Financial aid is an essential part of the college experience.  According to the National Center For Education Statistics, 85% of undergraduates in the US were awarded financial aid in the 2016/2017 school year. However, in the age of COVID-19, many students are worried that income changes may impact their ability to pay for school. Here are a few tips to navigate the unchartered territory many colleges students find themselves in for the 2020/2021 school year.

You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating: we are living in unprecedented times. This is not normal. Whether you've lost your job during this time, or are feeling lucky that you didn't, the crisis certainly has made everyone take a closer look at their financial security. Would you feel steadier right now if you had a stockpile of money in the bank? Would a weight lifted be off your shoulders if you had no monthly credit card or student loan payments? You might feel like you have to choose between putting money in the bank or paying off debt, but you can have it all! You just have to do it one step at a time. Here's an easy, 3-step process for building an emergency fund while paying off debt.

Have you considered what would happen if you were unable to work for an extended period of time? We're here to ease your fears. Keep reading for a breakdown of what disability insurance is, how to find out if you're covered, and what steps you can take to prepare for a brighter future. 

Golden Years

You've just entered the job market, or graduated from school. You understand even though you don't have much money now, that your earning years are about to begin. Thinking of your future fills you with unbridled enthusiasm. You can daydream about your perfect wedding or your perfect vacation. Even your perfect retirement. But have you daydreamed about disability? One day you're able to work, the next you're not. It might even be a temporary disability, knocking you out of commission for six months to a year. What would you do then? Do you have an emergency fund that could cover six months or more of expenses? Although no one likes to consider such traumatic and heartbreaking events, they're a real possibility. In fact, approximately 25% of people can expect to be out of work for at least a year in their lifespan.That's why it's imperative to plan ahead.