Financial Planning and Advice Articles

A calculator sitting atop loan documents.

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

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 7, 2020

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 …

A bank and dollar icons on a green background.

financial advice & planning

How to Find the Best Savings Account for You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 7, 2020

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 …

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8 Vital Finance Tips For College Students to Save Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 7, 2020

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 …

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

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 2, 2020

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 …

Two college students in conversation at a cafe.

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How EFC Affects Your College Cost and Financial Aid Planning

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 26, 2019

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 …

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

financial advice & planning

What Are The 529 Plan Rules?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 2, 2019

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 …

Parent holding a small piggy bank in his hands.

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

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 16, 2020

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 …

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

financial advice & planning

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

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 18, 2021

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 …

Triangular pattern with text: Financial tips every college student should know

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7 Important Financial Tips College-Bound Students Need to Know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2021

There’s a lot a college bound student needs to learn and top of this list is how to navigate finances. Developing money management skills before going to college will set the stage for lifelong fiscal responsibility. More importantly, it can help prevent common financial disasters such as bankruptcy. Here are 7 important financial tips all …

Piggy bank with text: How to Save Money in College

financial advice & planning

How to Save Money in College: 4 Easy Steps

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 16, 2020

There is absolutely no doubt that college is expensive. Everyone wonders how to save money in college. Even if you have a job it can be tricky. However, there are definitely ways to do it! Here how to save money in college in four great steps to get you on your way to a strong …