Thursday, February 28, 2008

Steuben library offers test-taking resource

"We are delighted to offer this service free of charge to the community."

Steuben library offers test-taking resource February 27, 2008 Southeast Steuben County Library has introduced a new resource for those facing standardized tests. via Star-Gazette.COM

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Consider Options Before Borrowing Money To Support Your Education

If you are thinking for borrowing money to support your
education, try to ask yourself first if you have savings left
that you can use instead of taking out a student loan from the
school of your choice. Also, think if you can get by with less
by way of holding down expenses, or if you can do something
great, like working more, either in the academic year or during
vacations just to support your education.

Also, think for the possible scholarships that you can apply
for, or you can be qualified for. There are actually a lot of
options left for you out there. The best move to take now is to
know and understand them.

Estimate Your Loan Payments

It is worthy to note that the more you borrow for your
education, the higher is the amount of your monthly repayments
will be once you finish your degree. So if possible, try to
estimate your loan payments. There are a number of student loan
repayment calculators out there that you can use to do the math.
What's more, you have the chance to calculate your monthly
payments based on the estimated starting salary of your chosen
occupation.

The Essential Borrowing Tips Now that you have pondered enough
about your student loan with the things you have to consider
before borrowing, as well as with the amount you need to borrow,
I guess it is now important for you to look at the most
recommended tips for borrowing student loans.

Just consider the following:

1. Start by looking at the award letter given to you by your
servicer. From the letter, figure out which need-based loans you
have been qualifies for and for what amounts.

2. After looking at the full financial picture, such as the
awarded aid, education cost, and family share, you should then
consider settling on an amount that you actually need to borrow.

3. The rule is: never borrow more than you need. Always note
that as a student loan borrower, you are not required to take
the full amount of the loan you have been offered.

4. Don't ever forget about student employment as an alternative
for borrowing. Even though working at a job can seem like an
extra burden for students, so is struggling with high loan
repayments after college.

5. Apply for the student loan right away. This is very
necessary especially if you want to ensure that the loan is
approved as well as the money paid to the college before you
have to make your first student account payment.

6. The key to successful application is to follow the loan
application instructions carefully. Note that any mistakes you
make will delay receipt of the funds.

7. When you are applying for a Stafford or Direct student loan,
be prepared for the amount that is paid to the college to be
less than the amount you signed for. Usually, a fee of up to
four percent will be deducted from the student loan. This
deduction occurs before the check is sent to the college of your
choice.

8. If you already figured out the exact amount you are
borrowing before any borrowing process begins, you should start
keeping track of your student loan tab, which is what your
monthly repayment amount will be after you graduated from
college. There are student loan calculators out there than can
do the math for you.

9. If instances occur that you find yourself needing more than
the amount that's been offered in your award letter, it is
necessary to contact with a financial aid counselor before
taking on an additional loan.

10. And, if you do take on an additional, unsubsidized loan,
just consider making interest payments while attending your
degree. The interest won't be much and this will help you save
money. If you delay or capitalize the interest payments, you
will end up having to pay back significantly less than.

Also, after leaving college consider purchasing a home instead
of getting an apartment. My wife and I fortunately did this a
few years after we left school, and we were able to pay back my
$26,500 student loan with a simple refinance that also lowered
our mortgage payments. We were able to do that within 8 months
of purchasing the home! What a relief it still is to this day
knowing that my education has already been paid back in full!

As mentioned, planning and thinking your moves for taking out
student loans is very necessary for a successful borrowing. If
you do consider what have been mentioned above, then there is no
doubt for you not to attain your dream education, and even a
successful career in the future.

Description

Ask yourself first if you have savings left that you can use
instead of taking out a student loan from the school of your
choice. Also, think if you can get by with less by way of
holding down expenses, or...

About The Author: Don Alexander is owner of
http://leading-online-business.com and writes on a variety of
subjects. To learn more about this topic Don recommends you
visit http://www.leading-online-business.com

Nordgren promoted to AP recruiting role

Sarah Nordgren, director of state news for The Associated Press, has been named a deputy managing editor for the news cooperative, taking on responsibility for global recruiting. Read the rest ...

Student Loan Consolidation Info - Managing Your Money While You Are Getting Your Education

Managing your money now, while in school, will help you to lessen the amount you will have to borrow making the amount you have to pay back mush less as well. If you can spend some time now learning to handle your money now, you will be better off throughout your whole life.

Developing a realistic budget for the time while you are in school and also for after graduation. This will keep you from borrowing more than you need to finance your education. The less you borrow for your education the less you will have to pay back giving you a more secure financial future.

Learn to cut down on your living expenses and get them to the bare minimum. You are a student right now and will be able to afford a much nicer lifestyle after your career has started, but for now try to cut corners everywhere you can. Think about getting a roommate to cut your rent and other living expenses in half. Next time you want to see a movie think about the cost to rent one verses the cost to actually go to the movie theater. Pack your lunch whenever you can instead of eating out. This alone can save you a lot of money every week that you could be using toward your student debt load. Always try to be as thrifty as you can when it comes to spending money.

If you use a credit card for purchases, try to pay the balance in full each month as this will save you money in the long run because you won't have any interest charges added to your original amount charged.

The best way to manage your money is by establishing a budget and sticking with it. Always try to resist the urge of using a credit card or your student loan funds to pay for items that fall within your budget. Think about your purchases to make sure the item is something you really need before spending anything on it.

Try to work part-time while attending school to help pay for your daily expenses. Some courses of study offer a work-study program that allows you to study and get professional experience all the while earning the money you will need for the day to day things that come up.

Also try to remain enrolled in school for at least the minimum amount of time required to qualify for the deferment of your student loan whilst you are in school, this will free up money you can use for daily living expenses.

Ian Wilkie is a published expert author of many Student Loan Consolidation Informationis articles and owner of - http://www.mystudentloanconsolidationinformation.com your one-stop online resource for Student Loan Consolidation Info.