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financial aid

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 5, 2014 By Liz Weston

321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: How often you need to change your passwords. Also in the news: The truth about life insurance, annuities, and financial aid, how to catch up on your retirement savings after 50, and the four necessities for a successful retirement.

How Often Should You Change Your Passwords?
More often than you think.

Consumers Beware: The Truth About Life Insurance, Annuities And College Financial Aid
How they all tie together.

Over Age 50? How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings
There’s still time.

4 Necessities for a Successful Retirement
It takes more than just money.

A Prescription for Financial Wellness
Getting yourself financially healthy.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Annuities, financial aid, financial wellness, life insurance, passwords, Retirement, retirement savings

Q&A: Graduation gifts and financial aid

October 6, 2014 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Our grandson’s stellar high school performance and his family financial situation were such that he was admitted to his state university with grants sufficient to pay all school fees, including room and board, with no loans or work-study. His grandmother and I have a 529 account in his name that has enough money to pay about twice his estimated books and living expenses, given this level of financial aid.

His other grandparents gave him a high school graduation present of a check for four times the annual estimated books and living expenses. Does he need to amend this year’s financial aid form to reflect this generous gift? Should I suggest he put part of the gift aside for future years to diminish the effect on future financial aid?

Because of his unexpected gift, we plan to not use the funds in the 529 account until needed for his undergraduate or possible graduate school expenses. If he doesn’t need the money, we plan to transfer the balance to his younger sister’s 529 account.

Answer: Your grandson won’t have to amend this year’s financial aid forms but he will have to declare the gift on next year’s form. That could indeed reduce his financial aid package, since such gifts are considered to be the student’s income and thus will be counted heavily against him next year.

There’s not much that can be done about it now, but generous grandparents in this situation might think about holding off on their gifts until the student’s final year in college when financial aid is no longer a consideration. Paying that last year’s expenses, or paying down any student loan balances, would be a gift without repercussions.

Filed Under: College Savings, Q&A Tagged With: College Savings, financial aid, gifts, q&a

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

September 23, 2014 By Liz Weston

procrastinationToday’s top story: Why putting things off until tomorrow can become expensive. Also in the news: Tips on college scholarships, how to have peaceful conversations about money, and how to break the cycle of living from paycheck to paycheck.

I’ll Do That Tomorrow: The High Cost of Procrastination on Personal Finance
Doing it tomorrow can cost you money.

Confessions of a Master Scholarship Coach
How to help your kids earn money for college.

How to Keep a Money Talk From Becoming a Money Fight
Keeping the peace during a stressful conversation.

5 Ways Your Yard May Be Scaring Off Potential Homebuyers
Make sure the outside looks as good as the inside.

Common “Debt Traps” That Keep You Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck
How to break the cycle.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: couples and money, debt, financial aid, procrastination, real estate, scholarships

Monday’s need-to-know money news

September 15, 2014 By Liz Weston

22856641_SAToday’s top story: Tax breaks that can help pay for your kid’s college. Also in the news: How to prevent bad financial decisions in old age, when it’s time to call in a financial adviser, and the surprising answer as to whether or not you should pay off your mortgage early.

Tax breaks that can help when paying for college
See what your family may qualify for.

Preventing bad decisions in old age
Preparing for the time when you’re unable to make wise decisions.

Should You Pay Off a Mortgage Early? The Answer May Surprise You!
One of the rare occasions where paying early doesn’t pay off.

When Should You Use a Financial Advisor?
At what point should you enlist help with your finances?

3 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report Today
One in nine Americans have never checked their credit report.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college tuition, Credit Reports, financial advising, financial aid, mortgages, tax credits

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

September 10, 2014 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to build your retirement nest egg on a small salary. Also in the news: Why Millennials are rejecting credit cards, tips on how to decide between saving money and paying off debt, and eight faster ways to pay off your student loans.

How to Plan for Retirement When You Don’t Make Much Money
Increasing the size of your tiny nest egg.

Why Millennials Are Rejecting Credit Cards
The massive amount of student debt is playing a big role.

5 Questions to Help You Decide Whether to Save or Pay Off Debt
What to do with your extra cash.

8 Ways to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster
The quicker the better.

How to Balance a Fun Life With Your Financial Goals
You know what they say about all work and no play.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, financial aid, millennials, Retirement, retirement savings, Student Loans

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 26, 2014 By Liz Weston

imagesToday’s top story: The secret weapon you should use to build a bigger 401(k). Also in the news: Avoiding the deferred interest credit card trap, talking to your kids about money before they leave for college, and why some borrowers with older student loans could see their payments reduced.

The Secret To Building A Bigger 401(k)
A financial adviser could be the secret weapon.

When 0% Interest Isn’t 0%: Credit Card Tricks You Must Know
Avoiding the deferred interest trap.

How to talk money before they go off to college
One of the most important conversations you’ll have before they leave.

Help is on the way for some with student loans
Those with older loans could see some relief.

The Most Expensive Mortgage Mistakes You Can Make
Avoid these at all costs.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k), college students and money, Credit Cards, financial aid, kids and money, mortgages, Retirement

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