It seems like all of my friends that are graduating have debt up to their eyeballs... but for the most part I am walking away unscathed. I figured I would share a few things that really helped me. Maybe we can get a good churn of ideas here.
Note: I made some decisions that are not an option to everyone, I understand that, but they are listed anyways for those that may be able to benifit from them.
For those still in highschool-
Apply for scholarships, tons of them. Look for the private ones that don't get posted all over the web. I landed 10k for writing a one page paper, there were only 4 submissions. I heard about it from my uncle who worked for the company, it was sent out as a mass email that most people deleted.
-Junior college online courses and dual credit. I walked into college with almost 30 hours. It saved me a fortune. I took these classes after school during my junior and senior years.
-Consider the cost of a college vs the average salary of the graduates in your major. ____ school may be your dream experience, but if it means you will be making loan payments when your kids are in school... is it worth it?
-Fasfa.... grants can be a life changer. Fill out your fasfa as early as possible to maximize your potential.
For those who have already started
-rotc/reserves... I know this may be controversial, but I joined the army national guard after the summer of my freshman year. They paid off a $7500 federal loan, I walked away with 4K from training, I get $500 a month between drill pay and reserve GI bill, plus my tuition is reimbursed. It has down sides, but honestly it was the best financial decision of my life. Plus it gave me another marketable experience and made me mature early.
-live off campus. Living on Campus would cost me $5,000 a semester and I would be stuck with my family during the summer and winter breaks. I live 20 minutes from school with 2 friends and spend $350 a month for my share of rent and utilities. Plus our neighbors are much more courteous.
-rent your books... or don't buy them. I rarely purchase books, it is much easier to make friends with people in class and pay them a few bucks so you can photo copy chapters or borrow the book for a night here and there.
-be careful with loans. Private loans can have insane rates that many people don't account for.
-drink more vodka. Beer adds up, wine adds up .. and then multiplies exponentially. Popov vodka is the alcoholic ramen. Just add water. And some great value drink mix.
-Don't go Greek, yes it is a blast, but your wallet will thank me later. Plus you look like a douche.
-work. This is big, regardless of what program you are in, you can find time to work. Even if it is just 10-15 hours. It is gold on your resume if you can relate it to your career and it prevents you from living on borrowed cash. Waiting tables and bartending can easily bring in 2-300 a week for just working 10-15 hours if you are in a nice area.
What else do y'all have to add in?
January 16, 2017 at 11:06PM
