1. FUNDING YOUR FUTURE CLASS OF 2015 PART 2

2.  Will you need some type of post-high school education/training?  How will you pay for that education/training?  See “Future Finance” worksheet.  Have students fill out the worksheet while working with a partner. WHAT IS YOUR CAREER GOAL AND WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO ACHIEVE IT?

3.  It depends on how much you can afford and how much hard work/determination you have to remain debt free.  Do NOT accept “free credit card offers!” They may sound great, but the interest rate may start at or default to 29.9% if you make a late payment!  Imagine if everything you bought, you had to pay 30% more than anyone else.  Each late payment will also cost you an additional fee, plus it negatively impacts your credit.  Want to buy a car, get an apartment or house, or apply for a job? A bad credit rating may prevent you from getting them. HOW DO I GO TO COLLEGE AND STAY OUT OF DEBT?

4.  Apply for scholarships and finish your senior year strong.  Graduate from college in four years (or less).  Only approximately 36% of students nationwide graduate from college in four years. ₁  Consider starting at a community college and/or taking summer courses there. The cost is more affordable and will provide you with credit towards your four-year degree.  Take the maximum credit course load you can handle for the tuition price you are paying.  Save money now! How much money could you save in a year if you cut out a few expenses each week (i.e. your daily coffee, a cheaper cell phone plan, carpooling to school, eating out, etc.)? THINGS YOU SHOULD DO:

5. 1. Organize your files. Creating a paper and/or electronic filing system will make paying your bills on time and meeting deadlines easier. 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

6. 2. Make a budget and stick to it. A budget is just a self-imposed guideline for how much money you can spend and what you can spend it on. Life is unpredictable, so don't forget to allocate money for unexpected expenses in your budget. 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

7. 3. Buy used books. Many students and their parents are shocked to learn how much textbooks cost. They can average $1,000 a year! Most campus bookstores sell used books that can help reduce this cost. You might also save money by buying or renting textbooks online 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

8. 4. Leave your car at home. Cars cost more than just gas money. Don't forget about insurance, parking (and parking tickets!) and repair expenses. Walk, use public transportation, and/or ride a bike. You may also want to arrange a carpool with friends if public transportation isn't available. 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

9. 5. Watch the ATM fees. They can add up quickly. Look for a bank with convenient and free ATMs. 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

10. 6. Choose the right meal plan. If you’re at college, an unlimited plan may be tempting, but you might be satisfied with a less expensive plan. Also, if you've paid for a meal plan, be sure to use it! You're just paying twice if you eat out somewhere else. 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

11. 7. Consider all the costs of living off-campus. You may want to trade dorm life for an apartment, but realize there are more costs involved. Aside from rent, at a minimum, you will have utility bills and grocery expenses. You may also need to pay rental insurance and property maintenance fees. So, before you decide to move off campus, learn what other expenses you'll be responsible for, in addition to rent. 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

12. 8. Use student discounts to your advantage. It's common for movie theaters, concert halls, restaurants, insurance, and travel companies to offer discounts if you show your student I.D. Just ask! 8 FINANCIAL TIPS

13.  Even if you don't need loans to pay for college, sooner or later you will probably need to borrow money. Your borrowing and repayment history is tracked to create your credit score.  A good credit score (typically a score of 700 or higher) can save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Here are some ways to build and maintain a good credit score:  Always pay your bills and loans on time.  Don't overdraft your bank account.  Avoid credit cards.  Don't ignore credit problems, get help ASAP. PRACTICE GOOD CREDIT HABITS

14. LC’s 2015 FAFSA Filing Events: Thursday, January 8, from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. All Students and Families are welcome!  College financial aid representatives will be here to answer questions and assist students and parents file their FAFSA.  Computers are available.  You can also make an appointment in the Career Center if you are unable to attend this event. STILL NEED TO FILE YOUR FAFSA?

15. The Senior Seminar class with the highest percentage of students who file the FAFSA, or is the first class to reach 100% filing, by February 1 will win donuts, bragging rights, and better their chances of getting financial aid scholarships and awards! Will your class win? FAFSA COMPETITION!