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Topics: Financial Education for Students, Student Loan Repayment, refinancing

'Tis the season to talk financial aid and the experts from our College Planning Center have been talking about financial aid with students and families, one-on-one, as well as in group presentations at local high schools almost daily since September and are still going strong.

Topics: College Financial Aid, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning, Applying for Aid

The credit conundrum when starting out:

• You need good credit to borrow
• You need to have borrowed to establish a credit history 
• You cannot borrow before age 18
• Your'e heading to college and need good credit to pay for tuition and other expenses

Which comes first, borrowing or good credit?

Having good credit is just as important to help ensure your stability and help you successfully do things such as rent an apartment, buy or lease a car, and even get a good job. Maintaining good credit is very important to your future and will afford you many opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. It can show stability, consistency, responsibility, and maturity – all of which are positive traits that can help you succeed in life. Below, are some helpful tips on building and managing a good credit profile.

Topics: College Planning, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning, Money Management

How low did we go?

RISLA dramatically reduced its already low rates for the coming academic year, for example the standard 10-year student loan rate will now be 3.89% (3.64% if the borrowers elect to make automatic payments using ACH).

Topics: Financial Education for Students, student loans

To increase the completion rate of critical college financial aid forms, particularly from high school seniors in historically underrepresented urban schools, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) and its College Planning Center today launched a comprehensive grassroots campaign aimed at getting more financial aid to students interested in attending college.

Topics: College Financial Aid, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning, FAFSA

Many college-bound students and their families have fallen for the dangerous myth: "I won't qualify for aid so I'm not going to apply." The reality is, everyone should file the FAFSA, even if they think they may not qualify. The FAFSA is absolutely free to fill out and it can give families money to help cover the rising cost of college. Below is a quick rundown of what you could be eligible for by filing the FAFSA.

Topics: College Financial Aid, College Planning, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning

There’s no better time to learn how to skimp and save than when you are in college! Chances are, you’re on a tight budget. We all know the stress that comes with such restriction, so we’ve put together this handy list of ways to penny-pinch.

Topics: Borrowing for College, Financial Education for Students, Adulting!, Money Management

By Invite Education

The recent tax bill expands 529 savings plans to include expenses for elementary and secondary education. And, the annual gift tax exclusion has increased. This is big news for education savers – no matter how much you are saving!

Congress wanted to make it easier to save for education. Traditionally, 529 plans have been used to cover college costs only, making 529 savings plans the go-to option to save for college for many families.

Topics: College Financial Aid, Financial Education for Students

As a new college grad, saving any money may seem like a far-off pipe-dream. We are here to tell you that saving is possible for just about anyone. Saving takes diligence - and sometimes means making sacrifices - but a little bit can go a long way in helping you reach your goals. 

Topics: Financial Education for Students, refinancing

Your child has made a big commitment by choosing to go to college. Likewise, you are putting a large commitment in your child by agreeing to pay for college. But many parents, like yourself, can't help but wonder, "how the heck am I going to pay for this?"

The sticker price on a college education can no doubt lead to shock. If you see that number and wonder how to pay for college with no money, know that there are options available. Most families these days don't pay the sticker price published on a college website.

Here's what you can do so you don't need to either. 

Topics: Scholarships, College Financial Aid, Financial Education for Students