I hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far. It's been a hot one in my area without a lot of rain - which is great for activities but not so great for the lawns or crops. A little rain in small doses might be just what the doctor ordered to help get things growing again.
Speaking of growing - I hope my student readers with summer jobs have been growing their savings accounts! Now is the time to sock away every bit of extra cash you can. The more you can save now the easier it will be for you as you begin another school year in September. I would recommend one of the following two formulas - either 35-35-30 or 50-25-25. What do those numbers mean, you ask? I don't know...just kidding. That would mean the ratios of your income when it comes to saving for long term - saving for short term - and money to live on now. If you make under $500 every two weeks from your summer job - save 35 percent for long term (maybe for your emergency fund while you are at school), 35 percent for short term (supplies, and anything else you will soon need to get set for school), and 30 percent to live on right now for things like gas, entertainment (it is summer after all!), and immediate bills. Change over to the second formula if you make more than $500 every two weeks because you can afford to save a little more.
I know it's hard to keep on top of your school year finances while you are enjoying your summer. Doing a little planning now, however, will make life so much easier for you when you do head off to school in September. Keep up the great work. Cheers!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Go Ahead - Borrow For College!
I've just finished reading an interesting article on money.com regarding student debt. The authors - two economists - argue that students should ignore all the hype and go ahead and borrow whatever they need for their college education. Overall - I think I have to agree with them - but with an explanation.
As the authors state - numerous studies have shown that college educated workers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more in their lifetime compared to their non-college counterparts. They are more likely to have health care plans and retirement funds - which is good because they also live longer. So the proof is out there that having a college education pays off in the long run.
Any of you who have read this blog in the past may have the idea that I am totally against the idea of borrowing money for college. I am not naive enough to think that every potential college student is going to be able to save up enough money, or get enough scholarships, to pay for their entire post-secondary education. With the skyrocketing cost of tuition and other college related expenses. it is virtually impossible not to need some sort of outside funding to pay for it all. But this is where being a Money Smart Student comes in.
My advice is to take steps to minimize the amount that needs to be borrowed. I've posted many articles on the subject so I won't get into the details here. There are hundreds of ways students can save money before heading off to school, and spend less money once they get to college. *Shameless Plug* - Just get my book - 'How To Be A Money Smart Student' - and you'll find a multitude of ways to reduce how much money you will need to borrow to make it through to your degree.*End Shameless Plug* There are also numerous websites available - all with the sole purpose of helping new college students survive financially. Some of my favorites are listed over on the right side of this page.
So overall - go ahead and look at what you need to borrow for college. Just do everything you can to keep the student loan debt as low as possible. Cheers!
As the authors state - numerous studies have shown that college educated workers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more in their lifetime compared to their non-college counterparts. They are more likely to have health care plans and retirement funds - which is good because they also live longer. So the proof is out there that having a college education pays off in the long run.
Any of you who have read this blog in the past may have the idea that I am totally against the idea of borrowing money for college. I am not naive enough to think that every potential college student is going to be able to save up enough money, or get enough scholarships, to pay for their entire post-secondary education. With the skyrocketing cost of tuition and other college related expenses. it is virtually impossible not to need some sort of outside funding to pay for it all. But this is where being a Money Smart Student comes in.
My advice is to take steps to minimize the amount that needs to be borrowed. I've posted many articles on the subject so I won't get into the details here. There are hundreds of ways students can save money before heading off to school, and spend less money once they get to college. *Shameless Plug* - Just get my book - 'How To Be A Money Smart Student' - and you'll find a multitude of ways to reduce how much money you will need to borrow to make it through to your degree.*End Shameless Plug* There are also numerous websites available - all with the sole purpose of helping new college students survive financially. Some of my favorites are listed over on the right side of this page.
So overall - go ahead and look at what you need to borrow for college. Just do everything you can to keep the student loan debt as low as possible. Cheers!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Student Insurance?- Better Safe Than Sorry
I'm pleased to present a guest post dealing with insurance - one of the many financial issues parents and students need to think about as they transition from home to independence.
College students are tomorrow’s best consumers. Because college graduates tend to make significantly more than high school graduates, it is likely they will have more money to spend over the course of a lifetime. That is why so many companies spend time, effort and financial resources courting their business.
As any parent knows, transitioning from child to self-sufficient adult is a challenge. Although it is still possible to piggy-back children on the credit history of parents, eventually, children must strike out on their own. College is one of the best places to do that. In an effort to capture these potentially lucrative future customers, many companies are willing to overlook the fact they usually have no credit or bill-paying history of their own. So this is a good time to establish accounts for the kinds of products and services that will, ultimately, be necessary. Insurance is one of the most important.
Vehicle insurance – If a college student has a vehicle, this is a good time to establish an individual account. A good driving record will result in a less expensive premium.
