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FINANCIAL LITERACY BLOGS

Within Reach

Tackle school and money decisions with confidence thanks to expert tips and help from those who have been there before

URL/PDF: www.salliemae.com/blog

Smarty Pig®

Money tips from Professor Pig

URL/PDF: www.smartypig.com/professor-pig

COLLEGE PLANNING & PAYING

Paying for College Resource

Access to free information and online tools to help make a plan to pay for college.
• Why fill out the FAFSA®?
• How to compare financial aid offers
• Finding scholarships
• What to know about student loans
• Paying for college video series
…And so much more!

URL/PDF: www.PayingForCollegeResource.com

Scholarships – Finding Free Money for College

Did you know there are scholarships for almost any hobby, talent, interest, or sport? You will learn:
• The importance and ease of using a scholarship search engine.
• About the variety of scholarship resources
• Creating a winning scholarship essay
• Key tips on applying for scholarships

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=d4946e195351967f66354cf840e6cf2a

Sallie Mae Scholarship Search

Register for free access to 6 million scholarships worth up to $30 billion.

URL/PDF: www.salliemae.com/scholarshipsearch

How to Pay the Balance

Many students and families will be considering financing a portion of their college education with either a federal PLUS Loan or a private student loan when scholarships and financial aid are not enough. This session highlights the differences between the PLUS and private student loan programs. The focus will be on encouraging responsible borrowing and what you can do to help educate your students and families on finding the right solution for their borrowing needs. By attending this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the gap financing tools that students and families use and will be better equipped to counsel them on choosing the right financing solution for them.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=22f6e347d2e143ecb9667835a180f6ca

Undergraduate Students - Understanding gap financing options

Comparing the Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents, private student loans, and private parent loans

URL/PDF: Options for filling a financial gap (UGRD)

College Planning Calculator

This easy-to-use college planning calculator helps you search for college costs and build a customized plan based on your own situation.
• You can see the full cost of college, not just tuition.
• Factor savings, scholarships, grants, and loans into your plan.
• If college is just around the corner, we can help you figure out how to pay for it.
• If college is far away, we can help you save for it.
• See guidelines for a loan payment compared to the salary needed to support it.
• Save your plan and you can review, revise, and update it at any time while you put that plan into action.

URL/PDF: www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/college-planning-calculator/

GRADUATE SCHOOL PLANNING & PAYING

Considering Graduate or Professional School

Learn what graduate admissions offices are looking for, how to apply and next steps. A panel of experiences graduate school admission officers will discuss the Law School, Medical School and General Graduate School, as well as financial aid tips.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=dc5cf98ca007a17dd06ceeb3bf224231

Paying for Graduate School

Planning for graduate school is an exciting next step in your professional journey. However, you may be wondering how graduate school is financed, whether the FAFSA might help, and if scholarships and other opportunities are available. This session will highlight the differences between the Federal Grad PLUS Loan and private student loan programs and focus on encouraging responsible borrowing while helping students find the right solutions to help pay for their education.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=418dc9f4326ecd79c89974ca94cedf97

I’ve Been Accepted to Grad School, Now What?

This panel discussion includes:
• What grad schools need from you after you’ve been accepted
• Different methods of enrollment, budgeting for success and how to pay
Whether an assistantship or fellowship is right for you

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=ea9b7edd1752606af46c338c228d7f88

Sallie Mae Graduate School Scholarship Search

Your go-to source for $1 billion in grad scholarships. Register for free access to 950,000+ scholarships

URL/PDF: www.Salliemae.com/gradscholarships

Graduate Students - Understanding Gap Financing Options

Comparing the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, private student loans, and private parent loans

URL/PDF: Options for filling a financial gap (GRAD)

College Planning Calculator

This easy to use college planning calculator helps you search for college costs and build a customized plan based on your own situation.
• You can see the full cost of college, not just tuition.
• Factor savings, scholarships, grants, and loans into your plan.
• If college is just around the corner, we can help you figure out how to pay for it.
• If college is far away, we can help you save for it.
• See guidelines for a loan payment compared to the salary needed to support it.
Save your plan and you can review, revise, and update it at any time while you put that plan into action.

URL/PDF: www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/college-planning-calculator/

MONEY MANAGEMENT

Smart Money Management

During this session you’ll learn smart tips for managing your money while in school. You’ll gain confidence in your financial skills and the knowledge you need to create a budget and savings plan.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=8c2bc165e86bfca212dea98d83854fe8

Monthly Budget Worksheet

Use this worksheet to create a budget and check how you’re doing each month compared with your budget goal. The worksheet will total your numbers at the bottom so you can see if you need to make adjustments — like cutting expenses or boosting your income — to reach your goal.

URL/PDF: My monthly budget worksheet

CREDIT & BANKING

Understanding Credit

Understanding how credit works and building a responsible credit history early on is essential to building a strong credit score. This session will review the five primary factors considered in your credit score and discuss best practices for building and managing credit. You’ll learn more about FICO® Scores, credit cards, and credit reports.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/ldr.php?RCID=0950b245004cdd5e0ed62efa51466e62

Understanding Credit

FICO Scores, loans, and financial health tips

URL/PDF: Understanding Credit Handboook

FICO Education Video Series - What is a FICO® Score?

