When paying for college, parents often make common mistakes that end up costing them financially. Listed below are five tips parents should read to avoid making these common mistakes.
1. Assuming 529 Plan distributions are always tax free
529 plan earnings withdrawals may be taxable. Distributions of earnings from the 529 plan will be subject to income tax if the amount withdrawn from the 529 plan exceeds the qualified education expenses. Therefore, it is very important to be sure the amount withdrawn from the 529 plan does not exceed the qualified education expenses if you do not wish to pay tax on the earnings. Keep in mind that any expenses used in determining the Lifetime Learning or Hope credit will reduce the total qualified expenses used in calculating the tax exclusion for distributions from a 529 plan. For example, if you claim the Lifetime Learning credit based on qualified expenses of $10,000, the qualified expense is reduced by $10,000.
2. Assuming private schools always cost more than public schools
A student who attends an expensive private school may qualify for more financial aid than a student attending a lower-cost public school. The difference in the true cost may actually be less than you might expect because the student may receive gift aid from the private school.
3. Not reading the Award Letter carefully
Often times the colleges are awarding you debt! There are two types of financial aid: gift-aid and self-help aid. Gift aid includes grants based on your financial need, and scholarships usually based on academic performance. Self-help aid includes loans, which must be repaid, and government work-study programs. Most of the financial award at public institutions is self-help aid, however most financial aid at private schools is gift aid.
4. Not filling out the FAFSA because you think your income is too high to qualify for financial aid
Even if you do not qualify based on financial need, many schools will not consider you for non-need based aid if you do not apply for need-based aid. So regardless of what you think your eligibility status might be, it is important to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). Federal student loan applications (Unsubsidized Stafford and Plus) also require the completion of the FAFSA. It is important to check with each school for its requirements.
5. Borrowing too much from Life Insurance to pay for college
Some parents use life insurance loans as a source of college funding. You should beware of taking out a life insurance loan. What typically happens when you take out a life insurance loan for a long period of time is that the loan balance increases because you do not pay the interest. Therefore, as the loan value increases, your family gets very little, if any death benefit. Also, the loan balance can eat up all the cash value, and there is not cash value left in the policy to sustain it. The policy will terminate unless you can pay back the loan.
- By: Karen Bolton
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Monday, September 26, 2011
What Every Student Needs to Know About College Student Credit Cards
College student credit cards can become both a blessing and a curse. They are a wondeful financial resource for high school grads just starting out on their own, but they are also a temptation that some students just can’t resist. If you want to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes so many other students have made with college student credit cards, follow these five tips.
1. It’s Not a Loan
When you become the recipient of college student credit cards, don’t look at it like a loan. Never charge more than you can pay off at the end of the month (unless it’s an emergency) and definitely don’t look at it like a license to go on a shopping spree.
The purchases you make with your student credit cards will add up quickly -- more quickly than you may realize. If you bite off more than you can chew, you may find yourself in financial trouble before your financial future even gets started.
2. They’re Not for Sharing
So you have one or two college student credit cards and your best friend doesn’t have any. Real friends share, right?
Wrong!
Never share your college student credit cards unless you’re willing to be responsible for paying for the purchases your friends make. Nothing can break up a friendship faster than fights over finances.
Do yourself a favor and keep your college student credit cards in your own wallet.
3. Mommy and Daddy Are Not An Out
Don’t be tempted to get in over your head with your college student credit cards because you think mom and dad will be there to bail you out if you run into trouble. College student credit cards are the first step into your adult financial future. Mom and dad have nothing to do with it.
4. Do Not Charge School Expenses
You may be tempted to use your college student credit cards to pay for school tuition or books. Don’t do it. That’s what student loans are for. College student credit cards carry a higher interest rate than student loans, so if you use them for education expenses, you’re throwing away money.
5. The Due Date Is Not a Guideline
When you start using your college student credit cards, realize how important the terms and conditions are. Make sure your payment will reach the bank well before the due date (the due date is not a guideline, it’s written in stone) and don’t go over your limit.
