College room and board expenses now average $9,804 at public four-year colleges—more than the average cost of tuition itself, according to the College Board. That means where you live while earning your degree could have a greater financial impact than you realize. While many assume that living at home or solo in a dorm is […]
Why You Should Re-Think Living at Home or Living Solo While in College Read More »
Q: I am considering going to grad school and am clueless re: what steps are needed to get started, hidden costs and fees, the procedures and requirements for enrollment and other pertinent information. I am currently unemployed and need all of the assistance I can get. I graduated from undergrad. school in 1999, and I’m 58
Paying for Grad School When You Are Over 40 Read More »
And you thought tuition was bad enough! If you don’t want exorbitant college fees to drive you into the poorhouse, make sure you bone up on all the fees and other charges you or your child might face while earning a four-year degree. U.S. colleges and universities charge students for a seemingly endless list of
4 Smart Tips to Reduce Expensive College Fees Read More »
College fees have become a stealthy way for schools to charge students far beyond the advertised cost of tuition. Like hidden dealer fees when buying a car, these “extras” can quietly balloon your total education expense—unless you know how to fight back. Universities often lump tuition and fees together, but what you’re really paying includes
How to Fight Back Against Ridiculous College Fees Read More »
The latest data from the College Board show that college students spend about $1,200 a year on books and supplies. That’s a lot of cash. But believe it or not, the National Association of College Stores reports that spending on college textbooks is actually on the decline. Textbook expenditures are heading south due to two factors: technology,
13 Ways to Save Money on College Textbooks and Supplies Read More »
Q. I am a 61, single parent, and can’t seem to come up with a strategy to get out of debt. Is it ok to take a loan from a pension fund? Also, a debt solutions company advised me to cut up all credit cards. Considering I have a child, it seems like eliminating all
Should You Use Retirement Savings to Pay Off Debt? Read More »
When news broke in 2015 that rapper 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the media frenzy kicked into high gear. Tabloids, financial outlets, and social media exploded with opinions, jokes, and wild speculation. Was 50 Cent truly broke? Was this a shrewd business move? Or was he just dodging a court judgment? Let’s separate
Rapper 50 Cent and Bankruptcy: Myth vs. Fact in This Money & Media Mirage Read More »
Q. You mentioned that closing credit card accounts hurts your FICO score. If you closed accounts years ago, what is the timeline where it no longer affects your score? I only have one Visa card that I use now. I had no debt issues, just wanted to streamline my cards. Also, do store cards (Macy’s, Nordstrom,
Impact of Closing an Account on Your Credit Score Read More »
We all know that the economy goes through cycles, such as boom and bust periods. But a new study on financial behavior shows that people also repeat their financial behavior in highly predictable ways — largely based on the state of the economy. The study was conducted by Dr. Dan Geller, a behavioral finance scientist and the
Study Says Your Spending and Saving Patterns Are Very Predictable Read More »
= Let’s assume that you have taken advantage of your federal right to see your credit files via www.annualcreditreport.com. Did you know that in addition to that once-a-year deal, you can get free credit reports again and again and again—multiple times in a year, if you like—online and directly from the credit bureaus? You can
The Law That Gives You a Free Credit Report—Again and Again Read More »
Over the past few years, a growing number of retailers have started their holiday marketing plans earlier than ever. Long-gone are the days when November and December were the only times you’d see big in-store sales, promotions or TV commercials tied to Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Nowadays, the run-up to the holiday season starts around
3 Reasons to Think About the December Holidays in July Read More »
Private colleges and universities usually charge the same tuition rate to in-state students as well as non-residents. But that’s not the case for most public schools in the U.S. According to the College Board, in 2014-2015 the average four-year institution in America charged in-state students $9,139 in tuition and fees, while out-of state students were
How to Avoid Out-of-State Tuition Charges Read More »
If you’re one of the millions of Americans burdened by student debt, you may be sitting on a golden opportunity—student loan repayment assistance offered through federal employment. Through a little-known but incredibly powerful benefit, you can wipe out up to $60,000 of your federal student loans while earning a steady paycheck in government service. Let’s
85 Government Agencies That Help Pay Off Your Student Loans Read More »
Q. I generally pay off my entire credit card balance in full each month but I have a friend who insist that it’s better for my credit score if I pay on time but not the entire balance (like pay off 95%) but always keep a balance. Is there any truth to this? A. There
Should I Pay My Credit Card Balance In Full Each Month? Read More »
To take advantage of in-state tuition, some students take the drastic step of moving to the state in which their desired college or university is located. When this strategy works, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars. But be forewarned: it’s not as easy as you might think. Over the past decade or
Can You Cut Tuition Costs by Moving to Another State? Read More »
