Melanie

Ways for Parents to Kick Off the Road to College

For most families, college is a major expense and serious undertaking. But for parents, it is also an opportunity to teach their children some important lessons about financial goals and money management. Like the star college athlete who enters the NBA or NFL and discovers the game is the same, but the level of expectation [...]

2022-02-02T15:25:08+00:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Melanie|

Budgeting Tips for College Students During the Holidays

As we welcome another holiday season, does “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” mean going into debt? In a recent survey, seven in 10 Americans say they typically go over budget and more than half say they feel pressure to overspend during the holiday season.1 If most Americans struggle with budgeting during the holidays, [...]

2021-12-03T15:45:52+00:00December 3rd, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

5 Fast FAFSA Tips for College Students

The Gist: Make sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early. To ensure your tax information is entered correctly on your FAFSA, use the IRS retrieval tool. You can list up to 10 schools on your FAFSA, so list as many as you can. The Financial Aid Estimator can show you [...]

2021-10-27T13:40:03+00:00October 26th, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

4 Steps to Get Ready for the 2022-23 FAFSA

The Gist: For access to federal financial aid for the 2022-23 school year, you need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Apply early, because states and schools have limited amounts of financial aid available, and some of it is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to create your [...]

2021-09-24T18:27:09+00:00September 24th, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

Tips for a Great Semester

A new semester means new opportunities to learn and grow. Things may be different this semester than in semesters past, but there are still a few tips and tricks that stand the test of time. Here are a few things you can do this semester to stay productive, organized, and healthy—all while managing your money! [...]

2021-09-03T16:29:28+00:00September 3rd, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

Here’s What to Do During Your Student Loan Grace Period

Did you take out student loans to pay for your education? If you did, you were likely offered loans from the federal government that came with special perks. Some loans, like federal subsidized loans, don’t start charging interest on your loan until after you after you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school. Other [...]

2021-09-03T16:31:41+00:00July 9th, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

How Your College Choice and Major Can Affect Your Future Pay

Maybe you’ve heard it before, but degree choice matters. It matters because you should be genuinely interested in what you’re learning, and it could affect your income after you graduate. Let’s take a closer look at how your major can affect your future salary. Which degrees are the best bang for your buck? While [...]

2023-11-21T05:38:55+00:00April 1st, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

How to Make (and Keep) the Most of Your Scholarship Money

Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college. They can help you pay for your education without increasing your debt. Here’s what you need to know so you can keep and maximize every scholarship dollar you win. Types of scholarships Institutional scholarships come from your college or university. These can cover [...]

2021-03-18T17:04:33+00:00March 8th, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

S.M.A.R.T. Money Goals for College Students

When you decided to apply to college, you likely had the end result in mind. Maybe you wanted a better career outlook, or to be the first in your family to graduate. What about making the same kind of goals for your money in college? If you’ve ever thought, “I want to spend less money [...]

2021-02-05T20:56:53+00:00February 3rd, 2021|Categories: Melanie|

Transferring from a Community College to a Four-Year University

Transferring from a community college to a four-year university is a path many students take for different reasons. Planning and preparation are a big part of a smooth transition from one school to another. Here are a few steps to follow to help you reach your destination: Earn an associate degree. If you are [...]

2023-11-21T05:42:58+00:00February 20th, 2020|Categories: Melanie|