But when you set that aside, the investment in Micron is a matter of striking while the iron is hot.

Micron is a memory chip maker and has found itself at the right place at the right time during the current AI boom. As AI hyperscalers such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet have spent billions building out data centers and other AI infrastructure, there has been a shortage of memory hardware that these data centers rely on to operate.

Given the high demand and short supply, Micron has been able to considerably raise prices and improve its profits and margins (though it has been accused of collusion and price-fixing). In the past year, Micron’s revenue has increased by 266%, while its net income has surged by 782%.

MU Revenue (Quarterly) data by YCharts

Unsurprisingly, the unique position Micron has found itself in — both financially and in terms of market position — has attracted many investors hoping to capitalize on it. And based on the president’s latest disclosure, he’s been one of those investors.

Today’s Change

(-1.05%) $-10.39

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Current Price

$981.25

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.1TMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.Market cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.

Day’s Range

$954.13 – $998.00

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52wk Range

$103.38 – $1255.00

Volume

859.4K

Avg Vol

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51.2M

Gross Margin

72.60%

Dividend Yield

0.05%

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Should you follow Trump’s lead?

You shouldn’t invest in Micron simply because the president did. It’s true his stake in the company means he has a vested interest in making sure the stock does well, but you don’t want to blindly follow his moves simply for that reason.

You should, however, consider investing in Micron because its unique market position is bound to last for the foreseeable future. But even when supply meets demand, and Micron can’t command the premium it’s currently charging, the company will still have long-term agreements in place.

It’s operating in a cyclical industry that’s riding the high end, but it’s still a solid company with good long-term potential. It’s likely to be highly volatile along the way, but I trust its trajectory.