No cabe duda de que los problemas financieros se deben a la falta de formación financiera. Cuando uno va a la escuela, no le enseñan la importancia de ser responsable con el dinero. Muy pero muy pocas escuelas ofrecen clases de finanzas personales. Se asume que los niños aprenderán esto en casa. Pero si vemos la condición financiera de la mayoría de familias, nos damos cuenta de que pocos padres tienen la formación necesaria para tomar buenas decisiones acerca del dinero. Muchas veces, lo único … [Read more...]
¿Qué es la EFC y para qué sirve calcularla?
Si quieres saber cuánto dinero deberán aportar tus padres para solventar los gastos que demanden tus estudios universitarios y cuánta ayuda podrás obtener del Estado y/o instituciones privadas, debes saber a cuánto asciende la EFC (Contribución Familiar Esperada). La EFC es un cálculo que se basa en cuánto se espera que contribuya la familia a los gastos de universidad de sus hijos. En la actualidad, existen dos mecanismos diferentes para determinar la EFC. Por un lado, está la Metodología … [Read more...]
A College Degree Means Options, Money in the Bank
If you're wondering if getting a job is better than going to college, the answer depends on what you aspire to be. To be able to decide what's best for you personally, you have to think about what your end goal is: not only what you want to do, but who you want to be. Continue reading … [Read more...]
How a “Paying for College Strategy” Helped the Perez Family
The Perez family, an example of a family aspiring for a better life for their kids, has been rewarded for the effort they have made to strategically plan for higher education for their kids. The day their kids were born, they opened a Coverdell savings account, in which they religiously put $50 a month. Seventeen years later, their eldest son has more than $33,000 in savings to cover his college costs. For math lovers, you only have to calculate the future value of $50 per month by seventeen … [Read more...]
El efecto de un divorcio en la ayuda financiera
Al momento de completar la FAFSA te solicitarán una serie de datos para poder determinar si eres un estudiante dependiente o independiente. Si de acuerdo a la información proporcionada se te considera un estudiante en relación de dependencia, también deberás dar información de tus padres o de aquellas personas de las que dependes. Por lo tanto, si tus padres están casados, deberás proporcionar la información de ambos; si en cambio, alguno de tus padres es viudo o soltero, deberás dar su … [Read more...]
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Developing Your “Paying for College Strategy”
No plan is without its flaws; unexpected events always come up, and without a solid plan these events can sometimes become real problems. Nevertheless, many of these problems can be prevented, and there’s no time like the present to make sure that you have a solid, but flexible plan for life’s surprises, the economy, and your own decisions. One of the most common mistakes made when planning the financing of your education is not planning early enough. Parents should begin to plan and … [Read more...]
Financial Aid for International Students
The reality in the United States is that college is a big investment. The price of enrollment can range from $15,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on the school or program. Now, if we're talking about master's programs or doctorate degrees, those prices will certainly go up. Keep in mind that almost all the financial aid administered by the U.S. government is reserved for citizens and permanent residents. Continue reading. … [Read more...]
A Closer Look: Breaking Down Financial Aid Components
There are different kinds of financial aid available to students, ranging from small sums to substantial ones, all of which make college more affordable for you. Loans must be repaid, but grants and scholarships are free money. In the end, there are multiple options as far as financial aid goes, and we'll unpack them all. Continue reading. … [Read more...]
How Much Financial Help Should I Ask My Parents For? College Isn’t Cheap!
To know how much help you should rely on from your parents, you should first determine your EFC, or Expected Family Contribution. The EFC calculation is based on your family's income and assets, but other aspects are taken into consideration as well, such as the number of family members, and if any of them are already enrolled in college. Continue reading. … [Read more...]
Borrowing Money: How It Works and Why You Need to be Careful
Loans are one of the ways to pay for your college education, but because of loan terms and other factors, they're not necessarily the best way to go. If you decide to obtain a loan, make sure that you understand the offer and its terms and conditions completely. Continue reading. … [Read more...]