'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.
Financial Aid 101 - The Highlights
Dec 5, 2019 1:00:00 PM
Topics: College Financial Aid, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning, Applying for Aid
How to Start Building Credit in High School
Jul 19, 2019 10:33:00 AM
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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
Historically Low Student Loan Rates for 2019/2020
May 9, 2019 12:57:00 PM
How low did we go?
It's #FAFSAszn
Feb 6, 2019 12:56:57 PM
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
Federal Student Aid Rundown - What you can get by filing the FAFSA
Oct 26, 2018 10:53:00 AM
Topics: College Financial Aid, College Planning, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning
How to Stretch Your Dollar During College
Sep 13, 2018 4:43:00 PM
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
Saving for Education is Simplified in 2018
Feb 26, 2018 11:03:00 AM
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
Money tips for College Graduates: Pay Yourself First
Dec 26, 2017 3:03:00 PM
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.
How to pay for college with no money
Nov 17, 2017 9:15:00 AM
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
5 Common Sense Tips for Budget Conscious College Students
Nov 3, 2017 11:49:00 AM
Have you ever checked your bank statement and saw that you spent $60 on Uber, $150 going out to eat and $75 on your new fall wardrobe in a month? Yikes! Cue the big sigh and panic. You may have thought, "how am I going to pay my bills, put gas in my car and buy textbooks for the class I've just enrolled in?"
When you break down your expenses into categories such as food, transportation, incidentals, etc, you might be surprised how much you're actually spending. Think about how many hours you had to work for each transaction you made. Was it worth the long hours standing on your feet working retail or running around bussing tables? Hmm.... All of those "little" expenses add up and make a huge difference!
It's time to come up with a plan to minimize spending, so here are our tips for budget conscious college students.
Topics: Financial Education for Students