Early AwarenessHigher education beyond college is a valued asset in today’s job market, but the prospect of advanced learning is also an exciting notion to build the best version of ourselves. Unfortunately, it can be an expensive endeavor. Luckily, it’s never too early to start planning for the cost of a college education. As a matter of fact, the earlier the better. The Federal and State governments do offer scholarships and grants - free money that does not typically need to be repaid. Some grants are designed to provide equal access to college education for those families who cannot otherwise afford it.
Planning for college costs involves the whole family, and it starts first with practicing good money management skills, for parents and students. First, let’s manage money and get to budgeting. Here is a great way to look at your expenses and see where you can make changes to start saving extra funds: https://www.schwabmoneywise.com/public/moneywise/essentials/budgeting. They offer great advice and tools, such as budgeting calculators, to give you the picture you need to see about yourself. Once you start saving, you know you’re on the right path to success! There are all sorts of options, such as the New York College Savings Program (www.nysaves.org). This program even has tax advantages! Additionally, you can check out the program, Upromise (www.upromise.com). This FREE program will help you save more, simply by buying products you already shop for every day! You can find more guidance on savings and money management through http://finaid.org/savings/ and https://www.mappingyourfuture.org/Money/ as well.
Step #2: Learn about the various financial aid programs out there and see what you can qualify for, and pursue. |