If you default on your credit card’s terms and conditions, you’re going to be hit with ugly fees and your interest rate is going to take a hike skyward. Manage your college student credit cards wisely and respect the responsibilities you have been given.
It’s true -- college student credit cards can be overwhelming. Don’t let it scare you. By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to managing your college student credit cards responsibly and building a respectable credit history.
By: Max Anderson
1. It’s Not a Loan
When you become the recipient of college student credit cards, don’t look at it like a loan. Never charge more than you can pay off at the end of the month (unless it’s an emergency) and definitely don’t look at it like a license to go on a shopping spree.
The purchases you make with your student credit cards will add up quickly -- more quickly than you may realize. If you bite off more than you can chew, you may find yourself in financial trouble before your financial future even gets started.
2. They’re Not for Sharing
So you have one or two college student credit cards and your best friend doesn’t have any. Real friends share, right?
Wrong!
Never share your college student credit cards unless you’re willing to be responsible for paying for the purchases your friends make. Nothing can break up a friendship faster than fights over finances.
Do yourself a favor and keep your college student credit cards in your own wallet.
3. Mommy and Daddy Are Not An Out
Don’t be tempted to get in over your head with your college student credit cards because you think mom and dad will be there to bail you out if you run into trouble. College student credit cards are the first step into your adult financial future. Mom and dad have nothing to do with it.
4. Do Not Charge School Expenses
You may be tempted to use your college student credit cards to pay for school tuition or books. Don’t do it. That’s what student loans are for. College student credit cards carry a higher interest rate than student loans, so if you use them for education expenses, you’re throwing away money.
5. The Due Date Is Not a Guideline
When you start using your college student credit cards, realize how important the terms and conditions are. Make sure your payment will reach the bank well before the due date (the due date is not a guideline, it’s written in stone) and don’t go over your limit.
If you default on your credit card’s terms and conditions, you’re going to be hit with ugly fees and your interest rate is going to take a hike skyward. Manage your college student credit cards wisely and respect the responsibilities you have been given.
It’s true -- college student credit cards can be overwhelming. Don’t let it scare you. By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to managing your college student credit cards responsibly and building a respectable credit history.
By: Max Anderson
Study In New Zealand - Universal College of Learning
Many 100s of UCOL’s international alumni from countries all around the world stay in touch with their alma mater in New Zealand and many of them are now in key positions in teaching or working in design, film, television, IT, Nursing, Business and many other industries and professions.
The Universal College of Learning - known as UCOL - is one of the most progressive Institutes of Technology in New Zealand: Its main aim is to help people succeed in life, by equipping them with the right skills and knowledge – and the right attitude. The success of its students – studying either as International students or as people who have immigrated to New Zealand – proves the point.
Tiffany Chew from Malaysia is a good example. While she was studying at UCOL’s Whanganui School of Design in the beautiful city of Wanganui, she won the students’ section of a top national design competition.
Her work, called Spinobot (which stands for spin about) took the Tertiary Student Award in the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) Business Internet Awards. The awards acknowledge innovation and excellence in research and development in digital and interactive media.
Tiffany created Spinobot in her final year of study for a Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design. Now back in her homeland, she works for a leading interactive design company in Kuala Lumpur, developing websites and other online resources.
Many students from India have completed their Nursing degrees at UCOL and now work in hospitals and Health Care Centres all over New Zealand. UCOL has New Zealand’s largest nursing school and an international reputation in this vocational rich area.
Trevor Salang took a different path in life. He first learned to cook on Borneo Island with only a machete as a cooking implement. He is now a UCOL graduate, with a Certificate in Professional Cookery Level 4, and an award winning Head Chef at The Gallery restaurant in the city of Palmerston North.
His earliest lesson in cooking came from his father and his grandparents who still use traditional tribal methods, with a wood fire and two metal bars to stop the pot from dropping into the fire. “From my father I learnt how to kill chickens, wild boar, catch fresh fish and gather vegetables from the forest, and cook them with nothing but a machete.”
Trevor came to study in New Zealand when he was 16, finished secondary school and decided on a career as a chef. He liked the idea that he could also develop his artistic bent through food presentation.
