April 2022 Update and A Guest Author!

Hello friends!!!  It has certainly been awhile! Five months since I last posted and I certainly hope everyone is well!

I apologize for my absence here, however I have still been in contact with my existing clients and am currently on hiatus from taking on new students as I am currently involved with another project through the Philanthropy Department with The Shriner's Hospital For Children of Greenville, SC.  A+ is still running, and with the current dip in Covid I am keeping my fingers crossed that at the 2 year mark now, we may have finally figured out a way to at the very least co-exist.  As I have mentioned prior, A+ has taken a substantial hit due to the pandemic; however I know I am certainly not alone in this predicament and I anticipate a full return to business hopefully within the next 12 months.  This venture wasn't built overnight, nor shall it fall that quickly!

In the meanwhile, (and I certainly apologize to him) I have a guest author today who has put together a really wonderfully written piece on minimizing student loan debt which I would like to share.  It is written by Mr. Michael Stephenson from TheEntrepreneurHub.com.  Thanks Michael and I look forward to our next post.  Be back soon!

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Minimizing the Long-Term Debt Associated with a College Education

Most people genuinely want to attend college. However, a big barrier for some is the long-term debt that a college education tends to come with. Student loans can be lifelong commitments, and they can make living after earning a degree very difficult. If you’re considering college but haven’t pulled the trigger due to fears of debt, you aren’t alone. Thankfully, there are some ways to minimize the long-term debt associated with college. Here’s how, presented by A+ Financial Counseling and Literacy.

Work While You’re in School

This isn’t the most glamorous way to minimize your long-term debt, but it is one of the most effective ways. The more money you’re able to earn during your time at college, the less you’ll have to take out in student loans. Juggling a part-time, or even full-time, job and school is difficult, but it can be done. It just requires focus and adequate planning.

Apply for Grants and Scholarships

When you’re considering college, it’s important to take advantage of the many grants and scholarships that are available. In most cases, the money distributed through these programs doesn’t have to be paid back, as long as you’re doing well in school. Check out what grants and scholarships are available based on:

●     Merit: How well you’ve done in school up to this point

●     Demographics: Some grants and scholarships are available to students with specific backgrounds

●     Area of Study: Many in-demand degrees have a large number of grants and scholarships associated with them

As you prepare to apply for these programs, be sure that your writing skills are up to par. Many require an essay or other written form of application.

Consider Online Degree Programs

There are many online degree programs available that are identical to on-campus programs. Often, these online options are much cheaper than their counterparts. Many popular degrees can be obtained online while you go about your regular daily life. Things like working and family obligations can still be tended to. Earning a degree in subjects like computer science is possible through an online degree program.

Understand Your Loan Options

Not all student loans are the same. If you have to take out student loans to pursue your education, be sure that you fully understand them. Some will have higher interest rates than others. Still, some student loan options have variable interest rates, meaning they can rise and fall. This can have a great impact on your student loan debt over time.

Buy Used Books

This doesn’t seem like the biggest impact on long-term debt, but you’d be surprised. Many required textbooks for college cost hundreds of dollars when they’re new. When you buy these books in used condition, you can pay a fraction of that price. A lot of the time, you can even use past editions, as long as you’re aware of the changes that were made.

Live Off-Campus If Possible

Living on campus is a ton of fun, but it’s also very expensive. If you can, find a place that’s close to campus to live. You’ll save a ton of money on room and board alone and greatly reduce your overall student debt.

 

You don’t have to drown in college debt for the rest of your life. By following a few simple tips you can reduce the long-lasting impact of student loan debt.