It’s easy to let boxes from school gather dust in your bedroom at home, but it’s best to unpack sooner rather than later. Set aside a day or two to rip off all the packing tape and get things in order. Go through the boxes, take out what you’ll need during the summer, and store the rest in a closet or basement. Your daily life will be easier when your belongings are put away, and you’ll probably feel more comfortable in your bedroom when there aren’t boxes taking up all the floor space. It’s also a good idea to label the boxes that you’re storing away. You’ll be in better shape to move back to school in the fall if you take a few moments to be organized at the start of the summer.

2. Be productive.

Living back at home can be boring in comparison to living the college lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be. You can use the time away from school to be productive and earn money by working a summer job. Lifeguarding, working at day camps, and scooping ice cream are perfect seasonal gigs for college students who are home for summer break. It will be nice to have spending money for summer activities, but try your best to set aside some savings too. When you’re back at school, you’ll be happy to have some extra cash in your pocket for weekend outings and daily coffee runs.

3. Establish ground rules with parents.

Communication is very important in ensuring that you get along with your parents for the summer. You’re used to the freedom you had at college, but try to remember that your parents are used to parenting you at home. If you feel that you’re not getting a reasonable amount of independence or trust from your parents, talk with them and explain things from your perspective. You’ve been away for a decent amount of time, so your family might not realize that you’ve grown up a little bit in the process. Negotiate a curfew time early on to avoid any miscommunications or arguments later in the summer.

4. Contribute around the house.

You’re no longer in your dorm—you’re in your family’s shared living space. Remind yourself of this fact whenever possible! If you were lax with cleaning back at your dorm, realize that you’ll probably have to step up your tidying skills now that you’re home. Pick up after yourself and contribute to the home by assisting with household chores. Just by doing that, a lot of unnecessary conflict can be avoided.

5. Have fun!

You survived finals, and now you deserve to have fun! Read books that you don’t have to worry about being quizzed on, watch movies, and go to concerts. Take advantage of the comforts of home that you might not have had at your college campus. Reconnect with old friends who you missed while you were away, and spend time with your family. Relish home-cooked meals and your stocked refrigerator. Enjoy your summer, and soon enough you’ll be starting another year at college!

Moving out of your dorm at the end of the semester is a bittersweet experience.  While it can be sad to leave behind college friends for the summer, frequently summer plans and goals trump all apprehensions about leaving campus.  With the stress of finals and the desire to embark on your vacation, sometimes packing up your room becomes a mindless test of speed and efficiency, making it easy to overlook minor faults and damages to your room.  Usually the worst outcome of this is a suitcase full of dirty laundry and a possibly broken desk lamp, but it isn’t uncommon to run into more serious consequences: room damage fees.  Below is a list of ways to help avoid being confronted with dorm damage and moving fees.

1. Don’t overlook the condition card!

At the start of the semester during move-in your college residence advisor most likely handed you a condition card where you could indicate current damages and issues with your room assignment.  These cards are of the utmost importance as they serve to gauge the severity of changes to the condition of your room when it is reviewed after you move-out.  It is important to be as specific as possible on these cards, and to include even the most minor issues with your room to make sure that you are protected against future potential for charges.  If your school does not provide condition cards, speak with your residence advisor about the condition of your room to make sure that its condition is taken note of prior to the start of your semester.

2. Maintenance is your friend!

If something goes awry in your room be sure to call maintenance in a timely fashion to report the incident.  Accidents happen, and if you are proactive about fixing an issue, you are far less likely to incur dorm damage charges than if you did not alert maintenance to the issue and left it to be discovered post-semester after you had moved out.  Similarly, if you notice a problem in a common area of your dormitory, don’t hesitate to call it in! Reporting problems without hesitation can save both you and your neighbors from fines; some schools even have anonymous tip lines which you can call or text regarding condition issues in campus buildings.

3. Move out should mirror move in!

Possibly the most important piece of advice is to ensure that you leave your dorm at the end of the semester looking exactly as it did when you first arrived last fall.  Schools are very strict about the furnishings they include in the room, so be sure not only to double check that everything which came with your room is there, but I would also recommend leaving the furniture arranged in the way in which you found it.  This allows for an easier examination of your room after you leave, and helps to prevent additional fees.  Also, make sure to donate and/or dispose of any items you do not wish to take back with you; it would be very frustrating to receive a fine due to forgetting to empty your trash or similarly neglecting to drop off winter clothes at your local charity.

