TheJourneyofLife

TheJourneyofLife

Choosing a college and getting a degreeAccreditation

Academics

College Faculty

Location

Size

SCHOOL

Cost

Majors

Support Services

Safety and Security

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The professors and instructors at a university have the greatest impact on your education. Do you prefer to work with professors who are focused on research or on classroom instruction? Do you want a college with small class sizes that allow you greater access to professors, or are large lecture halls more your style? Spend time researching colleges’ faculty online and in printed materials. You may even consider meeting with some of the professors or inquire about sitting in on a class.

The professors and instructors at a university have the greatest impact on your education. Do you prefer to work with professors who are focused on research or on classroom instruction? Do you want a college with small class sizes that allow you greater access to professors, or are large lecture halls more your style? Spend time researching colleges’ faculty online and in printed materials. You may even consider meeting with some of the professors or inquire about sitting in on a class.

When you apply to college, you can be sure the school will check your credentials. You need to do the same when you select a college. Make sure the institution you choose is properly accredited by a trustworthy organization. Be wary of for-profit colleges, particularly online or non-traditional programs that advertise heavily. The degree offered by these institutions may not be very valuable when seeking a job, despite the high tuition costs.

The professors and instructors at a university have the greatest impact on your education. Do you prefer to work with professors who are focused on research or on classroom instruction? Do you want a college with small class sizes that allow you greater access to professors, or are large lecture halls more your style? Spend time researching colleges’ faculty online and in printed materials. You may even consider meeting with some of the professors or inquire about

sitting in on a class.

Colleges are more than just dorms and classrooms. A good college experience includes a wide variety of services that cultivate students’ personal development. You should consider what services a college offers to foster student advancement. Are there particular organizations or extracurricular activities that interest you? What programs are tailored to help students reach their full potential? Make sure you take full advantage of all the resources offered by the university.

Although college offers a lot more than just classes, a solid education is the ultimate reason you are spending large amounts of money to go to college. An important part of the college experience involves learning how to independently manage coursework along with the daily tasks of living and a fulfilling social life. Be careful not to neglect your studies with all the distractions on campus. Your grades and academic achievements will play an important role in your post-graduation opportunities, including job searches and opportunities for

further education.

The college’s location is important, particularly when considering in-state and out-of-state tuition at public schools. You should also think about how far away from home you want to go. If you attend a university in your hometown, you may be able to save cost-of-living expenses by living with your parents or other relatives. Also consider whether you prefer a lively urban campus or the idyllic setting of a college in a small town or rural area. What sort of internship or career opportunities are

available in the area where the college is located?

A college campus is meant to provide a safe environment for young people to make the transition from living at home to living in the “real world.” Unfortunately, crime is common at many colleges and universities. Sexual assault is a particular concern. When choosing a school, review crime reports to determine the security on campus and in adjacent areas. As a student, be sure to take proper precautions to secure your safety.

Some students start college knowing precisely what they want to study. Many others have no idea. Some students change their minds while at school. College provides a good opportunity to experiment with many different areas of study. If you are not sure what major to declare, take a sampling of courses to open your eyes to the opportunities. Many of these courses are required as a part of the university’s core curriculum. Also take advantage of student counseling and advisers.

Build a routine

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Take advantage of the resources around you

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Be careful with your money

Become a local

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Make healthy choices-

strength

health

persistence

nutritiongoals

equipment

Take your job seriously

Realize you're not at college anymore

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Post College

Welcome to the real world! You are out of school. You have a job. You have bills to pay. You have a household to manage. You may have children to care for (or at least a pet). It might all seem a little overwhelming at first, but you can manage it. Developing a routine can help you prioritize your tasks and get everything done. You will likely find that you still have plenty of time to enjoy life – and more money available to pay for the experiences and things you want.despite the high tuition costs.

Even though you are now out on your own, you are not all alone. There are many resources available in your community to help you manage your life. Examples include financial planners, tax advisers, attorneys, career counselors, life coaches, religious or spiritual guides, and medical professionals, among many others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can also lean on your family and friends for advice and support.

