The College Investor Audio Show

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3 Ways To Minimize Your Student Loan Debt Sep 27, 2024

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If you’re listening to this, you probably either have student loan debt or you’re about to incur student loan debt and you're looking for ways to minimize your student loans.

With student loan debt balances on the rise, your best bet is to pay off your student loan debt as quickly as possible, or better yet, stop the debt from piling up by taking the preventative measures.

Many graduates have to put their life on hold because of common student loan mistakes. Avoid making these mistakes and get rid of your student loans in 3 easy steps!

According to USA Today, up to 68% of college graduates enter the workforce with student loan debt. Our study found that the average student loan debt at graduation is roughly $30,000.

To minimize the impact, follow these 3 simple steps to avoid unnecessary debt from accumulating.

What To Do With A 529 Plan If Your Child Doesn't Go To College? Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode is an interview Robert had with Chuck Jaffee from the Money Life Show. He helps answer a reader question: what happens if you have money saved for college in a 529 plan, but then your child (or niece or nephew) don't actually go to college. What are the options? If you're starting from scratch, should you still consider a 529 plan?

We hope you enjoy the episode, and if you want to learn more about the Money Life Show, check them out on your favorite podcast platform.

8 Ways That Student Loans Can Get You Fired Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Did you know that your student loans could get you fired?

Imagine this: One day your boss pulls you into his office, sits you down, and says there is a problem. However, your work itself has been flawless. But he doesn't want to talk to you about work — he wants to talk to you about your credit report.

You see, when you were hired, you agreed to let your employer run your credit report (maybe unknowingly, simply signing a form in your hiring packet). And now, for whatever reason, your boss lets you know that HR has concerns about your debt. Suddenly, you go from star employee to looking for a job.

You already know that student loans suck. It's a fact of life. But did you know that your student loan debt can get you fired? It's happened, and here are eight reasons why, and what you can do to prevent it.

FERPA Waiver: Should Parents Force Their College Kids To Sign It? Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

A FERPA waiver, when signed by a student, allows parents to gain access to academic records during college. However, this raises an interesting question: should parents push their college-bound children to sign?

Many parents, accustomed to having access to their child’s academic records throughout high school, are surprised when they no longer have the same access once their child enters college. As a result, some parents may consider requesting – or even pressuring – their child to sign a FERPA waiver. But is this a good idea?

We’ll explore the nuances of FERPA, the implications of signing a waiver, and the potential consequences of forcing a college student to comply.

Why Do Smart Low-Income Students Not Enroll In Selective Colleges? Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Low-income students are half as likely to enroll in selective colleges as compared with high-income students with similar grades and test scores. This is called undermatching.

These students are often academically talented and likely to be admitted.¹ ² Still, many end up at less-selective colleges, such as lower-cost public colleges and community colleges. Some don’t enroll in any college at all.

Public policy advocates have claimed that very selective colleges are more affordable for low-income students, despite the higher cost of attendance. For example, Matthew M. Chingos wrote in a Brookings Institution article, “For low-income students, these colleges will generally cost them and their families less than a less-selective institution with a lower sticker price but fewer resources for financial aid.”

But is this true? Does generous financial aid really make selective colleges more affordable than lower-cost colleges? Or are selective colleges just trying to shift blame for their failure to enroll more low-income students? Below, we take a deep dive into the data to answer those questions.

Should You Ever Withdraw A College Application? Sep 08, 2024

Show notes

When you’re getting ready to attend college, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the college application process. You start by considering state schools, liberal arts colleges, and other post-secondary options, then you apply to your short-list of schools.

After some long waits, you'll start to hear back about acceptance decisions and financial aid packages. The whole process is so complicated and drawn out that it’s easy to skip the final step of the application process, withdrawing your application from schools you won’t attend.

Withdrawing applications is a courtesy to other applicants (especially those on a waitlist), and it can give you a sense of peace to commit to a particular school. With this in mind, these are the things you need to know about withdrawing a college application.

Answering The Question: What To Do After College? Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

I don't know what to do after college!?! It's one of the most common questions I hear - from high school grads, to college students, to even some nearing college graduation.

If you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what to do after college,” you are not alone.

The truth is, most college grads have a "now what" moment. You've basically lived your entire life to-date in some type of educational setting.

Even if continuing on to grad school or some form of post-baccalaureate education is not in your immediate future, and a job is not exactly what you are looking for, there are ways to live life after college that will still make you a productive member of society.

I'm going to share with you my thoughts on what to do after college. Maybe you think these are basic - fine. But maybe they will give you some food for thought.

6 Elements Of A Solid Personal Financial Plan Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Are you ready to take control of your financial future?

You don’t need a financial advisor to develop your own financial plan. In fact, YOU are the best person to put one together.

When you’re directly involved in mapping out your finances you’ll be more likely to actually stick with your goals. Plus, you’ll have a keen awareness of where you stand financially and what it’s going to take to get you to the next level.

Here are six elements of a strong financial plan.

What Is The Average Cost For Tutoring? Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

The average cost of tutoring can vary based on a number of different factors. While it used to be something only the wealthy could afford lower costs and new technologies are making it more accessible.

For example, working with a private tutor in a large city, will likely be more expensive than working with a tutor remotely.

This article dives into tutoring costs and some of the things you’ll want to consider before you begin working with a tutor.

Tuition Insurance And Dorm Room Renters Insurance With GradGuard CEO John Fees Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode is a live stream interview with GradGuard CEO John Fees. We talked about tuition insurance and when it makes sense, and then covered dorm room renters insurance. There was some listener Q&A mixed in!

Enjoy! Let me know what you think.

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