April 14th, 2011

How to Save for College Tuition

Most high school students hate thinking about money. They almost never have any, and if they do it is going to pay for the car they just recently purchased. College is at the very back of their mind. However, it is something that needs to be planned for and quickly! Beginning to think about it as early as possible ensures that you’ll be able to save the money that you need.The first trick to getting more money for college is to look at grants and scholarships. Many people just don’t take the time to find out about how much aid is available. You can use your wireless internet connection to scour the web looking for scholarships that will save you so much money. Many students are able to pay for college entirely with scholarships! This saves all of their money for rent and food.Be sure to sit down in an appointment with your school’s financial aid office. They have trained professionals who are constantly on the look out for deals just for students like you. They want to help make it easy to pay for school. They also know the most about work-study programs which will give you much needed cash.

June 3rd, 2011

Understanding The Costs Of Your Children’s Tuition

College tuition is increasingly getting more expensive. Moreover, the funds for education has exponentially decreased these past years. Therefore, the financial aid available for students have slowly dwindled. Parents are now often forced to bear the whole load of paying for their child’s college tuition. However, there are things we can do right now in order to lessen the burden of sending our children in college. Parents should start a college fund during the early stages Read the rest of this entry »

May 21st, 2011

Setting Up A College Tuition Savings Plan

Believe it or not, setting up a college tuition savings plan doesn’t have to be as complicated as people make it seem. However, if you get started earlier, the outcome will be more valuable. Before you can set up a college fund for your children, you need to have your other financial obligations in order. Work them out so that you have the extra money to put away for your children’s future. Even if your left over money starts out small, something Read the rest of this entry »

May 7th, 2011

The Pros And Cons Of 529 Plans

The 529 Plan is a state-sponsored savings program for college. While the features of each state’s plan are different, there are generally two kinds of 529 Plans: prepaying at today’s tuition rates or saving in a tax-deferred account for future tuition costs. The latter is generally considered to be preferable and is more widely available.

Tax deferral on the earnings, as long as they are used for college tuition, is the most obvious benefit to the 529 Plan. Read the rest of this entry »

November 22nd, 2010

Tap Into Some Resources

There’s no time like the present to start preparing for what will soon be an eventuality; and there’s no better way to do it than to tap into some resources that will guide you along the way as painlessly as possible. If you’ve been laying awake at night worrying about tuition, why not take one of the following books to bed instead:

  • Education Planning: Taxes, Trusts, and Techniques (Nancy Shurtz) is described as being an invaluable, in-depth resource for the estate and tax planning strategies and vehicles available for families saving for higher education. While focusing on all aspects of the popular 529 plans, the author also provides information on all other savings options, including 529 prepaid plans, Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts, qualified savings bonds, UGMAs/UTMAs, trusts, insurance, financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans. It compares and contrasts techniques and applies them to different income groups. Also includes numerous planning tips, charts, and examples.
  • The Best Ways to Save for College : A Comprehensive Guide to State-Sponsored College Savings Plans and Prepaid Tuition Contracts (Joseph F. Hurley) may be the source for you if you’re trying to understand how Read the rest of this entry »

August 20th, 2010

The Online Option

As you are considering various different colleges, don’t forget about online programs. There are many advantages to obtaining a degree this way and there is a growing acceptance of online degrees within the business world. By taking your courses online you have a much more flexible schedule and are able to work a full time job, while obtaining your education. These programs also facilitate distance learning if you are physically unable to be on campus. One of the biggest improvements to online universities in recent years has been the extension of federal aid to help students seeking an online degree pay tuition costs. If you choose to pursue the online option, keep your eyes open for financial assistance offerings as well as accreditation of the school.The University of Phoenix has become one of the best known online degree programs and offers courses in a range of fields from nursing, to business, to the humanities. Phoenix also has post graduate programs for students interested in obtaining their Masters or PhD. Traditional federal aid, deferment options and even a military plan are all options for paying for your tuition. Read the rest of this entry »

August 20th, 2010

Pay for Student Loans with AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps was founded as a result of the National Service Act signed into law in 1990. This organization encompasses both the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). There are opportunities for service in a range of areas such as tutoring, house renovation and disaster relief. Depending on your age, interest, and experience you can choose between a number of programs. This volunteer organization is a great way to give back and provides many benefits to those who serve. AmeriCorps is often a starting place for individuals who are seeking a career in public service or social work.If you have built up student loans to pay off or are looking for a way to finance college, AmeriCorps could be the path for you. One of the many options to consider when contemplating serving with AmeriCorps is loan forbearance. If you apply and are eligible for this program, you can delay paying back student loans through the duration of your service and at the end of your service, the National Service Trust will pay the interest that was accrued during your time serving. Read the rest of this entry »

August 20th, 2010

How to Convince Your Employer to Foot the Bill

Most companies will expect you to have some sort of degree when applying for and starting a job, but a recent trend is reflecting the increasing willingness of employers to pay for post graduate education. If you’re looking to enroll in a masters or doctorate program, you should consider appealing to your company to cover at least part of the costs. If you can demonstrate how this additional education will improve your usefulness in the workplace, there is a much higher chance of receiving financial assistance.

  1. Choose a Relative Degree: Many companies will be very open to the idea of paying for tuition costs, but you need to be seeking a degree that is directly related to what you do. One of the most common degrees paid for by employers is an MBA. This degree provides education on a range of managing issues such as accounting, human resources and operations, and is considered highly valuable. However, if you want to continue your education on a subject of personal interest such as philosophy or archeology, then don’t expect your company to shell out for this. Read the rest of this entry »

August 20th, 2010

Finding a Way to Pay for College

If you or your teenager is beginning their college search, there are probably many questions you are pondering, most of them related to finances. One thing is certain, college tuition is going anywhere but down. If the numbers you see on university websites seem daunting, don’t immediately write off college as an option. In today’s society, a college education is a necessary and immeasurable asset for the future. There are various different opportunities for receiving tuition assistance; you just have to know where to look. The Department of Education offers several different forms of aid for college students, and understanding each one is the first step in the process.GrantsThe Federal government offers a number of grants for college-seeking students such as the Pell Grant, and the Academic Competitiveness Grant. Money given in the form of a grant or scholarship does not have to be repaid but often comes with certain stipulations such as maintaining a certain GPA. In addition to federal grants, most colleges offer their own form of grants based on need an achievement. Read the rest of this entry »

August 20th, 2010

A College Student’s Guide to Saving

When it comes to college expenses, everyone’s first concern is always tuition. Maybe now you’ve received some financial aid or a scholarship and are feeling home free. Unfortunately, tuition is only one of the many expenses kids face when they go off to school. Just because you’re on your own now doesn’t mean you should go burning every bit of cash in your wallet. Follow these easy money saving tips and make the most of that extra money you’ve saved with that new scholarship money.

  1. Books: After tuition, textbooks are perhaps the most daunting of college expenses, but there are many ways to save on these costs. Always check around for friends who have taken any of the classes you’ve enrolled in and ask if you can borrow the book for the semester, or even pay them a few bucks for it. Amazon, Bigwords, and Book Circus, are just a few of the online companies that offer textbooks at discounted rates. Some sites also have options for selling your old books back at the end of the year. Read the rest of this entry »