Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you shouldn’t give up on public service student loan forgiveness. Also in the news: The life-changing magic of working a bit longer, why your financial aid may plummet after freshman year, and 7 thoughtful and unique graduation gifts — all under $25.

Don’t Give Up on Public Service Loan Forgiveness
The odds are slim, but still worth trying.

The Life-Changing Magic of Working a Bit Longer
It’s worth it.

Why your financial aid may plummet after freshman year
How you can prepare.

7 thoughtful and unique graduation gifts — all under $25
Celebrate without going broke.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 7 gifts that help your grad stash more cash. Also in the news: Why rideshare insurance is a must, how credit card issuers pursue wary Millennials, and how to know if you qualify for public service loan forgiveness.

7 Gifts That Help Your Grad Stash More Cash
Cool and practical.

Why Rideshare Insurance Is a Must
Minding the gap.

How Credit Card Issuers Pursue the Wary Millennial
Brand trust and unique experiences.

How to Know If You Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Making sure you’re on the right track.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Spending, saving, or investing your graduation gift. Also in the news: How to find your net worth, how to avoid auto repossession, and avoiding a huge salary negotiation mistake.

Should You Spend, Save or Invest Your Graduation Gift?
Using it wisely.

How to Find Your Net Worth
Determining your number.

Late Car Payment? Avoid Repossession in 3 Quick Steps
Hanging on to your wheels.

You’ve probably already made this huge salary negotiation mistake
Don’t undervalue yourself.

Give a money-smart graduation gift

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailCash is by far the most popular graduation gift. Among those who gave a grad gift, 56.7% gave cash and 32.1% offered gift cards, according to last year’s National Retail Federation survey. But what if you want to give something a little more creative, a little more personal, and something that will help your grad get the right financial start?

I asked college consultants, personal finance experts and some recent graduates for ideas that would be both welcomed by the recipient and not too hard on the wallet. People on average spent $49 on graduation gifts last year, which won’t exactly buy a round-the-world trip…or even a decent e-reader. But that amount can buy things like experiences (which contribute more to happiness than stuff), a cooking class, a pretty good carry-on bag (the better to avoid checked bag fees) and several other ideas. For more, read my Reuters column this week, “Financially smart gifts for the new grad.”