The College Investor Audio Show

Latest Episodes:

The Financial Aid Terminology Trap Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Learning financial aid is like speaking a foreign language. There is an alphabet soup of different words and acronyms. You may think you understand the babble, but it is easy to get confused. Misunderstanding the terminology can present students with a trap that may mislead them into enrolling at an unaffordable college. Learn what these words really mean and what to watch out for.

What To Do If You Can’t Afford Your Student Loan Payment Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

It's one of the worst things you can face when it comes to your student loan debt - you can't afford your student loan payment. Maybe you're out of school and you get your first bill, and you have no idea how you're going to make that payment.

Or, maybe you've been on and off deferment and forbearance for years, and every time you're encouraged to start repayment, you simply don't think you can afford it.

Sadly, too many people don't take action with their student loans - even if they can't afford it. That's why over 7% of student loans are delinquent according to the Department of Education.

But simply ignoring it or going into default isn't the solution. There are better (and more affordable ways) to tackle a student loan debt payment you can't afford.

If you're not quite sure where to start or what to do, consider hiring a CFA to help you with your student loans. We recommend The Student Loan Planner to help you put together a solid financial plan for your student loan debt. Check out The Student Loan Planner here.

Let's break down the options here.

Should You Pay Someone To Do Your Taxes? Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

One of the biggest questions we see every tax season: should you pay someone to do your taxes?

Getting a tax refund is a big part of that question. Most people hope for a refund and look forward to getting their direct deposits (who gets a paper check anymore)?

But doing your taxes can be hard, or so the mainstream media tells you, along with commercials and more. So, should you pay someone to do your taxes?

As with most things, the answer is: it depends.

It depends on a few factors, and we break down whether you should pay someone to do your taxes, or whether it makes more sense to do it yourself. And if you are going to pay someone, who should you be paying - does using one of those big companies like H&R Block even make sense.

Here's what you need to know.

10 Rules To Get Rich And Grow Wealth Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

Over the last few years, I've really thought about what it takes to get rich and grow wealth. I've spoken with countless millionaires and I've responded to over 10,000 reader comments on The College Investor. In each instance, there are common themes that are either helping the person grow wealth, or preventing the person from getting rich.

Being rich doesn't always mean having money, but 90% of the time, it does. However, there are habits, behaviors, and "rules" that will essentially allow you to get rich and grow wealth. It's not an overnight process. There aren't any get-rich-quick schemes here.

What you're going to read below are my ten rules for getting rich and growing wealth - over time.

How To Start A Side Hustle Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

Curious about how to start a side hustle? You're not alone!

“Side hustle” is defined as a secondary business or job with the potential to produce extra income. Recent data indicates approximately 39% of working adults in the U.S. currently have a side hustle, which is a sharp increase from the number of adults who held a one before 2020.

A quick internet search will display endless lists of side hustle options, but there aren’t as many resources for how to get started on a side hustle.

So, we will take you through the steps of starting a side hustle for you and helping it go live, plus all the other things to keep in mind as you venture into new territory.

Check out the full article here: https://theci.co/start-side-hustle-pod

Do You Need Life Insurance (Depending On Your Age)? Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Life insurance helps support your dependents in the event of your death. How much you need and what that will cost depends on your specific situation.

Understanding The 1098-E Student Loan Interest Tax Form Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

If you made student loan payments last year, here's what you need to know about your 1098-E interest statement when you file taxes.

What's The Difference Between An IRA vs. Self-Directed IRA Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

The main difference between an IRA vs. self-directed IRA are the assets you are able to invest in. You have more options with a self-directed IRA, but they are more expensive and subject to more rules.

What Is A K-1 And Why Are They So Complicated? Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Schedule K-1 forms are income tax documents associated with "pass-through" businesses. But why are K-1s so complicated? Learn more.

MBA Admissions Guide: What You Need To Know Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

When you’re ready to apply you’ll need to assemble all of your application materials together, including test scores, transcripts, resume, essays, and letters of recommendation.