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Three Finance Tips to Afford Higher Education

Irene PaganBudgeting, , , , ,

Many millennials decide to work right after they graduate from high schools. The primary reason for such a pattern is the forever increasing cost of education. Tuition fees and living expense rise every year. And spending another $30,000 to $40,000 for school seems to be impossible.

That fact is undeniably true. However, it does not mean that you shall give up the idea of continuing your study entirely. Here are three finance tips that can help you to afford your academic passion.

Applying for a Student Loan

This finance strategy may sound like a cliche piece of advice, but it is the most reasonable option you have. Nevertheless, you must understand the types of your loan so that you will not regret your decision later.

First, there are two primary types of student loan: state-sponsored and private-sponsored. State-sponsored loans are often easy to get and have non-burdening terms such as low/fixed interests and negotiable settlement. Check out this very interesting article about private student loan settlement by clicking here.

However, such benefits do not mean that private loans are less advantageous. With a good credit score, private loans will grant you the budget you need significantly quicker than the state-sponsored loans. If you involve your parents as consigners, they may be freed from the agreements if you manage to make the payment on time and fulfill some other minor requirements. This feature is not available in the state-sponsored loans.

Planning for a Part-Time Job

a freelance worker on laptop If your budget is just enough for the tuition fees, then you have to work extra for your dream. Having a part-time job may be your solution. However, if you think of making money from working as a waiter or cashier, then you may still have a hard time getting through your monthly expenses.

This section offers you an entirely different strategy. First, you have to think of the potential of your skills. For example, if you speak more than one language, then you must build your portfolio in translation and transcription jobs. And the easiest way to develop your track record is by offering free service. Then, you must create a LinkedIn account and write all of your works there. After you are confident with that field, you can start selling your service. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Elance, Freelancer, Guru, and 99designs provide you with countless opportunities to make money from your laptop.

Living a Frugal Lifestyle

a piggy bankThe most financially dreadful thing about college life is the temptation to spend money on lavish activities and stuff, such as fashion trends and parties. You have to focus on your life and remember all the pay dues you must fulfill by the time you finish your college. Moreover, do not make mistakes that can lead to class absence because it may exclude you from receiving a bonus from your loan.

You also need to learn to cook by yourself. Eating fast food every day may seem like a quick solution for your hunger, but in the long-term, you may damage your health, and you must spend more money to recover. You have to remind yourself that you cannot afford to get sick and weak, not with all of those payment deadlines ahead of you.…

woman holding cash

Bad Spending Habits

Irene PaganBudgeting, ,

Many people are faced with a problem of spending money than what they earn. This has forced many people to become indebted. You will find these individuals retaining their cherished buys, yet they cannot enjoy. Most of the indebted people are always in concomitant stress and joyless mood for long periods. Even if some of them will make an effort of getting out of this situation, you will still find some being trapped or stuck in this cycle. The following are the main attitudes and behaviours which make people become indebted.

Failure to budget

calculator, coins and paperwork

Many folks do not budget for their earnings. Such people believe that a budget is a constraint. A budget is helpful in guiding people in getting to their goals. It is very wrong to spend money without budgeting. The budget prepared should be implemented. Budgeting is a process which helps people to consider challenges and opportunities which will come in future. The budget made should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis as the events change. Planning and saving money for any emergency that may arise is another important thing that needs to be done when budgeting.

Ignoring consequences of decisions

People, many are spendthrifts. These people are not aware that overspending can reduce your ability to do something important in future. You will always find them doing anything they can to secure an item they are interested in and then start blaming other people after incurring huge debts.

Failure to follow a spending procedure

Failure to follow a spending procedure can make you remain indebted forever. They consider this procedure as unnecessary and time-consuming. Even without such a process, it is always important to look for other alternatives which would help you in saving money.

Easy credit

bank cards

It is very easy and cheap to get credit. Credit is invisible money which people spend confidently and then pay for years later. Sometimes you might see some folks having more than three credit cards. Such individuals will be juggling their monthly payments for a long period. Any person having a credit card should focus on fixing his behaviour and attitude instead of just fixing the credit scores. However, most people are known for spending consistently on credit. Such people are faced with emotional stress in their lives.

No accountability

Most people will spend and spend without accounting to anyone. This is an issue which affects many families. For instance, the money spent by a husband will distract his wife.

 

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