In the weeks following the traditional shopping season, tuition payments are due, textbooks have to be purchased and big spenders start making spring break plans.College students are charging everything from books, food, entertainment and even tuition on their credit cards, which could lead to heavy consequences for years, said Mark Oleson, executive director at the Financial Counseling Clinic and assistant professor of human development and family studies.Oleson said ISU students may have trouble managing their finances and planning for their future while banking on the swipe of a credit card.From January 1995 to December 1999, Oleson said, the average ISU male student who used the counseling services carried a debt of $4,514. The average credit card debt for females wasn’t much less — $3,066, he said.Oleson said credit cards are important financial tools and should be used wisely.”If you ever need a loan for a home or anything else, your credit will be looked at,” he said. “It’s very important to establish good credit.”The first step in building good credit is to pay the full balance each month, Oleson said.”If you can’t do that, at least make sure you’re making your payments on time each month,” he said.Andy Laughlin, senior in exercise and sports science, said he knows the crucial role credit cards play in his life, and he tries to handle them responsibly.”I know it’s really important to build good credit history, so I pay off the full balance each month,” Laughlin said. “That’s how you get yourself in trouble — letting your balance accumulate.”Courtney Luttrell, junior in music, said her parents taught her about money management at a young age, and she feels she is well informed about handling her credit.”I do find myself slipping into the habit of over-expenditure now and then, but I always manage to pay off the balance,” she said.Oleson said owning one or two credit cards is the best way to establish credit history.”There is no use for more than two cards,” he said. “Owning more than that only hurts you.”However, Oleson said not owning any credit cards is just as harmful.”Many students who don’t own any credit cards try to get a loan for a house later, only to find themselves turned down,” he said. “Even if those students have never missed a rent, utility or car payment, they haven’t established the necessary credit.”Jessi Johnson, junior in elementary education, said she thinks credit cards will only get her into trouble.”It’s too easy to swipe those cards,” she said. “When I’m more responsible, I’ll get one.”Oleson said credit card companies are very competitive, and students should look around for the best rates and benefits.”Seventy-five percent of credit cards don’t have annual fees,” he said. “Just find the best card for you.”The Financial Counseling Clinic is located in 1331 Palmer Building and is available to students free of charge, Oleson said. It can work with credit card companies to get lower interest rates and monthly payments for individuals needing financial help. For more information, visit the Financial Counseling Clinic Web site at www.fcs.iastate.edu/financial.”There is nothing better than credit, but at the same time nothing can damage you more,” Oleson said. “Just obtain lots of information and ask lots of questions. Finance mistakes will follow you for years, so act wisely.”