It’s time to put down some roots now that you are in the working world. There are many ways to get involved in your local community. Consider joining civic organizations or volunteering with local charities. Perhaps you have a taste for local politics or you have found a cause you’d like to take up. Go for it! Taking part in the life of your community not only helps make it a better place to live, but you could also reap benefits as well. You could make social connections that could further your career and enhance your social life.

For many people, college years were very enjoyable and will provide a lifetime of fond memories. Although the workaday world can retain some moments of college-like fun, you should remember that you have now entered a new phase of your life. For many young adults, payments due on student loans serve as harsh reminder of their new responsibili-ties. While it is important to work hard to establish yourself in your career and in your community, you should also make time to cut loose a little and take part in activities you enjoy.

Let’s face it. Your first job after graduation is probably not the career you dreamed about while in college. Not many people are lucky enough to parachute right into the perfect position. No matter how insignificant you may believe your job to be, keep in mind that it is just a rung on the career ladder. Show your supervisors that you take your work seriously. Show up on time and do what is expected of you. The impressions you make in your first job could go a long way toward helping you get the position you really want.

You might not be a teenager anymore, but you probably still feel somewhat invincible. Unfortunately, the passing years will take their toll. Now is the time to develop healthy habits to help you avoid serious medical problems when you reach middle age and beyond. Develop healthy eating habits. Get plenty of exercise by using a workout routine that you enjoy and can sustain. Drink alcohol only in moderation and don’t smoke. Be a cautious driver. Keep stress under control. Get regular medical checkups. Your middle-aged and elderly self will thank you.

You might not be a teenager anymore, but you probably still feel somewhat invincible. Unfortunately, the passing years will take their toll. Now is the time to develop healthy habits to help you avoid serious medical problems when you reach middle age and beyond. Develop healthy eating habits. Get plenty of exercise by using a workout routine that you enjoy and can sustain. Drink alcohol only in moderation and don’t smoke. Be a cautious driver. Keep stress under control. Get regular medical checkups. Your middle-aged and elderly self will thank you.

Rent or Buy?

Plan your budget

Know your limitations

STOP

Save the biggest downpayment that you can put together

Apply for FHA First-Time Homebuyer Programs

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Be a cautious buyer

Shop Around for the Best Terms on Financing

Rid yourself of excess debt

DEBT

Buying your first home

Owning a home is often touted as the “American dream,” and powerful social pressures drive people to purchase real estate. Indeed, owning your own home can have significant economic benefits. For example, mortgage loan interest is often tax deductible and real estate typically appreciates in value over the long run (though it can also lose value). Depending on your financial situation and the economic conditions in your area, renting a home might actually be a better option. Rent payments are often less than mortgage payments, and the landlord is usually responsible for repairs and maintenance. Renting may be a particularly appealing option if you plan on moving frequently.

Owning a home is often touted as the “American dream,” and powerful social pressures drive people to purchase real estate. Indeed, owning your own home can have significant economic benefits. For example, mortgage loan interest is often tax deductible and real estate typically appreciates in value over the long run (though it can also lose value). Depending on your financial situation and the economic conditions in your area, renting a home might actually be a better option. Rent payments are often less than mortgage payments, and the landlord is usually responsible for repairs and maintenance. Renting may be a particularly appealing option if you plan on moving frequently.

Owning a home is often touted as the “American dream,” and powerful social pressures drive people to purchase real estate. Indeed, owning your own home can have significant economic benefits. For example, mortgage loan interest is often tax deductible and real estate typically appreciates in value over the long run (though it can also lose value). Depending on your financial situation and the economic conditions in your area, renting a home might actually be a better option. Rent payments are often less than mortgage payments, and the landlord is usually responsible for repairs and maintenance. Renting may be a particularly appealing option if you plan on moving frequently.

Simple math reveals that the more money you put down, the smaller your monthly payments will be and less interest will accrue. There are other benefits to making a large down payment. Many lenders require a certain percentage of the purchase price to be paid in cash. This figure is frequently 20 percent or 15 percent of the property’s value, though the amount varies depending on the lender and the circumstances. If you are unable to make a down payment that equals or exceeds the requirement, the lender may still make the loan but may require you to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) – coverage that can be quite costly.