Renter’s insurance – Make no mistake, colleges are not safe places. There are those who rely on the “college atmosphere” to move about, undetected, while they find out where the neatest toys are. Chances are, your college student has a fancy cell phone, flat screen television, expensive laptop, and a host of other electronic gadgets that are easy to steal then sell or pawn. While it is possible to add a student to the family homeowner’s policy, that can present some problems. Claims will go against the family policy, and the deductible may be unmanageable considering only belongings are covered at the student’s residence. While it may cost more, renter’s insurance will address the real need for coverage. It also lets the student establish an insurance account that can translate to a full homeowner’s account in the future.
Health insurance – Chances are, at least for the time being, children are able to stay on their parents’ health insurance policy until their 26th birthday. Regardless of the reason, if this is not the case, purchasing a health insurance policy is critical. While many colleges assess a student health fee, it is good for very little. It may provide a doctor’s visit for a cold or dressing of a minor wound, but anything serious is going to be referred to a hospital or regular doctor.
Life insurance – If your child is not already covered by one of the many life insurance policies designed to grow with a child, this is a good time to start one. A child in good health should have no trouble getting a good rate especially if the individual does not smoke and is at a healthy weight. While it may seem that term life is appealing because it appears to be so inexpensive, the purchaser of such a policy must pay forever and no cash value is ever accrued. This is a good time to look at different kinds of policies that will provide an investment and future but might not require the kind of financial investment associated with whole life insurance.
Identify theft insurance – There is probably no other community with a higher percentage of tech savvy people than a college campus. With a highly mobile population, identity theft may be not only more likely, but college students probably pay less attention to their accounts than those who have already encountered the problem on a small scale.
There are other kinds of insurance, but once an individual has an established financial life, these kinds of policies can be added if there is a need. The basics are enough to protect college students and keep them safe, and that is the purpose of considering insurance.
Ellen Langford is a work from home contractor for KeyInsuranceQuotes.com and a mother of two college students. She has heard the horror stories and makes sure her own are safe.
College students are tomorrow’s best consumers. Because college graduates tend to make significantly more than high school graduates, it is likely they will have more money to spend over the course of a lifetime. That is why so many companies spend time, effort and financial resources courting their business.
As any parent knows, transitioning from child to self-sufficient adult is a challenge. Although it is still possible to piggy-back children on the credit history of parents, eventually, children must strike out on their own. College is one of the best places to do that. In an effort to capture these potentially lucrative future customers, many companies are willing to overlook the fact they usually have no credit or bill-paying history of their own. So this is a good time to establish accounts for the kinds of products and services that will, ultimately, be necessary. Insurance is one of the most important.
Vehicle insurance – If a college student has a vehicle, this is a good time to establish an individual account. A good driving record will result in a less expensive premium.
Renter’s insurance – Make no mistake, colleges are not safe places. There are those who rely on the “college atmosphere” to move about, undetected, while they find out where the neatest toys are. Chances are, your college student has a fancy cell phone, flat screen television, expensive laptop, and a host of other electronic gadgets that are easy to steal then sell or pawn. While it is possible to add a student to the family homeowner’s policy, that can present some problems. Claims will go against the family policy, and the deductible may be unmanageable considering only belongings are covered at the student’s residence. While it may cost more, renter’s insurance will address the real need for coverage. It also lets the student establish an insurance account that can translate to a full homeowner’s account in the future.
Health insurance – Chances are, at least for the time being, children are able to stay on their parents’ health insurance policy until their 26th birthday. Regardless of the reason, if this is not the case, purchasing a health insurance policy is critical. While many colleges assess a student health fee, it is good for very little. It may provide a doctor’s visit for a cold or dressing of a minor wound, but anything serious is going to be referred to a hospital or regular doctor.
Life insurance – If your child is not already covered by one of the many life insurance policies designed to grow with a child, this is a good time to start one. A child in good health should have no trouble getting a good rate especially if the individual does not smoke and is at a healthy weight. While it may seem that term life is appealing because it appears to be so inexpensive, the purchaser of such a policy must pay forever and no cash value is ever accrued. This is a good time to look at different kinds of policies that will provide an investment and future but might not require the kind of financial investment associated with whole life insurance.
Identify theft insurance – There is probably no other community with a higher percentage of tech savvy people than a college campus. With a highly mobile population, identity theft may be not only more likely, but college students probably pay less attention to their accounts than those who have already encountered the problem on a small scale.
There are other kinds of insurance, but once an individual has an established financial life, these kinds of policies can be added if there is a need. The basics are enough to protect college students and keep them safe, and that is the purpose of considering insurance.
Ellen Langford is a work from home contractor for KeyInsuranceQuotes.com and a mother of two college students. She has heard the horror stories and makes sure her own are safe.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Back With A Vengeance!
You may have noticed I've been pretty quiet for the past couple of months. Not too many updates here, or on my Facebook page, or on Twitter. I've been trying to use the time to re-focus on the direction this entire Money Smart Student program is taking. I am glad to say that I am now back and ready to completely rock the student money info world! I will be posting very regularly on all the various platforms. I will also be working with a number of guests to provide interesting content from outside sources.