Trevor would like to try his hand working overseas in a few years time. “One day I would like to have my own restaurant – always serving a superior product.”
Another student from Malaysia, San Tan wanted to go abroad to study and decided on New Zealand, because she wanted to experience a new culture.
San had always wanted to work with animals, and had a science background so she chose the vet nursing course at UCOL in Palmerston North.
During her placement in a local vet clinic, San found the practical skills she'd learned at UCOL helped her get her first vet nursing job. "I started work at my placement vet clinic as a locum straight after I finished my course."
San has enjoyed study in New Zealand. "The people are good, they're fun. And I've enjoyed experiencing New Zealand culture: it's quiet and peaceful, and there's not so much rushing."
Bruce Osborne, who heads UCOL’s International unit, is not surprised that international students do well at UCOL. “They work very hard and have a good attitude to study and life,” he says. “And of course they have the support of UCOL. We value students from other countries because they bring new experiences and points of view– and that’s good for all of us.”
Bruce stresses that UCOL is there to help all of its students succeed, in whatever field they choose. “Right now we are celebrating the success of students and staff from our Bachelor of Visual Imaging program in Palmerston North. They took seven awards, including Institute of the Year for the fifth year running, in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers national awards.”
UCOL Catering and Hospitality students also took 10 medals (including three Gold) at the National Culinary Fare in Auckland. “We’re proud of them all,” says Bruce.
Other features that make UCOL different include its range of employment-related program, its regional range across three campuses in the North Island of New Zealand, the passion of its lecturers, and the excellence of its award winning student support services.
UCOL offers more than 100 program, available on campus and on line, from certificates and diplomas to degrees, across a range of trade, professional and creative qualifications. They include chef training and hospitality, fashion, hairdressing, business, computer technology, sport and exercise, fine furniture making, graphic design, fine arts, early childhood training, nursing, performing arts, applied science and trades.
Small classes are the norm and program are built around a combination of practical experience and theory.
By: Henryseo
The Universal College of Learning - known as UCOL - is one of the most progressive Institutes of Technology in New Zealand: Its main aim is to help people succeed in life, by equipping them with the right skills and knowledge – and the right attitude. The success of its students – studying either as International students or as people who have immigrated to New Zealand – proves the point.
Tiffany Chew from Malaysia is a good example. While she was studying at UCOL’s Whanganui School of Design in the beautiful city of Wanganui, she won the students’ section of a top national design competition.
Her work, called Spinobot (which stands for spin about) took the Tertiary Student Award in the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) Business Internet Awards. The awards acknowledge innovation and excellence in research and development in digital and interactive media.
Tiffany created Spinobot in her final year of study for a Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design. Now back in her homeland, she works for a leading interactive design company in Kuala Lumpur, developing websites and other online resources.
Many students from India have completed their Nursing degrees at UCOL and now work in hospitals and Health Care Centres all over New Zealand. UCOL has New Zealand’s largest nursing school and an international reputation in this vocational rich area.
Trevor Salang took a different path in life. He first learned to cook on Borneo Island with only a machete as a cooking implement. He is now a UCOL graduate, with a Certificate in Professional Cookery Level 4, and an award winning Head Chef at The Gallery restaurant in the city of Palmerston North.
His earliest lesson in cooking came from his father and his grandparents who still use traditional tribal methods, with a wood fire and two metal bars to stop the pot from dropping into the fire. “From my father I learnt how to kill chickens, wild boar, catch fresh fish and gather vegetables from the forest, and cook them with nothing but a machete.”
Trevor came to study in New Zealand when he was 16, finished secondary school and decided on a career as a chef. He liked the idea that he could also develop his artistic bent through food presentation.
Trevor would like to try his hand working overseas in a few years time. “One day I would like to have my own restaurant – always serving a superior product.”
Another student from Malaysia, San Tan wanted to go abroad to study and decided on New Zealand, because she wanted to experience a new culture.
San had always wanted to work with animals, and had a science background so she chose the vet nursing course at UCOL in Palmerston North.
