How do you make the most of your education dollars when you’re starting out?
We asked some experts what tips they have for saving for a future that may or may not come.
1.
Use online classes and classes that are not online for free.
It’s much easier to get started when you have access to online courses that are also free.
A lot of college courses are online-only, so this will allow you to start quickly and start to learn more about financial planning, even if you haven’t taken online classes before.
If you want to learn the fundamentals of financial planning and start saving, you can sign up for classes like Capital One’s online Master of Financial Planning course or online classes like Credit Karma’s Online Financial Planning Course.
2.
Consider getting a financial planner’s report.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, it’s definitely worth getting a copy of your financial planner report, which includes a free report that will tell you how much you’re saving and how much money you should be able to save in the future.
The report can be accessed on your financial adviser’s website or on the financial planner you choose to get the report from.
You can also sign up to get a free copy of the report when you open your account online.
3.
Set a budget for your education.
When you start your financial plan, you’ll need to make a budget, too.
The more you invest, the better the chance you’ll get a decent return on your investment.
Set aside a certain percentage of your total income for your financial goals, then set aside a budget of the amount you can afford to spend each month, for example, for the first year.
It may be a good idea to set aside money for savings as well, to help you make sure you’re spending the money you make.
4.
Find out how much time you can save with financial aid.
Some colleges offer financial aid for free, but you can also get financial aid to help pay for your college education, which may cost more.
The best way to determine whether financial aid is right for you is to talk to a financial aid professional who can explain the benefits of the program and what they expect from you.
The college you choose should be a reputable one.
5.
Get financial aid help with your college loan.
If your school doesn’t offer financial assistance, consider getting financial aid through the federal Pell Grant program, which provides loans to students who can’t pay the full cost of their education.
Pell Grants typically cost between $5,000 and $10,000, and you may have to repay it if you don’t meet the standards for the program.
The program is especially valuable if you’re going to need a lot of help for your career, or you’re applying for a job you’re interested in.
If it’s not possible to pay off your Pell Grant, you might be eligible for loans from private lenders.
6.
Set an aside for your future savings.
Your savings are going to be the most important thing you’ll ever do with your money, so you’ll want to keep a record of everything you save, especially for your retirement.
If the interest rate on your loans is too high, you may need to take out a second loan to cover the difference.
7.
Don’t delay your payments.
If paying your loan in installments doesn’t seem like your best bet for the future, it might be time to reconsider.
If there’s a possibility that you’ll have to pay more in a couple of years, consider deferring your payments to keep yourself from having to pay those interest charges.
If that means you have to spend less, that’s fine too.
8.
Use the same savings account for everything.
Your financial planner may be able a financial account that you’re already using for your personal expenses, and it may help you set up an account for your savings in your college budget.
For example, if you are applying for student loans, it may be helpful to create a savings account on your college financial aid application.
If an application is available online, you should consider creating a financial plan in the same account you’ll use for your student loans.
9.
Get rid of your cell phone and laptops.
There are a lot more important things to do in your life, like paying bills, paying your rent and getting groceries, than keeping your cell phones and laptops in your pocket.
A good financial planner can help you find ways to cut back on those expenses.
10.
Take a few days off.
You’ll be able.
It’ll be fun to get away for a few months and get away from your daily routine of spending, saving and paying bills.