College Students - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Pay Down Debt or Save and Invest?

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:57:03 EDT

There are certainly a variety of strategies for paying off debt, many of which can reduce how long it will take to pay off the debt and the total interest paid. But should you pay off the debt? Or should you save and invest? To find out, compare what rate of return you can earn on your investments versus the interest rate on the debt. There may be other factors that you should consider as well.

Four Money Mistakes You Might Be Making

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:48:54 EDT

Three years after the economic crisis led many Americans to re-evaluate their financial picture, economic uncertainty is still the norm. While there's little you can do about the shaky economy, you can help stabilize your own finances over the long term by evaluating what you're doing right, and wrong. There's no guarantee, but avoiding these four money mistakes may help you survive and ultimately thrive in any turbulent economy.

Planning for a Career Change

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:02:10 EST

A higher salary. More job security. Doing what you love. Fewer hours. More travel. Changing careers can be rewarding for many reasons, but career transitions don't always go smoothly. Your career shift may take longer than expected, or you may find yourself temporarily out of work if you need to go back to school or can't immediately find a job. Planning for the financial impact can make the transition easier.

Q & A: Filing the Federal Financial Aid Application

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:09:46 EST

The federal government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA, should be filed as soon after January 1 as possible in the year your child will be attending college. The reason is that some federal aid programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so filing the application early ensures your child has the best chance of receiving the most favorable aid package. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the application process.

Making Financial Resolutions: Look Back at Last Year

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:05:25 EST

Each new year brings the chance for a fresh start, and the opportunity to improve your financial picture. As you make financial resolutions for 2012, looking back at what happened last year can help you make some positive changes this year.

Debt Payoff Strategies

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:58:17 EST

In these uncertain economic times, you may be thinking of reducing your debt load. There are a number of strategies for paying off debt that you might consider. However, before starting any debt payoff strategy (or combination of strategies), be sure you understand the terms of your debts, including any penalties for prepayment.

New Year's Financial Resolutions

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:38:48 EST

Should old finances be forgot, and never brought to mind? It may be a new year, but your financial decisions of the past are still here. The beginning of the year is a great time to sit down and evaluate your spending: past , present and future. Here are a few tips and tools to help you start 2012 on the right financial foot.

Tax-Advantaged College Savings Strategies

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:14:05 EST

You're ready to start saving for college, but where should you put your money? There are many college savings options, but you should generally opt for tax-advantaged strategies whenever possible. Why is it so important to consider strategies that offer tax benefits? Because taxes can eat away at any money you might earn. Here are some tax-advantaged savings options to consider.

Open Sesame: Strong Passwords Key to Account Security

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:10:43 EST

Most of us have significant financial and personal information that's readily accessible through the Web, in most cases protected by nothing more than a username and password. Given the damage that can result from unauthorized access to this treasure trove of information, it makes sense to pay attention to a few simple common-sense rules that apply to online passwords.

The Debt Ceiling and the Road Ahead

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:40:32 EDT

Debt is the buzzword of the moment, and it takes an act of Congress to handle the nation’s debt challenges. Not so for household debt, but that by no means makes it easier to manage. The Budget Control Act of 2011, in addition to gradually increasing the debt ceiling, is intended to bring down the federal budget deficit by an estimated $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years, focusing on spending cuts rather than increased revenues. For your personal financial understanding, it is important to understand how legislation like this may affect your finances. Here are some of the key provisions of the debt ceiling legislation.