<![CDATA[Nyack Student Financial Services Blog]]> http://www. nyack.edu The blog of Student Financial Services at the Nyack Campus. en-us webmaster@nyack.edu webmaster@nyack.edu <![CDATA[Scholarship Opportunities]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/677 Posted by steve.phillips Check out ScholarshipExperts.com.  They have a database of over 2.4 million scholarships and are even doing a few scholarships of their own like the "Superpower" scholarship, "Do-Over" Scholarship and "Shout it Out" Scholarship.
]]> Mon, 24 May 2010 06:27:18 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/677 <![CDATA[Credit Union Scholarship]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/643 Posted by steve.phillips If you are an undergraduate student at Nyack, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship from Christian Community Credit Union.  In order to apply, you must also become a member of the credit union.  For membership information and/or scholarship application, please visit myCCCU.com/students.
 
]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:12:15 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/643 <![CDATA[Trouble making loan payments?]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/441 Posted by andres.valenzuela "If you're having trouble making your [student loan] payments, there are some programs that can provide some relief," CNN.com reports. "If your income isn't sufficient to repay a federal loan, you can apply for an economic hardship deferment or forbearance which would suspend or reduce your monthly payments. However, keep in mind that the interest will continue to grow on loans that are not federally subsidized."

You can read the complete March 5, 2008 CNN.com article on-line.

]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:19:47 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/441 <![CDATA[Scholarships online here.....]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/440 Posted by andres.valenzuela Looking for more scholarship money for school!?
 
Here's some info and a list of recommended scholarships to try.
]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:05:49 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/440 <![CDATA[Wait to Consolidate....]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/438 Posted by andres.valenzuela "When it was first introduced in the mid-1980s, student loan consolidation was touted as a much-needed solution for those struggling to pay their debts from college. Borrowers could combine their Stafford and Plus loans into one payment and lock in the prevailing interest rate - typically, one lower than the average rates that they were previously paying on their other loans," SmartMoney reports. "Times have changed, however, and consolidation is no longer the cheap and attractive option that it used to be. Thanks to the declining federal funds rate and the phasing out of variable-rate loans, consolidating your student loans now will actually cost you more over the lifetime of the loan. Eventually, consolidation will come back into fashion for variable-rate loans (rates should be much more attractive when they reset in July). But it will probably never again be the least-expensive solution for those with fixed-rate loans."

You can read the complete March 19, 2008 SmartMoney article on-line.

]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:37:39 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/438 <![CDATA[Nyack was the right choice....]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/435 Posted by andres.valenzuela I stared at the photos on the colorful brochures from several state colleges. These students, with their enlightened yet carefree grins, looked like they were studying physics at Disney World. There they were, gleefully standing in their glossy academic fairyland, far away from the anxiety of their college search.

 

And there I was, trudging through my own college search. Far from smiling. Far from happy. Far, far away from any decision.

 

Rest of Article...

]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:04:28 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/435 <![CDATA[How the credit mess affects you.....]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/428 Posted by andres.valenzuela "Every day, it seems, investors hear stories about a 'credit crunch' that's squeezing pocketbooks around the country. What's it all about?" asks The Wall Street Journal. "The bad news started in the housing market, as a big runup in prices deflated and homeowners began to default on mortgages in record numbers. The squeeze is reaching beyond Wall Street to Main Street, hitting everything from the availability of student loans to credit-card interest rates to the prices of municipal bonds in retirees' portfolios. It's important to have a basic understanding of what's going on in order to keep your cool if things heat up more."

 

You can read the complete March 2, 2008 Wall Street Journal article on-line. A paid subscription may be required.

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:39:08 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/428 <![CDATA[Banks give you bad credit!!!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/421 Posted by andres.valenzuela
"ZERO INTEREST AND $1,000 CREDIT LIMIT" is blasted across the top of the congratulatory letter to the high schooler or college freshman.

No income?

No problem.

No job?

No problem.

So a bunch of 18-year-olds who can't pass math sign up and charge their fancy new hubcaps and designer underwear.

Can't pay the bill when it comes?

Read the full article]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:04:53 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/421 <![CDATA[FLD sign ups begin today!!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/419 Posted by andres.valenzuela
Wed Feb 13 - Boon Lobby - 10:45 am - 12 pm
Fri Feb 15 - Cafeteria - 11:30 am - 1 pm

Wed Feb 20 - Boon Lobby - 10:45 am - 12 pm
Fri Feb 22 - Cafeteria - 11:30 am - 12 pm



Drowning in debt?

Want to see your money grow?

Tired of money controlling you?

Tired of living above your means?
 
There is a better way!

On Wednesday February 27, 2008, the first ever Financial Literacy Day (FLD) will be held just for YOU!

The day will consist of 3 sessions that will tackle real money issues Nyack students have on our campus today. The day's lineup will include guest speakers, engaging interaction, cool videos, student and alumni testimonies, free money to start savings accounts and so much more!

Whether you are a ministry major or business major you will be challenged to take a second look at your money situation, whatever it might be!!

Come out, you won't regret it!
 
You got to sign up!
RSVP Sign ups will begin this Wednesday (Boon Lobby) and Friday (Cafeteria).  There is limited spaces so get your name in quick! Look for the sandwich board signs!
]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:51:45 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/419 <![CDATA[Good grades pay off...literally!!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/418 Posted by andres.valenzuela
Read full USA Today article.]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:43:44 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/418 <![CDATA[College Debt for Life???]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/417 Posted by andres.valenzuela "Nearly two-thirds of graduates of four-year colleges have student loans. And with college costs rising faster than inflation, the average cumulative debt for graduating seniors is approaching $20,000, more than double that of 14 years ago," the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "In ways large and small, those loans are changing the way that this generation lives. Even in the best of circumstances - in which education does help land the job of the student's choice - the monthly payments are often accompanied by dread, anxiety and uncertainty."


