<p>What exactly is CARS and how does it work?
does everything get charged to CARS and then we pay everything at the end of the month?</p>
<p>Cars is the billing system for all charges at Cal. You have a bill posted each month for the amount due. Actually, you can take an option to spread costs over the school year (for an additional fee), so it can be a bit confusing when you get your first bill. They also list the full ten months of room and board, although only the current month is due each month. </p>
<p>You receive an electronic bill but also can check the status of your account on Bearfacts, under the CARS tab. Mine list the 15th as the due date, not the end of the month. </p>
<p>Many charges beyond tuition, room and board are also put onto your CARS account - health fees, gym fee, etc.</p>
<p>so everything basically charges to CARS and then you pay it off by the end of the month, right?</p>
<p>my parents were wondering isn’t it bad if someone buys a whole bunch of stuff and then finds out that they can’t afford it by the end of the month, doesn’t it make things more complicated?</p>
<p>don’t charge things on your account, then, if you are worried that you might not afford something. Pay cash or use a debit account with a fixed amount put in each month.</p>