During her placement in a local vet clinic, San found the practical skills she'd learned at UCOL helped her get her first vet nursing job. "I started work at my placement vet clinic as a locum straight after I finished my course."
San has enjoyed study in New Zealand. "The people are good, they're fun. And I've enjoyed experiencing New Zealand culture: it's quiet and peaceful, and there's not so much rushing."
Bruce Osborne, who heads UCOL’s International unit, is not surprised that international students do well at UCOL. “They work very hard and have a good attitude to study and life,” he says. “And of course they have the support of UCOL. We value students from other countries because they bring new experiences and points of view– and that’s good for all of us.”
Bruce stresses that UCOL is there to help all of its students succeed, in whatever field they choose. “Right now we are celebrating the success of students and staff from our Bachelor of Visual Imaging program in Palmerston North. They took seven awards, including Institute of the Year for the fifth year running, in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers national awards.”
UCOL Catering and Hospitality students also took 10 medals (including three Gold) at the National Culinary Fare in Auckland. “We’re proud of them all,” says Bruce.
Other features that make UCOL different include its range of employment-related program, its regional range across three campuses in the North Island of New Zealand, the passion of its lecturers, and the excellence of its award winning student support services.
UCOL offers more than 100 program, available on campus and on line, from certificates and diplomas to degrees, across a range of trade, professional and creative qualifications. They include chef training and hospitality, fashion, hairdressing, business, computer technology, sport and exercise, fine furniture making, graphic design, fine arts, early childhood training, nursing, performing arts, applied science and trades.
Small classes are the norm and program are built around a combination of practical experience and theory.
By: Henryseo
How to Choose the Good College and Not to Be Mistaken?
Choosing the college is not an easy thing, indeed. It is the question that seems to be discussed more than any other one. Internet resources provide millions of articles aimed to facilitate the choice of future student. But indeed the huge amount of information is not helpful sometimes. Quantity does not always present quality. That is a point to consider.
To choose a college is not like to buy shoes. One cannot see it immediately, touch the material it is made of, ask about quality, prize, try it on and then reject it if it does not fit. In other words education is kind of goods based on trustworthiness. We trust those people who advertise and sell their goods, though very often the prize does not imply education rate but the certificate of degree and the possibility to work.
How to choose
The first advice is do not trust the advertisement of any higher education establishment you saw in the street, in the internet, or in mass media. As a rule, such methods of attracting students are used by new and not very qualified establishments. If the financial situation in your family allows to pay for the tuition choose the University with big name. They do not need any advertisement because they have established reputation. If not, check properly the information presented in advertisement of any other college. You are risking to be deceived.
Think about your ambitions
Compare your ambitions with your knowledge and possibilities. If you feel that you have a good level of knowledge, try to enter the University with big name. And if you feel the opposite or the willingness to study in a prestigious college is dictated by your parents, choose the variant the most appropriate to you. Because of your present choice would depend your future career and finally your future life.
In any case think properly, estimate everything and you will not be mistaken.
By: Ket Ledford
To choose a college is not like to buy shoes. One cannot see it immediately, touch the material it is made of, ask about quality, prize, try it on and then reject it if it does not fit. In other words education is kind of goods based on trustworthiness. We trust those people who advertise and sell their goods, though very often the prize does not imply education rate but the certificate of degree and the possibility to work.
How to choose
The first advice is do not trust the advertisement of any higher education establishment you saw in the street, in the internet, or in mass media. As a rule, such methods of attracting students are used by new and not very qualified establishments. If the financial situation in your family allows to pay for the tuition choose the University with big name. They do not need any advertisement because they have established reputation. If not, check properly the information presented in advertisement of any other college. You are risking to be deceived.
Think about your ambitions
Compare your ambitions with your knowledge and possibilities. If you feel that you have a good level of knowledge, try to enter the University with big name. And if you feel the opposite or the willingness to study in a prestigious college is dictated by your parents, choose the variant the most appropriate to you. Because of your present choice would depend your future career and finally your future life.
In any case think properly, estimate everything and you will not be mistaken.
