Federal grants can help you cover some or all of the costs of your college education and unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Grants are often called a “gift aid” and are based on need. If you apply for a federal grant, you will need to submit a Free Application […]
Types of Federal Grants Available for College Read More »
Identity theft affects about 10 million Americans each year. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft and someone has misused your Social Security number, it is possible to get a new Social Security number. There’s also one other time when you can get a new Social Security number. It’s when you’ve been the victim
What Happens If You Get a New Social Security Number Read More »
Admit it: are you a shopaholic? Many of us go on shopping binges, or we find ourselves unable to resist certain things: like yet another purse or that oh-so-cute pair of shoes. It’s OK to shop. But when the shopping becomes excessive, or it drives you into debt, then that’s a problem. Here are some
Help for Shopaholics Read More »
Are your kids at that age where you’re considering giving them an allowance? If so, you’re not alone. According to a survey from T. Rowe Price, nearly half of parents in the U.S. give their children allowances. But not everyone is convinced allowances are a good idea. In my opinion, an allowance can be a
Should You Give Your Kids an Allowance? Read More »
If you have to borrow money to help pay for college, you need to understand the differences between private student loans and federal student loans. Taking the time to understand what types of loans are available, and what your responsibilities are for paying back those loans, can help you make the most informed decisions about
Key Differences Between Federal and Private Student Loans Read More »
Unless you or your child has earned scholarships offering a full-ride for college, or you’re able to pay for school with your own funds, you’ll probably have to apply for financial aid or some type of college loan. After you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), your college will send you a
Federal Student Loans Available Now: Key Facts You Must Know Read More »
The academic school year is already underway at colleges nationwide. And while many students and families may have scrounged up the funds to cover the first semester or quarter, the reality is that scores of families will struggle to pay tuition and other expenses throughout the full school term and beyond.
5 Key Changes to College Student Aid Programs Read More »
We all need to save money and time these days. This summer, my family spent a lot of money and time on travel – but we also saved big bucks too, and we preserved our time by not spending a ridiculous amount of hours and days scouring the web and hunting down deals. Instead, we
5 Tools I Use to Save Money and Time on Travel Read More »
Amid the tough economy, lots of people have tapped into their 401(k) plans or their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as a way to get money to pay their bills. Although a withdrawal from a 401(k) plan probably offered a short-term cash cushion, but it also has long-term tax consequences, particularly for those who were under
Want to Make A Withdrawal From Your 401(k) to Pay Bills? Think Again! Read More »
If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your student loan payments, refinancing your student loans could help to reduce those monthly bills. A student loan refinancing usually occurs in one of three ways:
6 Tips When Refinancing Your Student Loans Read More »
Layaway is making a huge comeback this year, as retailers launch their layaway programs earlier than ever and more and more stores offer layaway payment options. For consumers, the primary draw of layaway is the ability to pay for gifts over time. Using layaway is sort of like implementing a forced savings plan for your
Can Layaway Help Your Credit Rating? The Surprising Answer Read More »
According to a recent survey from Prudential Financial, there are big differences between women and men when it comes to personal finance. So are the ladies or the guys doing a better job at managing their finances? And what can each group learn from the other? Here’s the lowdown on why, when it comes to money
Four Ways Women and Men Differ On Money Matters Read More »
It’s an awful feeling to get a bill in the mail that you can’t pay. Unfortunately, with about $1 trillion in student loan debt outstanding, a lot of people in America get that queasy feeling in their stomachs month after month because they can’t afford to make college debt payments. Fortunately, you do have options
Student Loans: 4 Options When You Can’t Afford to Pay Read More »
A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com recently wrote me dealing with a dilemma concerning her husband’s student loans. It turns out that the man had $150,000 in student loans that she only found out about post-marriage. The couple just got married a few months ago. Together, they make less than $50,000 annually. He earns $17,000 a year.
Should You Take Responsibility for Your Spouse’s Student Loan? Read More »
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And if you want to keep your finances in great shape, one of the most important financial decisions you need to make is choosing the right type of life insurance policy. Life insurance protects your loved ones against any financial hardship associated with your death and provides them with some financial security
Life Insurance Awareness Month: The 411 on Term and Whole Life Insurance Read More »