Topics include:
• Understanding Your Credit Report
• What is a FICO Score?
• What goes into FICO Scores?
• Managing Your FICO Scores
• How lenders use FICO Scores
• Which Credit Scores Matter

URL/PDF: https://vimeopro.com/myfico/fico-educational-video-series/video/121931993

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity Theft and How to Avoid It

Identity theft can be one of the most devastating things that can happen to an individual. It can damage your credit status and your reputation and can take a significant amount of your time to restore your name and credit standing. During this session you will learn what identity theft is and how to identify it. You will also hear about the steps necessary to repair your identity in the event that it is stolen. Finally, attendees will hear tips and recommendations on how to avoid identity theft.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/ldr.php?RCID=f60de1f6ebe74234aad794b9fdad62a6

Fighting Identity Theft

If your information falls into the wrong hands, it could cost you time and money to restore your good name and credit status. To help keep your financial reputation intact, follow these helpful tips. 

URL/PDF: 10 Tips to Fight Identity Theft

STUDENT LOANS & REPLAYMENT

Understanding the Cost of Undergraduate Student Loan Borrowing

Understanding the cost of student loan borrowing: This presentation covers financial literacy topics such as the relative cost of a student loan, loan repayment tools, and tips on managing student loans. It identifies important things students should know about their loan portfolio, identifying their servicers and understanding the cost of their student loan.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=60a8085828ba4b93b20fb38a79427f64

Understanding the Cost of Graduate Student Loan Borrowing

This presentation covers financial literacy topics such as money management, credit management, understanding the relative cost of a graduate student loan, loan repayment tools, and tips on managing student loans. It identifies important things students should know about their loan portfolio, identifying their servicers and understanding the cost of their student loan.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=4c2f3fb54eba48b8bf85fd163d7effc1

How Can a Cosigner Help You Secure a Private Student Loan?

Important things to know when considering a cosigner for a private student loan.

URL/PDF: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcdgPbOQ3Ck

Student Loan Interest

Learn about the components of loans - interest rate, principal amount, accrue, capitalization – and tips on how to manage your loans.

URL/PDF: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mudv_0RVJY&index=1&list=PL4l7V27U1QKjWtRDKAZBUC78Kwm4nb4Lv

Variable vs. Fixed Interest Rates

Interest rate is the rate charged to borrow money. When you take out a loan, you pay it back with interest, so you pay back more than you borrowed. A fixed interest rate is usually a little higher than a starting variable interest rate. However, with a fixed interest rate, you’ll have predictable monthly payments, which can make it easier to stick to a budget or plan for college. On the other hand, a variable interest rate may vary based on the financial markets. Usually, variable interest rates start lower than fixed interest rates helping you save money for college. It is important to bear in mind that variable interest rates could go up or down due to an increase or decrease in the loan’s index. Watch this video by Sallie Mae to learn more about the benefits and considerations of fixed and variable interest rates for your private student loan. Talk to your private student loan lender so you can understand your options and choose the right ones for you.

URL/PDF: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqQxVVh3IcI

Accrued Interest Calculator

See how accrued interest could affect your loan balance. Even if you’re not currently making loan payments, interest continues to accrue (grow). Paying a little more toward your loan may reduce your total loan cost.

URL/PDF: www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/accrued-interest-calculator/

Responsible Repayment Strategies for Undergraduate Students

It’s never too early to understand important considerations for managing your student loan debt. This important session will share:
• Important dates to know within your student loan repayment timeline
• What you can do to avoid capitalized interest
• Options for postponing student loan payments and how postponement affects your loan balance
• Choosing a student loan repayment plan and understanding the pros and cons of Income Driven Repayment Plans
• Understanding Public Service Loan Forgiveness

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/ldr.php?RCID=c911547c55db42e1ad48c8c640464247

Responsible Repayment Strategies for Graduate and Professional Students

This presentation identifies important things students should know upon graduation such as knowing their loan portfolio, identifying their servicers, and understanding the cost of their student loan. It will also outline information on deferment and forbearance options. The session will also provide information helping your students manage their spending, save money, build and maintain good credit, and understand the basics behind student loan repayment. It will also highlight the key principles of money management, borrowing guidelines, credit card usage, identity theft, as well as tips on managing student loans.

URL/PDF: https://salliemaebank.webex.com/salliemaebank/lsr.php?RCID=26e7e4d9d61ef804f1dacc77275578c4

Student Loan Payment Amount Estimator

When you’re considering taking out a student loan, or about to start paying off one, use this calculator to estimate what your monthly payment might be.

URL/PDF: www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/student-loan-repayment-calculator/

Repaying student loans

As you begin to repay your loans, these strategies can help make the process simpler. 

URL/PDF: Repaying your student loans: Useful tips

Student Loan & Financial Planning

This checklist can help you get organized as you get ready to leave school. Start by collecting all of your student loan documents and keep them in one file. Examples of these documents include Master Promissory Notes, financial aid offers, lender/servicer communications, disclosure statements, and exit interview information.

URL/PDF: Student Loan And Financial Planning Checklist

Student Loan Delinquency & Default

Learn about delinquency and default and tips to help you successfully repay your loans.

URL/PDF: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF2fvIUtQsU&list=PL4l7V27U1QKjWtRDKAZBUC78Kwm4nb4Lv&index=3