Pay down your consumer debts and student loans as much as possible before taking the plunge into homeownership. Not only will a lower debt burden make it easier to pay your mortgage, an improved credit score may entitle you to more favorable interest rates that can make your mortgage payment more manageable. Be aware that most lenders will ask you not to take out any additional debt while your credit application is pending.

The time-honored notion of “buyer beware” certainly applies to the purchase of a home. Be sure you know what you’re bargaining for and try to discover any problems before you sign on the dotted line. Most mortgage lenders will require a detailed home inspection. Make sure you hire a reputable inspector and work with the seller to ensure that all problem areas are corrected before closing. You should also work with an experienced real estate attorney to ensure the title to the house is clear and there aren’t any unexpected easements, liens or other legal problems.

Mortgages are a long-term obligation – usually 15 or 30 years. Even a small difference in the interest rate can make a huge difference in the amount of actual interest paid over the course of the loan. It certainly pays to shop around to make sure you get the most favorable terms available on your mortgage. You may consider seeking help from a mortgage broker, though brokers often charge some form of a fee. Online resources are another good option for comparing options.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers special programs to assist first-time homebuyers with financing a new home. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for assistance from the FHA to help you qualify for a mortgage on more favorable terms. Be certain to tell your lender that you are a first-time homebuyer when making your application and ask about what programs could assist you.

Observe and accept habits Make a plan together

Plan Plan Plan

Know credit scores and debt obligations

Consider the future

Insure your life together

Save something

Be generous

How to budget togetherYou and your spouse or partner have developed your own financial habits during the time you lived on your own. Now that you are joining your finances together, it is important to observe and discuss how your better half handles money. Many domestic disputes center on finances. If you want to promote happiness on the home front, it is critical for the two of you to have open and honest communications about money. If you cannot accept some of your partner’s financial habits, work together on ways to reach a resolution. It may be a good idea to get help from an independent financial adviser who can offer unbiased advice.

Generally speaking, a financial plan will be destined for failure if it is drawn up by just one half of a couple. Discussing finances, developing a budget and dealing with money problems constructively are important habits to develop right at the very beginning of a relationship. Compromise is often the key to contentment when dealing with money issues, just as it is with so many other issues that arise during a relationship.

Generally speaking, a financial plan will be destined for failure if it is drawn up by just one half of a couple. Discussing finances, developing a budget and dealing with money problems constructively are important habits to develop right at the very beginning of a relationship. Compromise is often the key to contentment when dealing with money issues, just as it is with so many other issues that arise during a relationship.

Now that you have a spouse or partner, and perhaps children, there are other people who are relying on you. What would happen to them in the event of your death or disability? If your loved ones are dependent on your income to pay for housing, food and other basic needs, consider purchasing life and disability insurance to protect them in the event of a tragedy. If you are dependent on your better half’s income, you should consider purchasing coverage for him or her as well.

It is never too soon to start saving, even if you think money is tight. Not only do you need to begin saving for your retirement right from the start of your career, but it is also important to begin building up a rainy day fund so money will be available in a crisis. Consider setting aside a certain percentage or dollar amount from each paycheck. Put it in a savings account and forget about it unless you need it for an emergency. Resist the temptation to raid the piggy bank to buy something you want but don’t really need.

If you have the means to do it, contributing to charitable efforts can be very rewarding. Helping others in need if you are able is a part of being a good citizen. Make donating time and money a part of your financial practices as soon as possible in your career. You can truly make a difference in your community. Be generous with friends and family, so long as you don’t have to run up debt to do so, and it is done as an act of kindness rather than a form of bragging. Keep in mind that charitable donations may be tax deductible.

Ready or not, the future is coming. Take time now to prepare as best you can for the rest of your career and your retirement. Many people find it beneficial to set career goals to help them achieve what they want in their work life. Continuing education may also be important for your career. If you have children or want to have children, make plans for how you will pay for their upbringing and education. You should also make plans for when and how you want to retire, and chart a course to turn your plans into reality.

