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My One Year Student Loan Payoff Update

  January 28, 2022 marked my one year anniversary of paying off my student loans . Reflecting back on choosing to pay off my student loans leaves me with several take a ways that I want to share with you! In September 2020 I decided to become debt free by utilizing the debt snowball method to pay off all my debt. Before this I had struggled to save and really understand basic financial principles. As a first-generation college student, I received a scholarship to attend undergrad for free, but the scholarship did not cover summers. During the summers I took out student loans to cover costs without paying interest rates or how much I was taking out. By the end of undergrad I had amassed a little under $17K. Fast forward to graduate school I received another scholarship that covered my education. At the time I was a teacher in a new very expensive city and I had missed the cutoff to have my paycheck last me throughout the summer. So, I decided to take out a loan for two summers to keep
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Summer Courses Are Here! Are You Ready?!

 

Well this is my last week of freedom as my summer courses start on Monday. I am taking two classes that will last until early August yayy me (NOT!).  With classes being right around the corner I plan to enjoy this week to the fullest while making sure that I am prepared for a successful summer semester. The summer can make or break you and I plan to succeed so here is what I am doing to make sure things go as planned!


Figure 1: This is a thumbnail of my latest YouTube video “Summer Courses are Here Are You Ready?!



As a graduate student, you have to buy your books BEFORE the semester begins as you can expect assignments on the first day. This is also true for the summer as well since most classes will be cut in half. For example, your typical 12 week class will be jammed packed into 6 weeks for most undergraduate courses. So get your books early!

Figure 2: This is a photo of a stack books


 You also want to review your syllabus to find out more information about the course. Things like projects, papers, and other assignments will assist you in knowing if this is a course that you should take during the summer. My university actually lets you see the syllabus before the course starts so if this is an option for you take advantage. If not, then review your syllabus in it’s entirety as soon as the class starts.



Figure 3: This is a photo of the word syllabus on top of two books


 

Since I work in Disability Services, I always have to remind students to please register for accommodations if this applies to you. Often times students wait until it’s too late and nothing can be done to best assist them. So get this done early! Another important step is to complete all of your summer financial aid requirements early. Finances are limited during the summer and the early bird always gets the worm in this case. I have actually received $1K in summer funding in addition to my employee scholarship, which is more than I got during the fall and spring semester. I know money is limited so do not give up hope. I would encourage you to schedule a meeting with a financial aid advisor to see what FREE money is available to you. This has always helped me.



Figure 4: This is a photo of a stack of $100 dollar bills with a card on top that reads “Financial Aid and Scholarships”.

 

Lastly, RELAX! Be sure to prioritize your self-care throughout the semester so that you can stay on track. The summer goes by quick and you want to make it count so be sure to take care of yourself. How do you prepare for summer courses? Drop down in the comments and let me know! Be sure to check out my video below for more information.

SUBSCRIBE: Summer Courses Are Here Are You Ready?1

Link for eBook

Coupon Code: Ms. Duggan

 


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