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College Students Need Insurance

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It won’t be long before the new semester begins, and the college students will be back in school. Most families realize that their college bound offspring needs things like textbooks, new bedding, and perhaps their own computer. College students also need to have insurance coverage. College is expensive. Tuition seems to go up every semester. Textbooks cost a small fortune. There are fees to pay for the dorm, the meal plan, and possibly even a parking permit. Students who are living in apartments are going to have to come up with the money to pay rent, and also to buy … Continue reading →

Savings Bonds: The Sneaky Way to Save

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When I was in my late teens, I read a number of money-oriented books about saving, investing, and budgeting. Yes, I was a bit of a nerdy kid, but my family’s history of finances as a flash point led me to seek security in these books. It helped. I do save, at least I try to do so. We have an education savings plan, retirement savings, an emergency fund, and funds for specific shorter-term goals. Right now, our fund for buying blueberries is getting larger, just in time for blueberry season. Some of these savings plans offer decent interest and … Continue reading →

State College Costs Unaffordable

Public colleges and universities are often more affordable than private institutions, but according to a report by the Associated Press, even public four- and two-year colleges and universities flunk the grade on affordability. Only one state out of 50, California, actually can claim that they have affordable colleges. This is thanks to affordable community colleges. How bad are college costs? Increases from 1999-2000 are as high as 16 percent in some cases. If your income falls in the lower median, expect to pay as much as 55 percent of your income just for college tuition, books and other fees not … Continue reading →

Saving for Your Grandchildren

If you are a grandparent you may want to help your grandchildren to pay for college. This is a great thing to do if you have the money. You have several options available to you. You should decide which one will work the best for you and your situation. 1) You may decide to contribute to your grandchild’s 529 account. If you decide to do this then you need to the parents of your grandchild to make sure that you do not exceed the amount that the child is allowed to save each year. You may incur penalties if it … Continue reading →

Saving Money On The Road

One of the best gifts I received upon graduating from college was a membership to AAA. Sure the AAA membership and a new car would have been even more reason to celebrate… But, seriously, I consider the auto club membership one of the smartest travel investments a person can make. And these days who isn’t looking for a way to save money while on the road? From record high gas prices to sky-high airfare—family travel is not exactly cheap. However, there are a few ways you can make it from point A to point B without breaking the bank. The … Continue reading →

Money Saving Trends

Like anything else, there are trends when it comes to saving money. Are you keeping up with the status quo? Check the list of current money saving trends to find out. Retirement Savings: In years past, most individuals didn’t think much about their retirement savings. Companies often offered nice pension plans and for those that didn’t have that, Social Security was a given. In today’s times, Social Security is uncertain and most businesses don’t offer any sort of large pension. This has opened the door for consumers to create their own retirement savings accounts – with 401k programs and IRAs … Continue reading →

Insurance 3-Steps for the Single, 20-Something, College Graduate

Watching our children grow up and become adults is one of the greatest parts of parenting. My oldest daughter graduated from Oregon State University with honors last month. I was in awe of the results of my labor, I doubt our children have any idea how proud we really are when they achieve the greatness we dreamed possible! I have written several Blogs about insurance for our older teenagers and young adults. The best advice I can offer is that you continue to insure your child until they are defined by the financial aide office as “independent.” This is usually … Continue reading →

Tips on Saving and Raising Money for College

The following are some ideas and tips to help you make college a reality for your children. Whatever their ages, if you want to ensure your kids receive a quality education, consider the following options. 1. State Sponsored 529 Plans: This is a profitable scenario if your kids are still quite young. With these plans, not only can you save for college, you can also gain tax breaks as well as receive investment earning that are tax-free. 2. Monthly Savings Plans: Any amount you save will be helpful. Try to get in the habit a setting aside a set amount … Continue reading →

Attending College and Living Away from Home

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You’ve waited your entire life for this and now it is here. You are moving out on your own. Well sort of. You are moving into a college dorm. You’ve decided that your mental health can withstand it and you have to get out of the house. You will likely be living in a small space with a complete stranger. So how do you survive happily? Issues and problems will arise. How you handle them can make all of the difference. Most troubles are due to topics such as messiness, food, privacy, space, guests, parties, and work schedules. Try a … Continue reading →

Five Advantages of Children’s Savings Accounts

Banks offer savings accounts designed specifically for children. These accounts offer children an opportunity to learn about how banks work, and they also make it easy for children to save money. You may begin to save money for your child using this type of account. However you may want to switch your savings for college to another account as soon as you have the minimum to open a higher yield savings account. Here are five advantages for having your children open a child’s saving account at the bank or credit union. 1) There is no minimum balance required for children’s … Continue reading →