All Financial Advice & Planning Articles

A college student sits on a desk, researching tuition insurance on her laptop.
financial advice & planning

What is Tuition Insurance for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 15, 2021
From pet insurance to health insurance, there’s quite a lot of coverage options available for different aspects of life. There’s also tuition insurance, believe it or not. Here’s a rundown of what it is, what it covers (and doesn’t cover), and how you can get a policy. What is Tuition Insurance? Some colleges and universities …
A student writing in their notebook, sitting in front of a computer.
financial advice & planning

Should I Get a Work-Study or a Job in College?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 19, 2021
Some students, when entering college, maybe trying to decide if they should work during school. There are definitely pros and cons to this approach, and you may have the option between work-study and a job. These are some considerations you should make, and some tips to help you decide between a work-study or job in …
Graduating students in red robes and caps sitting together.
financial advice & planning

5 Great Things to Do With Your Graduation Money

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 13, 2021
Congratulations on graduating high school! Many graduates receive money from their parents or relatives before heading off to college. Have you made plans for the money yet? If you’re not quite sure what to spend your graduation money on, here are four ideas that could prove beneficial. #1: Put the Money Towards College There’s no …
Parents playing in moving boxes with their daughter. They're thinking about 529 savings plans for her future education.
financial advice & planning

Myths About 529 College Savings Plans

By Hilary CairnsPublished on June 21, 2021
Did you get a 529 college savings plan for your child or relative? Considering getting one? There are a lot of myths surrounding this excellent way of financing education that need to be debunked, including these five. Myth: If My Child Doesn’t Go to College, the Money Will Be Lost One concern many parents and …
Various coins coming out of a black piggy bank.
financial advice & planning

What Are Tuition Payment Plans?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 2, 2021
Tuition payment plans allows students to split their total tuition payment into equal monthly installments. This makes it easier for families to manage college expenses without breaking the bank. Some colleges may call it a tuition installment plan or deferred payment plan. This is different from a standard plan where the full tuition is spread …
A family discussing 529 saving plans
financial advice & planning

How Does A 529 Plan Work?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 30, 2020
The fA 529 plan is a type of savings account that is meant to save money specifically towards college. The biggest benefit of this plan is that it offers tax breaks if the money is used for qualified expenses. But how does a 529 savings plan work? What is a 529 Plan? Every 529 plan …
College student with money
financial advice & planning

What Is The Average Net Price Of College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 17, 2021
Everyone agrees that college is expensive. However, what remains confusing for many families is how much college actually costs. When researching the cost of college, you’ll come across two main terms – sticker price and net price. Understanding what each term means and the difference between the two is important. As is the average net …
College student with checklist.
financial advice & planning

Types of Alternative Tuition Plans for College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 31, 2020
Alternative tuition plans are designed to help students pay their college fees without taking out expensive student loans. There are three main types of alternative tuition plans – Prepaid Tuition Plan, Tuition Guarantee Plan, and Tuition Payment Plan. All three work differently and have different terms and conditions. The most notable benefit of alternative tuition …
A college student applying for a stimulus check on her phone.
financial advice & planning

Who Gets the COVID-19 Stimulus Check – Dependent or Independent Students?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on April 30, 2020
The economic fallout from COVID-19 has been jarring. It jeopardizes the finances of families and businesses across America. Among those the changes hit hardest are college students. Which is where a stimulus check could come in handy. However, the rules are different for independent vs. dependent students. Here’s what you need to know. Colleges Blindsided …
A pink origami pig standing on a gray surface.
financial advice & planning

How to Find the Best Savings Account Rates

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 7, 2020
As we’ve talked about in previous articles, you don’t want to choose just any savings account for your money. Something you need to consider when selecting a new account is the rate. So how do you find the best rates for a savings account? Start with Research Rates can vary from bank to bank and …