We all dream of going to college, getting a degree, and getting into a career that we love and enjoy getting up every day. And chances are, your parents feel the same. On the other hand, attending college is a huge financial burden that could set you and your family back years financially. It’s not all grim though. There are several things you can do to help yourself out and alleviate the burden. Read on to learn more and give our financial advisors a call when you’re ready.
Apply For a Scholarship
No matter where you’re going to college, you should be expecting to pay five-figure payments per year for tuition, room and board, and other fees. Although a scholarship will not cover all of these costs, they do offer a grant or payment that supports your education costs. Even if you think you won’t qualify for a scholarship, you should start applying as soon as possible. Whether you’ve had significant achievements in sports, community service, or academics, there’s a scholarship out there for you.
Get a Job
Let’s face it, many high school students do not have a job. It’s okay to focus on school, but if you can get a part-time job and work even just a few hours a week, it can really pay off in the long run. Since you’re still living at home with your parents, you won’t have many living expenses to account for meaning you’ll be able to save most, if not all, of the money you make and put it toward college.
Take Advanced Placement Courses
Although you may look at people who take a lot of AP courses as “crazy,” they could actually be saving themselves a lot of time and money in the future. The biggest financial benefit of AP courses is that you may be able to opt out of taking those credits while in college which could save you thousands. Be aware, however, that not all colleges will accept those credits so be sure to do your research ahead of time.
Ask For Help
Although it may seem like you’re alone in planning for your education, there are a lot of people you can go to for help. Your parents would be a good place to start. Whether your parents are helping you pay for college or it’s up to you to pay for it, they should be able to help you put a plan together or at least give you some helpful advice. Above all, you should be looking to cut unnecessary spending and keep financial records so you know how much you’ve saved.
Speak With a Financial Advisor
Do you still need help with education planning? You may need the help of a financial advisor. Here at Guardian Financial Group, we want you to be prepared financially before attending college, so that you don’t have thousands of dollars in student debt after graduating, preventing you from attaining the career you’re dreaming of. Give us a call today to get started.