The last two days have been rather productive, informative, and some learning lessons along the way. I am making big girl steps toward handling my money and getting ready for Boston.
Wednesday: I made my way over to Red to Black, a financial planning organization at Tech where students help students handle money better. I don't know how to budget, so I went to the walk-in time. Unfortunately, the only person there at the time had to leave, but I did get to talk to him for a bit and give my availability and contact info. All in all, I'm glad I went. Hopefully I can have an appointment and step into the wonderful world of budgeting!
While on the money tip, financial guru Dave Ramsey's daughter, Rachel Ramsey Cruze, came to speak at Tech. It was sponsored by Mentor Tech, Pegasus, Red to Black, and other Tech departments. What she talked about I had heard and seen before. It came from her father and his series, Financial Peace University. Shout out to Impact for showing that to us at Impact K.A.M.P. 2010! Anyway, I asked her about building credit and how she felt about it. Bottom line, if you learn to save money, you don't need it. Credit, credit score and credit history is about borrowing and how much debt you accumulate and pay off. I like that view very much, and once I pay off my own student loans, I will saving money like that too!
Then I had a communication breakdown without realizing it. She shared a story about a couple that together had accustomed a student loan debt of $180000...and they were engaged! That's crazy. They borrowed all they could, and now the guy cannot work abroad like he would like because of his debt. So I thought,"I don't want to end up like him (I won't really though) so I'll ask her how to prevent that." Granted, she talked about how to avoid student loans by applying for scholarships and working through school. That pretty much answered my question, which is what I've been thinking for the last few weeks. Here is how I started my question: "I'm pretty much headed in the couple's direction....and all the financial aid I see is the Stafford Unsubsidized Loan..." I believe how she heard it was "I'm going to grad school and all I can do is take out loans" and not "I'm heading to a private school, all that is available at this point in the school year is loans, but I plan on applying for scholarships, and I could be receiving some need-based aid from the school to offset the loans....would working and scholarships be a good idea to prevent getting $40000 loans in total?"
Unfortunately, she advised me to reconsider Emerson and think about going to an in-state school that may not have the same program but will give me something to work with. By this time, miscommunication had been made, and I was trying to say I looked at what's in state and I didn't want it, so I'm going to Emerson. She felt bad because it wasn't the answer I was looking for, and she hugged me. It helped a little bit, but I was confused by that. Then something Candice told me popped in my head. Sometimes I really need to explain myself fully when I speak, that way people know what I'm talking about and can respond accordingly. Since I didn't explain myself completely, she answered my question based on the info I gave her. That sucked. I wish I could email her and explain myself, but I'm not sure how.
Just to be clear, I am going to Emerson. I already paid the enrollment fee, and God is allowing me to go, so it is my belief that He will provide for me, whether it's money from somewhere or opportunities to apply for good scholarships and having a job. Which leads me to....
Thursday: I had the esteemed pleasure of talking to not one but TWO Emerson departments. I was wondering about my financial aid, so I called the office this morning to see if I had everything in. I do! I shall find out how I'm being awarded in about two weeks.
I also had a phone appointment with Off-Campus Student Services. This was a very fruitful conversation. I found out that I will need to have a security deposit at the least when I sign the lease, meaning I cannot start saving when I get back home, but NOW if possible. Now is the time to be securing that wonderful place for September. Then I thought of something: I'm graduating next month (whoo!), so why not just use whatever graduation money I receive? He went further to suggest that I request only money so I can secure a place as soon as possible. So ingenious! Not only will I get free money from graduating, but it will have purpose. I feel an apartment would be a smart investment of sorts anyway. Also, I'll have less I'll need to save for as far as moving expenses, and the money can go towards food and such.
I'm glad I learned a few things this week. I am moving forward and being proactive about finding a place to live. I usually don't act on it very much at all, but I like to be prepared for big things. Maybe now this can be a start to preparing more often for such big decisions and moves.
One final note: 36 days til graduation!!!!
