Margaret Spellings stuck around after the show to take your questions. Find out what she had to tell regular Americans looking for loans.   Read More

Education Secretary Margaret Spellings explains the government's new student loan plan.   Read More

Carmen's rules for getting the most out of your college investment. *CNBC.com Exclusive*   Read More

Many private student loans offer prizes, gifts and perks for applying – but some of the loan companies get a failing grade.    Read More

How to prepare for paying for college, no matter how old your kids are.   Read More

Think talking about the birds and the bees with your kids is hard? Parents these days are finding that talking to them about money can be even harder. This economic downturn may come as a bit of a shock to an entire generation of children and teens who have developed a sense of "entitlement" and are used to having the latest toys, gadgets, cars and fashions. When you face tough times, how do you tell your kids that they may have to give up some of the things they've taken for granted?   Read More

There are several talks that are difficult to have with your children. A serious talk about money is no different.   Read More

What college students - and their parents - should learn.    Read More

Christie and Dayna are two ordinary people shouldering the burden of college expenses. One needs to pay off loans while the other needs to save for her kids. Carmen's got plans for both.   Read More

Room and board, books, beer -- a freshman's got a lot of costs to contend with. Here's how to cut down on the important ones.   Read More