 TITLE: How to Save Money for Your Kids CONTENT: How to Build Your Child's Credit\n--------------------------------\nIn addition to helping your kids save, you may want to help them learn about and establish credit. There's no hard and fast rule on when your child should begin building credit, but the years following high school graduation may be a good time to start.\nThere are multiple ways for young adults to get started. Secured credit cards require a security deposit that is used to pay off debt if a cardholder defaults. Student credit cards offer a modest credit line and a range of benefits to give new credit users a start. You may also consider adding your minor child to your credit card account as an authorized user. They'll begin to develop a credit history, though you'll be responsible for paying the bill.\nWhat's equally important is helping your child understand credit: what it is, how it works and how to cultivate it. By stressing the importance of responsible spending and paying every bill in full and on time, you can help instill successful credit habits. Once your child opens a credit account, or becomes an authorized user on your account, they'll get their own credit report. Download a free copy, along with their credit score, and show them how to access that information regularly to check their progress—and spot any early signs of identity theft. On that note, you may also want to check your child's credit file periodically even before they start their credit journey to make sure identity thieves haven't stolen their information and opened accounts in their name. END