I'd like to start the comeback by announcing that my first book - 'How To Be A Money Smart Student' - is now available in both e-book and paperback formats. You can find the links on the right side of this page to either book if you would like to check it out.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, and this program, since it was started just over a year ago. I look forward to providing you, and our new followers, some very useful information in the future. I hope you will join me! Cheers!
I'd like to start the comeback by announcing that my first book - 'How To Be A Money Smart Student' - is now available in both e-book and paperback formats. You can find the links on the right side of this page to either book if you would like to check it out.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, and this program, since it was started just over a year ago. I look forward to providing you, and our new followers, some very useful information in the future. I hope you will join me! Cheers!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Student Identity Theft
I have just found a very interesting, and scary, article dealing with the subject of identity theft from children. It seems strangers, and sometimes desperate family members, find children easy identity theft targets because of a lack of financial history. All they need is someone's social security, or social insurance, number and accounts are created and abused.
The reason I think this is something worth posting here is because of the risk to families who may be looking to obtain a student loan in the near future. It appears there have been cases where someone went to apply for a student loan only to find out they have a problem with identity theft.
The article gives some ideas to help reduce the risk and be proactive in protecting a child's financial identity. Better to find out ahead of time if there is a problem.
Student Identity Theft Article
The reason I think this is something worth posting here is because of the risk to families who may be looking to obtain a student loan in the near future. It appears there have been cases where someone went to apply for a student loan only to find out they have a problem with identity theft.
The article gives some ideas to help reduce the risk and be proactive in protecting a child's financial identity. Better to find out ahead of time if there is a problem.
Student Identity Theft Article
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Read an E-Book Week!
I am very happy to be supporting 'Read an E-Book Week' from March 4 - 10, 2012. Click on the banner to the right and use code 'REW50'. You can pick up my e-book 'How To Be A Money Smart Student' for just 99 cents!
This book would make a perfect gift for the high school junior or senior in your life who is getting ready to head off to college in the next year or two. Once you order it you can view it and download it in multiple formats.
Thank you for your support. While you're there check out the numerous other books available for free during this special promotion period. Cheers!
This book would make a perfect gift for the high school junior or senior in your life who is getting ready to head off to college in the next year or two. Once you order it you can view it and download it in multiple formats.
Thank you for your support. While you're there check out the numerous other books available for free during this special promotion period. Cheers!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
But I Can't Cook!!
Let's talk a little bit about a subject that is near and dear to my heart - FOOD! Everybody needs it. Everybody has their favourite kinds. But not everybody knows how to make it.
As a soon-to-be college student living on your own for the first time, the thought of having to actually prepare your own meals can make you a little nervous. You've been used to having most, if not all, of your food prepared by somebody else (ie - MOM). Soon, though, you will have to fend for yourself and actually make meals at your residence. You do not want to be the stereotypical college student living on Instant Noodles 7 days a week. You will need to be able to prepare even some basic meals in order to survive.
There are lots of ways to get ready for this momentous shift in your world. Learn how to cook from your Mother between now and this coming September. Copy out her recipes so you have your own to take with you. Search online for easy to follow recipes or subscribe to one of the numerous food websites which will send you an email every day with a new recipe you can try.
If having an actual step by step guide is more your style - I've found one on Amazon which just might help. It's called "I Don't Know How To Cook". It includes some very basic instructions on very easy to make meals. Get it for yourself or get it as a gift for the student in your life. There are numerous other 'beginners' recipe books available in various formats - so don't say you couldn't find anything when you are having Kraft Dinner for the fourth time in a week! Bon Appetite! Cheers!
Click Below to Check Out The Cookbook!
The "I Don't Know How to Cook" Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can't Mess Up!
As a soon-to-be college student living on your own for the first time, the thought of having to actually prepare your own meals can make you a little nervous. You've been used to having most, if not all, of your food prepared by somebody else (ie - MOM). Soon, though, you will have to fend for yourself and actually make meals at your residence. You do not want to be the stereotypical college student living on Instant Noodles 7 days a week. You will need to be able to prepare even some basic meals in order to survive.
There are lots of ways to get ready for this momentous shift in your world. Learn how to cook from your Mother between now and this coming September. Copy out her recipes so you have your own to take with you. Search online for easy to follow recipes or subscribe to one of the numerous food websites which will send you an email every day with a new recipe you can try.
If having an actual step by step guide is more your style - I've found one on Amazon which just might help. It's called "I Don't Know How To Cook". It includes some very basic instructions on very easy to make meals. Get it for yourself or get it as a gift for the student in your life. There are numerous other 'beginners' recipe books available in various formats - so don't say you couldn't find anything when you are having Kraft Dinner for the fourth time in a week! Bon Appetite! Cheers!
Click Below to Check Out The Cookbook!
The "I Don't Know How to Cook" Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can't Mess Up!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)