2. M Y F INANCIAL F UTURE Created by: Brittany Hale ITEC 1301 Section 9855 Instructor: Natalia Fofanova University of Houston Brittany Hale

3. C ONTENT  About Me About Me  My Financial History My Financial History  How to Prepare How to Prepare  Avoiding Credit Card Debt Avoiding Credit Card Debt  Best Way to Pay Best Way to Pay  Ways to Pay for College Ways to Pay for College  My College Funding My College Funding  My Financial Future My Financial Future  Ways to Save Ways to Save  Helpful Websites Helpful Websites  Collage Collage  Credits Credits  Finale Finale Brittany Hale

4. A BOUT M E Brittany Hale My name is Brittany Hale and I am junior at the University of Houston. I am studying Consumer Science and Merchandising. I enjoy shopping, reading, traveling, my dog, and spending time with my friends. Go Coogs! This is me!

5. M Y F INANCIAL H ISTORY Brittany Hale I have always tried to be financially responsible since I was a young kid. I would always save my money as much as possible. When I was old enough I opened a checking and savings account, so I could get a head start. Although, I work and make money, I still try to save as much as possible. I want to be able to pay off my student loans easily.

6. H OW TO P REPARE It’s never too early to begin saving. As soon as I was able I set up my first savings account. The best way to really save is to have the money automatically taken from your pay check and put into savings. That way it never feels like you’re losing anything. Brittany Hale Roll over or click to play.

7. A VOIDING C REDIT C ARD D EBT Streaming video is content sent in a compressed form over the internet. Its benefits are: Can be shown as live feed. No waiting for downloads. The user is able to watch video immediately. This video contains valuable information regarding student credit card debt. Click here.Click here. Brittany Hale

8. B EST W AY TO P AY Brittany Hale The best way to avoid debt is to only buy things you can actually afford. If possible only pay for things with cash. This way you avoid any fees from banks or credit companies. This is a silly picture of me playing with some cash.

9. W AYS TO P AY FOR C OLLEGE Brittany Hale Scholarships See what kind of scholarships your school has to offer. Use scholarship finding websites. Federal Aid Always fill out a FAFSA! It enables you to receive free aid from the government. The government gives out billions of dollars in financial aid. Don’t miss out! Loans Do your research. Make sure to find the lender with the best rates. Look for loans with special incentives. Such as saving money just by graduating.

10. M Y C OLLEGE F UNDING Brittany Hale My first two years I was lucky and my parents had enough money for tuition. Eventually I had to take out several student loans. I also received some federal help which was nice. I am hoping to receive some scholarships and grants this year.

11. M Y F INANCIAL F UTURE Brittany Hale After I graduate I plan on consolidating my student loans. That way I just pay one monthly payment. Also, I plan on setting up an IRA and other accounts for the future. I will keep my credit card debt low by only having two credit cards and paying with cash when possible.

12. W AYS TO S AVE Brittany Hale Don’t go out to eat as much. Staying home and cooking can save you $50 a week. Buy generic brands. These brands are usually the exact same as name brands, but much cheaper. If you commute, try to carpool. You will save lots of money on gas and car repairs. Control yourself. Don’t waste money on frivolous things. Try to buy only what you NEED. When shopping for clothes, try to buy classic pieces that wont go out of style.

13. H ELPFUL W EBSITES Brittany Hale This is a list of helpful websites when planning your financial future:  College Board College Board  Student Financial Planning Student Financial Planning  Student Loan Information Student Loan Information  Credit Card Tips Credit Card Tips

14. M ONEY C OLLAGE Brittany Hale

15. C REDITS Brittany Hale Photo1 Photo2 Photo3 Photo4 Photo5 Photo6 Photo7 Photo8 Photo9 Video

16. Brittany Hale Have a great summer! Click for sound.