Sunday, November 23, 2014

Time to Ramp Up the Money Search

The following infographic is getting TONS of attention and repins on Pinterest in the past week. Why? Because the timing is right - the information is relevant - and people are paying attention! Have a look for yourself. 'How to Get Free Money For College' is aimed mostly at our American friends because it talks a lot about FAFSA - but there are also some great general tips and sources included. Enjoy and spread it around!
If it's a little too small to read you can go to my Pinterest page HERE to have a better look.
Cheers!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Blatant Book Promotion!!

Been away from this place for way too long, and getting some new posts written for the very near future. In the meantime - just wanted to give my book some shameless self-promotion!

'How To Be A Money Smart Student' is full of great money saving tips for students who have recently moved out on their own. It will also be a very valuable tool for that high school senior who is just finishing up and preparing for that next step out in the real world. Just following a few of the tips and tricks in the book will save students hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars throughout the course of their post-secondary education.

NOW would be a great time to order the book from Amazon so you have it in plenty of time to put it in their Christmas stockings!! Just click on the book cover below for instant access to the book on Amazon.com.

Cheers!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Book Review - 25 Money Strategies Your Teacher Forgot to Tell You About

Hello Folks! It's been awhile but it's nice to have something to share with you which I hope will be helpful.

I have had the opportunity recently to be introduced to an author by the name of Richard Pan. A native of Latvia, Richard has a Master's in Education, speaks four languages and, most importantly for these purposes, has written a couple of books about money aimed at young people.

His most recent endeavor is entitled '25 Money Strategies Your Teacher Forgot  to Tell You About." I read it recently, and here's what I think....

I like the book. Now - right off the bat - remember Richard's native language is not English - keep that in mind as you read through the book. It's funny how a number of Richard's strategies (from half a world away) are very similar in nature to those in my own book...staying healthy to reduce health care expenses as one example. He does a good job of explaining all of his strategies in detail and offers some unique thoughts. My favorite quote is "Expensive 'stuff' doesn't make you cool - it makes you poor!" - buy your clothes at Thrift Shops!

I'm not sure how parents will react to the idea of young people staying at home as long as possible (at least age 25 or so) to save on expenses!! My 18 year old just moved out to go to college an hour away and the house is a whole lot quieter. The money saving logic behind the idea is great...but....

The strategy I like the most is 'Zero Dollar Day'. Pick one day a week where you force yourself to NOT spend any cash, or use debit or credit. Richard explains it in detail and it sounds like it would work. Read the book and give it a try.

Truthfully - I like any money book which gets young people thinking about how they spend their money and what they can do to spend less and save more. "25 Money Strategies Your Teacher Forgot  to Tell You About" will do that. Check it out for yourself by clicking on the cover below. Cheers!

Thursday, June 26, 2014

They Grow Up So Fast!!

Just a very quick note to wish all the graduating seniors around the world a very warm congratulations on completing your educational career.
I wish you all the best as you head out into the real world, or on to further education. I hope you survived financially and have a good base to work from as you begin life on your own.
Cheers!!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

How to Pay For College HQ Radio Podcast

I am thrilled and honored to be this week's guest on the radio podcast at www.howtopayforcollegehq.com. Celest Horton and I had a great conversation about student finances, the need for students to do lots of research well in advance of heading to college, and some great resources for both students and parents who are in the preparation stage. The podcast can be heard on both itunes and Stitcher, and you can get to it directly from the HQ website as well.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

The Costs of College Through The Years

Over the years, college degrees and those who have them have varied and changed. In the early years, going to college was a rarity, and only those lucky enough, or with enough money, went. Of course, this changed, because nowadays, it seems almost more uncommon not to go to college than to go. Students begin thinking about college from an early age and the pressure is on to make the grades and be the best in your class. The competition is fierce! Applications to colleges and universities around the world flood in daily, while students hope to make the best choice for their own education. However, students and parents are facing an even bigger challenge: how much college actually costs. From tuition, to paying for books, living in the dorms, and getting a good meal plan, the costs add up quickly. And every year prices are rising. So what's a student to do? One of the best things a student can do is be aware of the issues surrounding student loans and the debt crisis, and plan ahead. Check out this infographic from ConsolidatedCredit.org and learn more about the history of student debt in America, and the eye-opening financial realities for the coming years.  

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

What Makes A Money Smart Student?

So what is it that makes a Money Smart Student? I've been asked that question a few times. There are many other PF writers who have their own opinions, and I respect that. There are some who argue that doing the things I talk about on this blog don't make a difference. They say that saving a few bucks here and there takes all the fun out of living the college life and doesn't add up to much in the long run. I've already discussed the numbers in a previous post (Do The Small Things Really Matter?), so I won't belabour the point here. Being a Money Smart Student, or young adult, isn't just about saving money when you can by doing the little things. It's about having an overall knowledge of money matters, staying connected to your own finances, and having a plan for both during, and after, school.
In this day and age, it is easier than ever to find out everything you need to know about money. How to make more money, how to spend less on anything and everything, how to save money, where to save your money...the list goes on and on. I will once again throw out there that the Wisebread website is one of the best resources I've found when it comes to money. Not only do they have their own posts and information - they also maintain a list of the best PF blogs available. You can even search by different categories to find whatever specific money issue you need. It's a great place to start to get informed about handling your money. Having at least a basic understanding of finances will help you many times over in the long run.
Along with having a general knowledge, it is even more important that you have an in-depth knowledge of your own finances. How much you have, how much you need, where it's going to come from, how you can bring in more - you MUST be constantly connected to your own personal finance situation. Losing touch was one of the main factors in my financial demise years ago. If I had stayed on top of my money I know I could have worked my way through the hard times and avoided the disaster which ended up taking place. This is, in my humble opinion, the most important aspect of being a Money Smart Student. Know your own financial situation better than anything else. If you know where you stand, you can handle the hiccups along the way much easier.
Finally - have a plan. Don't wait until the end of the current school year to plan for next year. Get your FAFSA paperwork done early if you are an American student. Don't leave it until the last minute. As you near the end of your education, start planning for life after college. As you enter the workforce, what is your plan to save some money for when you have a family? Thinking a step or two ahead of wherever you are at the moment will make it easier to adjust things along the way.
I don't want this to sound too preachy. I just want you to understand that it takes a bit of work to be completely Money Smart. Knowledge is power, as the saying goes. Educate yourself about money, push yourself to stay connected to your financial status, and think ahead. These are the building blocks to being Money Smart - not just as a student, but throughout your entire life. Cheers!

What steps are you taking to stay 'Money Smart'? What else do you feel is important for students, or young adults, to know about finances? I would love to have your comments.