Your college freshman-to-be is lobbying relentlessly for a car on campus this fall. You’re just as adamant that the set of wheels remain in the garage and that he learn to take the bus, bike or just walk when the need arises for a shopping trip, a haircut or weekend entertainment.
For a new worker about to head out on his or her own, here are few financial pointers that could make the transition easier on everyone’s bank account.
The Special Direct Consolidation Loan program offers advantages over traditional plans, the biggest being a 0.25 percentage point decrease in the borrowing rate. That’s because these “bargains” can be expensive and impulsive and have more than the usual strings attached. But a special one-time loan consolidation offer from the U.S. Department of Education is an exception to my rule.
I confess I’ve had my share of cringe-inducing customer service experiences with young workers who have brought a “my parents made me take this minimum wage job” attitude to work. It’s easily apparent when that is the case. That’s why a sign at a rental car agency made such an impression on me.
“You didn’t tell me how MUCH they would take out in taxes.” Expect to hear those words from exasperated teenagers or college students over the next few weeks as they set aside their calculators and toss their textbooks to start summer jobs.
Fifteen students at the University of Missouri ran a venture capital fund to identify and invest in potential high-growth startup companies.
Interactive online games or smartphone applications can help kids of all ages get a grip on money basics.
“We think it is critical that you understand how to go about making decisions about money,” KC Fed president Esther George told the students at the closing ceremony.
Finally it’s down to two schools, but you can’t make up your mind. With so much riding on the decision by the May 1 admissions deadline, whom will you call for help? The college experts at Unigo.com hope you’ll reach out to them.
Which student loan repayment option is a better deal: a loan with a 4 percent fee and 9 percent interest rate, or one with a 5 percent fee and 8 percent rate?
How’s this for a sweet deal: Your son or daughter can plow the money earned last year from mowing lawns, flipping burgers or baby-sitting into a nest egg for the future.
Here’s a worrisome survey item from last week that caught my attention: Many college students are signing on the dotted line for student loans they don’t fully understand.
When it comes to money smarts, Tony Stark knows what he’s talking about. Who’s Tony Stark? Hint: He’s a megazillionaire who fights for justice as a modern day superhero dressed from head to toe in high-tech armor. He’s Iron Man.
It’s as much a part of spring as March Madness — college students knocking on doors and interviewing for summer internships. This spring, however, a cold wind may be blowing in the face of many young job seekers.
The good news: Money in state-sponsored 529 college savings accounts grew by more than 4 percent in 2011, despite the roller-coaster stock market. The downside: Net contributions — total contributions minus withdrawals — were down slightly at the end of last year compared with 2010.
Rachel Cruze has a perfectly plausible reason for not owning a credit card. She's a Ramsey.
If you’re looking for a way to make the stock market relatable to your children, I have the stock for you.
For military families, it’s a way of life: constant moves, deployment and dealing with the stress and uncertainty of being in harm’s way thousands of miles from home.
President Barack Obama wants to unleash the authority of the federal government on another troubled part of the business sector — the business of higher education.
After reading Carol Stack and Ruth Vedvik’s book on college financial aid, I came to one inescapable conclusion: It’s much better to be a payee than a payer.
Maybe we really should look at relaxing child labor laws that hold young teens back from working at fast-food joints, sacking groceries or busing tables.
Attention parents: Personal finance guru Suze Orman is promoting a new product that could help teenagers ease into the treacherous world of plastic. The author and television commentator calls her credit card alternative the Approved Card.
I have a love-hate relationship with my cable company. I love history shows, soccer and other live sports, but I hate getting socked with a bill for a lot of channel surfing that comes up empty. It reminds me of playing a game that I cannot win.
Want to help your kids understand why people get in trouble with credit cards?
I’ve never been keen on making big, bold New Year’s resolutions. They’re usually trashed or forgotten before I flip the first page on the new calendar.
