Don’t miss your FAFSA deadlines!

For states like Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland and Michigan, the deadlines have passed. However, that doesnt mean you cant file, its just that you may be out of the running for any state and local grant/scholarship programs. For the full list of state deadlines, visit FAFSAOnline.

For those of you who havent filed, make sure you do and soon! The earlier you file, the better chance you have at receiving state, school, and local aid. If youre waiting until taxes are filed, you dont have to. File your FAFSA with estimated numbers based on last year, or select will file. This way, you can get your FAFSA filed on time, and simply file a FAFSA correction when youre ready.

So find your FAFSA deadlines before its too late!

How you can make the most of ISA season

An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is an ideal way for consumers to start their savings portfolio. Unbiased.co.uk has asked leading financial experts what we should keep in mind as the ISA season approaches (April 6). 

• Danny Cox (Hargreaves Lansdown) pointed out that even basic rate taxpayers can benefit from opening an ISA. He reminded consumers that ISAs are free from capital gains tax and, therefore, basic rate taxpayers save up to 18% tax by using an ISA.

Read more…

Get help with your FAFSA: Video tutorial

Were in the midst of FAFSA season, and while some of you early birds may have already filed and gotten your Student Aid Report, theres still plenty of time to file before the federal FAFSA deadline of June 30th.

So if you procrastinate like I do, and have not filed your FAFSA yet, this tutorial may be a great asset for you. UC Santa Barbara developed this great video series to help students answer the FAFSA questions that might not be so straight forward. Take a look, and make sure to get your FAFSA filed before your state or school deadlines!

Tips to avoid problems with your tenancy contract

As the economy worsens, more people are extending their rental contracts. A good relationship between landlords and tenants is possible if certain ground rules are followed. 

While the average length of a tenancy contract was 16.5 months in 2009, research by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has revealed that this has now increased to 19.3 months as tenants stay in their rental homes longer. 

Given this situation, ARLA released some tips to improve the relationship between landlords and tenants to avoid future problems and misunderstanding in relation to tenancy contracts; 

Before signing the contract 

• At the beginning of the tenancy, it is important to take pictures of the house in order to take record of the state of the house and provide evidence to protect both the landlord and the tenant. Suc

Read more…

How to Avoid College Grad Unemployment

According to the Gallup poll, the U.S. unemployment rate sits at 8.6% with underemployment at 18.1%. Are you a recent or soon-to-be college graduate? Do you worry about unemployment and whether your skills will land you the job you’ve hoped for ? Are you or your friends blaming the economy for the fact that the job market looks scarce for recent grads?

Recent bachelor’s undergraduates have an unemployment rate of 8.9% while those with only a high school diploma have a unemployment rate of 22.9%, and high school dropouts are at 31.5%, so a degree is somefort in this market. What are you going to do about it?

Well you could chalk it up to the economy, the fact that big businesses made bad decisions before you even graduated, and now you can’t get a job. OR you could show potential employers that you are action-oriented, and that you not only want to work, but you want to find your passion through said work. Sound

Read more…

Four Facts – Payday Loan Customer Stats

If you’ve taken out a payday loan recently, you may wonder if you’re a typical customer. In all likelihood, you are not alone and probably pretty similar to every other customer. We thought it would be interesting to give you a monthly glimpse into the statistics of the national payday loan customer – see how you rate.

We compare four facts here including average monthly income, predominant state of residence for payday loan customers, average customer age and for fun, the top astrological sign for borrowers.

What Do You Earn – Average Income

Where You Live – Top 5 States for Lending

How Old Are You? – Average

Read more…