By: Ket Ledford
How To Make Money Studying In A College Or University
Most college students are looking for new ways that they can make cash, whether as pocket cash or living expenses. There are many ways that you, as a college student, can make money in your area. Most of these options require a bit of knowledge and experience, but they are a great way to get started marketing yourself and making money.
1: Sell Yourself Online
There are sites like barefootstudent.com where you can post your resume and search for a job. You can be an assistant, nanny, babysitter, dog-walker, or anything else you want to be. You can easily create an account, upload your personal information, and sit back and let other people search through the directories to find you. The jobs you get may not be the best paying jobs around, but they are a great way to pick up a bit of extra cash while in college. You can also get practice at marketing yourself and your services in preparation for life after college.
2: Part Time Sales
Many students have signed up to work on sales for local businesses, and every sale they make provides them with a consignment. If you have a way with words and many friends and family who will buy stuff from you, you can easily get hired by a local store as a part-time salesman. Anyone skilled at sales can be a skilled marketing executive, and getting good experience in sales is an important part of preparing for your life.
3: Performing
If you are studying a performing art you can turn your talents to making a bit of profit. Why not look for work as a children's entertainer, clown, balloon artist, or something else where you will get paid to entertain kids at a birthday party or event. You can also simply hire yourself out as a giant hot dog or other large effigy to promote a company or product.
4: Flyers
Many companies are looking for a way to become more well-known, and print thousands of flyers to distribute to people in malls, residential areas, or parking lots. You can look in the classified ads sections of the newspaper to look for a notice offering work for people who are willing to pass out flyers. It is a great way to earn a bit of extra cash, and you can simply wander around the mall or shopping center where you are passing out flyers.
5: Social Work
There are a number of social projects that will hire people to help. Projects such as painting, cleaning local neighborhoods, picking up trash, and many more are always looking for people who are willing to work hard for a small amount of pay. This may not be your ideal way of making money in college, but it certainly beats working at the local fast food joint.
6: Local Restaurants
Many local restaurants are always looking for young people to hire, especially those that are dependable and reliable. Your local McDonalds, Burger King, or fast food joint will probably hire you, as they have special jobs available for those who are going to college.
By: Stavros Georgiadis
1: Sell Yourself Online
There are sites like barefootstudent.com where you can post your resume and search for a job. You can be an assistant, nanny, babysitter, dog-walker, or anything else you want to be. You can easily create an account, upload your personal information, and sit back and let other people search through the directories to find you. The jobs you get may not be the best paying jobs around, but they are a great way to pick up a bit of extra cash while in college. You can also get practice at marketing yourself and your services in preparation for life after college.
2: Part Time Sales
Many students have signed up to work on sales for local businesses, and every sale they make provides them with a consignment. If you have a way with words and many friends and family who will buy stuff from you, you can easily get hired by a local store as a part-time salesman. Anyone skilled at sales can be a skilled marketing executive, and getting good experience in sales is an important part of preparing for your life.
3: Performing
If you are studying a performing art you can turn your talents to making a bit of profit. Why not look for work as a children's entertainer, clown, balloon artist, or something else where you will get paid to entertain kids at a birthday party or event. You can also simply hire yourself out as a giant hot dog or other large effigy to promote a company or product.
4: Flyers
Many companies are looking for a way to become more well-known, and print thousands of flyers to distribute to people in malls, residential areas, or parking lots. You can look in the classified ads sections of the newspaper to look for a notice offering work for people who are willing to pass out flyers. It is a great way to earn a bit of extra cash, and you can simply wander around the mall or shopping center where you are passing out flyers.
5: Social Work
There are a number of social projects that will hire people to help. Projects such as painting, cleaning local neighborhoods, picking up trash, and many more are always looking for people who are willing to work hard for a small amount of pay. This may not be your ideal way of making money in college, but it certainly beats working at the local fast food joint.
6: Local Restaurants
Many local restaurants are always looking for young people to hire, especially those that are dependable and reliable. Your local McDonalds, Burger King, or fast food joint will probably hire you, as they have special jobs available for those who are going to college.
By: Stavros Georgiadis
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