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Smart Financial Management

How ready are you to handle your own finances when you head off to college or your first job away from home?

  • Do you know how much you can expect to make once you begin working in your career field? 
  • Do you know how to live within a budget? 
  • What information is on your credit report and why is it important?

Lots of online resources can help you become financially savvy. Start with the series of topics provided here, featuring Alaskan college students who outline the best way to pay for college and training without getting in over your head.
 

Understanding Credit

Your credit history says a lot about you. It demonstrates whether you have paid your bills as agreed or whether you have a history of defaulting on debts. More...

 

Creating a Budget

 The first step to starting a new career is often getting the required education or training, but it can be expensive to do so. Planning and sticking to a budget will help you know exactly what you need or don’t need to pay for your education while avoiding common spending pitfalls. More...

 

Keeping College Costs Low

 A good way to stay out of unnecessary debt is to plan to avoid nonessential costs. There are a few ways to do this effectively. More...

 

The Right Amount to Borrow

 Investing in your education by borrowing loans can be a sound investment, when it helps you get a degree and positively impacts your quality of life, and earning potential, for decades! However, to get the most out of the investment, you want to make sure you only borrow what you need. More...

 

 

 

 

Keeping Loan Costs Low

A student loan provides funds to pay for your education. It is a financial obligation just like any other debt you incur. Even if you do not complete school, are not employed in your degree field, or were not satisfied with your education experience, you are responsible for repaying the loan in full. Managing your finances and preparing for post-graduate life can help you successfully repay your education loans. More...

 

Graduating on Time

 Getting a college degree pays off in lifetime earnings! But to make sure you get this pay off, you need to be prepared to finish it – and, to maximize your investment, you'll need to finishing on time. More... 

 

Planning for Repayment

 Ensure you are prepared for repaying your loans without getting into trouble. More...