This Week
Buying a Car
A car purchase is a high-stakes deal for just about anyone. This week, we'll cover strategies for finding the best car and successfully negotiating the best overall price.
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Key topics for those transitioning from school to the workplace.
- From College to the Workplace
No matter what your financial outlook is after leaving school, the concept of financial health is an important step toward long-term financial success.
- Salary Expectations Versus Reality
Most young people tend to overestimate their starting salaries.
- Earning a Paycheck
A brief overview of common paycheck deductions and how to increase earning potential.
- Employer Benefits
There are four main types of employee benefit programs: health insurance, retirement plans, tax-advantaged savings, and supplemental benefits such as life and vision care insurance.
- Making Decisions About Employee Benefits
Employee benefits vary between employers, so it’s up to the employee to make the most of whatever benefits are offered.
- Day One of a New Job
First impressions are important. New employees should take the time to prepare for the first day to ensure that they start off on the right foot.
- Time Management
To be successful in today’s workplace, you need to know how to manage the limited amount of time you have to accomplish all of your tasks.
- The Concept of Professionalism
Being a “professional” paves the way for both current and future success, no matter what career you choose. Professionalism requires you to draw upon a set of skills that may seem outside the specific skills required for your job.
- Networking in the Workplace
Effective networking can lead to success in your career both now and in the future.
Learn the basics of managing money, including financial health, budgeting, managing credit, plus more.
- Financial Health
The concept of financial health is the foundation of any financial plan.
- Introduction to Budgeting
Why budgeting is important, no matter how much money you earn.
- Choosing a Bank or Credit Union
Key factors to consider when choosing a financial services provider.
- Credit vs. Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards each have pros and cons. When should you use each?
- Credit Reports and Scores
Credit reports and scores determine the rates you pay when borrowing and can affect your ability to get certain jobs.
- Managing Accounts
Account management strategies for checking and savings.
- Building Credit
Understanding the decisions and behaviors that can lead to improved credit scores.
- Identity Theft
Understanding ID theft and how to prevent it.
- Financial Goals Exercise
A goal-setting exercise that includes weekly, monthly, yearly, and long-term goals.
From choosing a make and model to financing a purchase, topics every consumer should understand when buying a car.
- Buying a Car Introduction
An introduction to the basics of this major purchase and responsibility.
- Choosing a Make and Model
A look at four important factors to consider when choosing a car: fuel consumption, insurance rates, reliability, and depreciation.
- The Total Cost of Ownership
Understanding the many costs associated with owning a car - from financing to taxes.
- Buy or Lease?
Understanding the pros and cons of vehicle leasing.
- Financing a Car Purchase
How a loan affects the total cost of buying a car.
- Evaluating a Used Car
How to "do your homework" before buying a used car.
- Setting a Target Price
How to set a realistic target price for both new and used vehicles.
- Negotiating Price
Know what to expect when negotiating the best deal.
- Avoiding Surprises
Think the negotiating is finished when you agree on a price? Here's how to negotiate dealer extras and extended warranty pitches.
- Common Mistakes When Buying a Car
Twelve common mistakes to keep in mind when shopping for a car.
The basics of financial aid, including the types of aid, applying for aid, borrower responsibilities, and repayment strategies.
- Financial Aid Introduction
Whether you're considering higher education for yourself or starting to plan for the education of your kids, understanding the financial aid process is the first step to meeting your education goals.
- Types of Financial Aid
The main types of financial aid are education loans, grants and scholarships, work-study, and service programs.
- Creating an Aid Strategy
Considerations when planning to pay for school, including school choice, employment options, accounting strategies, and the importance of borrowing wisely.
- Understanding Financial Need
Some aid is based on financial need and some is not. What exactly is "financial need?"
- Applying for Aid
The aid application process, including descriptions of the FAFSA and Profile forms.
- Education Loans
A description of the main types of student loans, including government loans, consolidation loans, and private loans.
- Choosing the Right Loan
Questions every student should be able to answer before taking on a student loan.
- Selecting a Private Loan Lender
When federal loans are not enough, private lenders such as banks, credit unions, and non-profit lenders can help to fill the gap.
- The Master Promissory Note
An introduction to the agreement that specifies your rights and responsibilities when accepting a student loan.
- Repaying College Debt
A look at common repayment plans, including how different plans affect your monthly payment and overall cost.
- Borrowing Wisely
Making smart choices about student loans, including a description of the impact of loan capitalization.
- Independent Student Status
Understanding your financial aid dependency status, including a discussion of what to do if the parents of dependent students refuse to help them pay for college.
- Dealing with Too Little Aid
Why some students find themselves with too little aid and what can be done to make ends meet.