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
So I recently completed my FAFSA and per usual it took
less thank fifteen minutes. This got me to thinking on a few helpful tips for
those completing the FAFSA for the first time or those who were resubmitting
like myself. I know FAFSA can be stressful for some and a breeze for others so
these tips will serve both sides of the coin.
Figure 1: This is a thumbnail of my latest YouTube video on “2021 FAFSA Tips” where I am looking at the camera while seated in my office smiling in a black top.
Use
a Desktop or Laptop: Yes, you can complete FAFSA on your phone
however when completing important documents using the largest screen possible
is a must so that you don’t miss out on any important lines or other
information. Head over to the Financial Aid office to use their desktop
computers and get assistance if you don’t have one.
Use
the Transfer Feature: This feature allows you to transfer all
of last year’s information to your new application. You can also transfer over
yours or your parents IRS information directly into the application, which
saves a load of time!
Figure
2: This is a photo of a blue notebook with the words “FAFSA Free
Application for Federal Student Aid “in yellow lettering next to a keyboard.
Is
Your Information Up To Date? After using the transfer
tool be sure that all of your information is correct and up to date. I recommend
going line by line to double check everything.
Don’t
Assume You Can’t Apply! The answer will always be no if you
don’t ask! I am a graduate student and have received a ton of free money since
starting my doctoral program. The funds are out there folks!
To
Be Early Is To Be On Time: The early bird gets the most money
in this case guys. The priority deadline is in February 2022 however; your
university may have other deadlines in place. If you need to use your parent’s
tax information stay on top of them until this gets finished! Don’t get
discouraged or give up!
Figure
3: This is a picture of a gold clock.
Have you completed your FAFSA? Are you running into
issues? Drop down in the comments and
let me know! Be sure to check out my latest video below!
SUBSCRIBE: 2021
FAFSA Tips!
Good post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Zayden! -Ms. Duggan
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