Optimise government benefitsCITY HALL

Make sure debt structures are tax efficient

Consider the appropriateness of all asset classes

Take Full Advantage of your employer’smatching plan

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Get protection for health and long-term

Retirement

When you apply to college, you can be sure the school will check your credentials. You need to do the same when you select a college. Make sure the institution you choose is properly accredited by a trustworthy organization. Be wary of for-profit colleges, particularly online or non-traditional programs that advertise heavily. The degree offered by these institutions may not be very valuable when seeking a job, despite the high tuition costs.

When you apply to college, you can be sure the school will check your credentials. You need to do the same when you select a college. Make sure the institution you choose is properly accredited by a trustworthy organiza-tion. Be wary of for-profit colleges, particularly online or non-traditional programs that advertise heavily. The degree offered by these institutions may not be very valuable when seeking a job, despite the high tuition costs.

As you approach retirement age, your investment priorities change. While young workers have the option of making riskier investments that offer the potential for higher yields, older workers may be more concerned with security even if it means a smaller return. Don’t just set it and forget it when it comes to your retirement savings. Periodically reassess your portfolio to make sure it still fits your priorities and risk tolerance.

Seek advice from a professionalMost people are not financial experts. In the same way you probably wouldn’t attempt to repair your car or treat your own medical condition, you may not be equipped to plan your own retirement. If you are uncomfortable navigating the complex world of investments, consider seeking advice from a professional financial planner who can work with you to create an investment plan that matches your goals.

As you approach retirement age, your investment priorities change. While young workers have the option of making riskier investments that offer the potential for higher yields, older workers may be more concerned with security even if it means a smaller return. Don’t just set it and forget it when it comes to your retirement savings. Periodically reassess your portfolio to make sure it still fits your priorities and risk tolerance.

Many employers offer 401(k) plans or similar retirement programs. In many cases, a part of the benefits package includes the employer matching the employee’s contributions. Some employers will contribute a certain amount to employees’ retirement account for each dollar the employee contributes, up to a limit. For example, an employer may contribute 50 cents for each dollar a worker contributes up to 6 percent of the worker’s annual salary. You are leaving money on the table if you don’t contribute at least the full amount to maximize your employer’s match.

care expenses

Update beneficiary designations

Create a durable power of attorney for medical and financial decisions

Maintain an inventory of your assets and key documents

Execute your documents and keep your plan up to date

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FEBRUARY

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Consider your child’s financial needs after your death

Consider a guardian for your child

Estate PlanningWhen you apply to college, you can be sure the school will check your credentials. You need to do the same when you select a college. Make sure the institution you choose is properly accredited by a trustworthy organization. Be wary of for-profit colleges, particularly online or non-traditional programs that advertise heavily. The degree offered by these institutions may not be very valuable when seeking a job, despite the high tuition costs.

Relationships change over the course of a lifetime. People get married and divorced, and they may become widowed. Children are born and children may pass away. For this reason, it is critical that you periodically update the beneficiary designations on financial instruments such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts and other assets. Failure to do so may mean that an ex-spouse, not your current spouse, gets your savings after your death, for example.

If you were unable to do so yourself, who would you want to make important healthcare and financial decisions in your place? Creating a durable power of attorney provides you the opportunity to select who gets to make these important life decisions for you in the event you are incapacitated. You may also consider creating a living will to set out your wishes regarding life support and other end-of-life decisions. These documents are often drawn up as a part of a comprehensive estate plan.

If you have dependent children, your estate plan should include provisions that will provide for their care until they reach a certain age. Many such estate plans include a trust that provides money to pay for the child’s living expenses and education until the child reaches a certain age. At that time, the child may be entitled to receive the corpus of the trust in cash to use as he or she wishes.

It is important to work with a qualified attorney to make sure your estate plan is properly drafted and executed. Many “do-it-yourself” wills may not stand up in court due to flaws in the language or the way they were signed and witnessed, for example. You should also update your will and other estate planning documents as necessary to account for changes in your life and changes to the tax code.

Who would you want to care for your child if you and the child’s other parent passed away? Without guidance, the courts may not make the same decision that you would. You can help ensure that your wishes will be carried out by naming a guardian for your child in your estate plan. Although the courts are still bound to act in the child’s best interest, the parents’ choice of a guardian carries significant weight.