Financial Planning and Advice Articles

How to Find the Best Savings Account Rates

Published by Hilary CairnsPublished on March 13, 2020

A pink origami pig standing on a gray surface.

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 …

Can You Get a Personal Loan with Bad Credit?

Published by Hilary CairnsPublished on March 12, 2020

A person holding a wallet and pulling out a credit card.

financial advice & planning

When you think about getting a personal loan, something you need to know is your credit score. When is the last time you checked yours? But if you find your score is bad, can you still qualify for a personal loan? We cover that here in this article. Yes, You Can Still Qualify Yes, you …

How to Use a Personal Loan Calculator to Plan Out Your Loan

Published by Hilary CairnsPublished on February 25, 2020

A calculator sitting atop loan documents.

financial advice & planning

Whether you have a loan or you’re looking at your current loan options, a personal loan calculator can absolutely come in handy for your finances. Are you using it to its full potential? We cover how you can make the most of it for your loans in this article. Make Sure Your Information is Accurate …

How to Find the Best Savings Account for You

Published by Hilary CairnsPublished on February 19, 2020

A bank and dollar icons on a green background.

financial advice & planning

When it comes time to obtain a savings account, do you know where to look? Or what process you should follow? It may take time to find the best savings account for your needs. Check out these tips: Shop Around You shouldn’t opt for the first savings account you come across if you can help …

8 Vital Finance Tips For College Students to Save Money

Published by College Raptor StaffPublished on January 10, 2020

financial advice & planning

College presents a lot of financial challenges to students and their families. There are scholarships to win, tuition prices to consider, loans to take out, debt to repay. Not to mention many college students are financially on their own for the first time, and have to deal with budgets, paychecks, and the like. That’s why …

How Parents Can Start on Their Child’s College Finance Planning

Published by College Raptor StaffPublished on January 2, 2020

financial advice & planning

With college fees increasing every year, it has become impossible for the average parent to pay their child’s tuition entirely on their own. Making smart saving decisions will at least help you cover a larger part of the fees while keeping your child’s student debt to the minimum. And it definitely pays to start thinking …

How EFC Affects Your College Cost and Financial Aid Planning

Published by College Raptor StaffPublished on December 26, 2019

Two college students in conversation at a cafe.

financial advice & planning

Saving or raising money to pay for college can be a long and challenging process. There are a lot of elements that go into the planning, and so many affect one another. One of the biggest factors when it comes to financial aid is EFC. Let’s break it down. What is EFC? EFC stands for …

What Are The 529 Plan Rules?

Published by College Raptor StaffPublished on December 2, 2019

A father and young daughter standing beneath spring trees outside a college building.

financial advice & planning

When it comes to saving for college, 529 plans are often at the forefront of many parents’ savings research and goals. However, there are a lot of rules and information to digest. States offer 529 plans to give parents a way to save for their kids’ college tuition. Parents who start saving in a 529 …

How the The American Opportunity Tax Credit Can Save You $2,500 Per Year

Published by College Raptor StaffPublished on November 14, 2019

Parent holding a small piggy bank in his hands.

financial advice & planning

College is quite an investment, especially for families with multiple children. Saving up for higher education can be a challenge. There always seems to be one more fee to pay, another textbook to purchase, and so on… Luckily, there is some help available. If you are a parent with one or more children enrolled in …

Let’s Talk About Money: 6 Conversations Families Should Have Before College

Last updated by College Raptor StaffLast updated October 17, 2019

Speech bubble with text: parents and students should talk about money

financial advice & planning

Nobody really likes talking about finances and budgets, especially when things are tight. Money discussions between parents and their college-bound students navigate several delicate issues. Students may have their heart set on attending their ‘dream’ school. But what if mom and dad just can’t afford the high tuition fees? Should their child give up on …