You can read the complete February 12, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article on-line.

]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:21:01 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/417 <![CDATA[Get someone else to pay your loans!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/415 Posted by andres.valenzuela "Like a lot of graduates, Luke Livingston faced a mountain of student-loan debt when he finished up last spring at Clarke University in Worcester," The Street reports. "Unlike a lot of graduates, though, he's since cooked up an ingenious way to pay it back: Ask sponsors to pay his loan back for him. His plan involved putting together a Web site, sponsormyloans.com, where he offers to provide a month of advertising to anyone who will pay him $200. The $200 will then be used to cover his student loan payment for that month."

You can read the complete February 1, 2008 Street article on-line.]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:55:15 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/415 <![CDATA[Tax breaks for students....]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/414 Posted by andres.valenzuela College students and recent grads anxiously eying the quickly approaching April 15 tax deadline can take some solace in four tax breaks that can add up to serious savings. Some will be filing early in anticipation of their tax refunds. Others will be holding off for the last possible moment to delay the inevitability paying their annual tax bill. Either way, college students - especially student financial aid recipients - should take advantage of these tax breaks.

Detailed info]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:51:46 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/414 <![CDATA[Get help paying off loans...]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/405 Posted by andres.valenzuela "Instead of paying off your student loans, you can work them off with the government's help," TheStreet.com reports. "While most people know that the government offers various types of student loans, some may not be aware that Uncle Sam also offers graduates a number of ways to pay back loans. By volunteering, or working in community-service positions, graduates can have their debt paid for, diminished and sometimes eliminated by the government."

You can read the complete January 18, 2008 here.
]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:55:21 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/405 <![CDATA[NEW FAFSA Video!!!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/404 Posted by andres.valenzuela FastWeb has put together an excellent 5 minute YouTube video that helps you get your FAFSA done.

Check it out!

]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:16:23 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/404 <![CDATA[Free Scholarships available now!!!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/402 Posted by andres.valenzuela 2008-2009 Endowed Scholarship application is now available online!

All Full Time students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher can apply.

Deadline to submit your application online is 4:00pm Friday, February 1.

Apply today!!!

]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:36:00 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/402 <![CDATA[Paying for College a Team Effort!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/384 Posted by andres.valenzuela "Parents need to discuss college financing with their children and be honest about how much they can afford to pay," according to Kiplinger. "It's not right to let your child believe that you can afford his or her dream college. A child should be a partner in his or her future, not a spectator. First, that parents should have this discussion before their kids apply to college. Second, that paying for college is a partnership, which implies that each partner should take on a reasonable part of the burden."

Read the full Kiplinger article.]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2007 07:22:00 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/384 <![CDATA[Easing Christmas Debt]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/371 Posted by andres.valenzuela

Set a budget before you start shopping and then stick to it, no matter how many great bargains you find.

Keep your receipts for all of the holiday gifts in one handy place. If you've gone over your budget and just can't bear to return some of the great bargains you've found, then at least put them away for a birthday or the next holiday season.

Don't forget about homemade gifts. Holiday decorations and crafts make wonderful gifts that last a lifetime. Almost everyone enjoys a nice tray of colorful cookies during the holiday season. The true meaning of the holidays is to spend time with friends and family. Racking up debt is not a part of the holiday spirit.

If you have a large family, you can draw names to exchange gifts instead of having every person in the family giving to everyone else.

Give gently used gifts such as books from thrift stores. It is OK to re-gift an item you haven't used.

Cut your gift list. Are there people you exchange gifts with out of habit even though you are no longer close? Suggest to them that you are on a budget this year and would prefer to only exchange cards or token gifts such as cookies or candy.

Give coupons for gifts of your time or for privileges. You can give coupons for things like:
Free car wash and detail
One pizza and a movie night
Free garage cleaning
Family fun night — parent's choice
]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:47:48 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/371 <![CDATA[GET X-PRESSED!!!!]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/369 Posted by andres.valenzuela
1. Check in with your financial aid counselor and make sure your financial aid account is in good standing for the current semester.

2. Pre-register for Spring 2008 classes

3. Get X-Pressed!

For more details and to see if your name is on the X-Press Pass list go here.]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:39:02 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/369 <![CDATA[Students pay heavy on bank overdrafts]]> http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/343 Posted by andres.valenzuela "College students have the burden of big tuition bills, heavy student loan costs and textbook prices that are out of sight. And, it seems, $1 billion in bank-account overdraft fees, too," reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "The Center for Responsible Lending, a nonprofit group, raised an alarm Monday about the burden of bank overdraft charges on students. The report says students on average shell out more than $3 in bank overdraft fees for every $1 they are overdrawn. Students account for about 6 percent of all overdrafts, the center found in its study of thousands of banking transactions. Students tend to use debit cards more often than older adults, and debit cards are the leading cause of overdrafts, the report said. The report was released as the U.S. House Financial Services Committee prepares to take up legislation today, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., that would limit bank overdraft practices. The center's report urged universities not to partner with banks that have what it called 'abusive overdraft policies,' which can jeopardize their students' financial welfare."


You can read the complete September 25, 2007 article on-line.

]]> Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:39:01 GMT http://www.nyack.edu//blog/NyackSFS/343