Before moving out, be sure to clarify with your residence advisor your dorm’s specific rules and regulations regarding move out procedures and expected room condition.  This can save you from possible fines and make the move out process run smoothly for you. If you’re worried about having to pay for damages at the end of the semester, you may want to consider a renters insurance policy, which may cover the expenses incurred if there are damages.

I read an article this morning by Charles Wheelan entitled “10 Things Your Commencement Speaker Won’t Tell You.”  As a somewhat-recent-grad, I found a lot of helpful takeaways (and some bordering on absurd) in this piece, and it inspired me to reflect on the “real-world” knowledge I’ve gained.  Here are 5 more things you may not hear at commencement, but are useful nonetheless, inspired by Mr. Wheelan.

1. Your money was well spent.

Dismal statistics concerning college grads are all over the news these days, however, a degree DOES pay off in terms of employment. The unempoloyment rate for college grads is far lower than those without degrees, sparking this article in the Atlantic, “What’s More Expensive Than College? Not Going to College.” You may have racked up some debt paying for your education, but education is one of the wisest investments you’ve made in your life.

2. Some of your worst days lie ahead. Make sure you’re protected.

You may be young and healthy now, but you may not always be so. Health insurance costs may seem among the easiest to cut when you survey your budget – but think twice. Accidents happen. Even if it’s for a short stretch, make sure you are covered – medical bills are the leading cause of . You’ve got several options, whether you need temporary care, are going to stay on your parent’s plan, are about to enroll in an employer’s plan or need permanent health insurance.

The same goes for your home and your car, other bigger expenses in any budget. Renters insurance may seem unnecessary, as might full auto coverage. To keep an unforeseen event from derailing your finances, look into these types of insurance and see if your risk warrants coverage. Make sure you know all the facts, as well as your exposure to risks, before choosing to go without renters or auto coverage.

3. Don’t make your debt/financial situation worse.

Even if you have looming student debt, or want to keep up with the Joneses, resist spending beyond your means. You never know what lies ahead or what tough times will befall you. That doesn’t mean they will, but you never know when you may need to fall back on an emergency fund. Put away a bit of what you earn each check, and don’t fall prey to credit card debt.

Even if your first paychecks are small, make saving a top priority – now is the time to start good financial habits, without developing ones that will add on to any school debt you’ve acquired. Take care when using credit cards and resist the urge to keep up with the Joneses. There are always going to be people with more to spend than you, but a realistic view of what you’re bringing and what you have to spend will serve you well.

Follow the basic principle: spend less than you earn. Writing down where all your money goes and tracking it is the first step in finding ways to make your paychecks stretch as far as possible. Check out tools like mint.com or SmarterBank to get some help managing your finances, budgets, and debts. There’s even a mint app for when you are on-the-go! You’ll be a finance pro in no time, and thankful for your good habits in the future.

4. Get the advice of someone smarter than you are.

If you need help budgeting or are wondering if you need better insurance coverage or should start investing or are paying the right amount for any of your expenses – ask! Whether you turn to a book on finance, a mentor, a parent, an agent or an advisor, don’t be afraid to seek the guidance you need. It will pay off, literally.

5. Don’t try to take the easy way out.

Cutting corners with your finances may open you to all sorts of risks. In your first years of working, seek to build your finances, and if you are not already, seek financial independence from your parents.

To the class of 2012, best of luck!

With the semester nearing an end and summer just around the corner, you may find yourself confronting a move.  Whether moving to a new city for a summer internship, a new job, or because mom and dad decided to make your old room into a home gym, you could end up looking for a sublet. At the surface, subletting can be an overwhelming and horribly unorganized process. That being said, it can actually bring positives with it: renting a sublet is a great way to test the waters of a new neighborhood or new roommates due to the shorter than usual lease terms.

For those looking to sublet their current apartment, have no fear: the summer frequently brings an influx of individuals looking for shorter-term leasing, and if you rent near a college campus, then many colleges run summer programs where both the university’s students and students who usually attend other universities come and study for the summer.  Below are some ideas for ways to navigate the process from both sides of it, so that you can get your summer off to a great start in a fabulous sublet!

Be flexible

Flexibility counts when looking for a sublet or renting your apartment as a sublet.  Being open minded to a new neighborhood, different roommates than you had originally planned (or having no roommates at all), or different amenities than you thought you wanted can help you find a great sublet.  A new neighborhood can bring tons of exciting opportunities for exploring new restaurants and activities, new roommates could mean new best friends (or living alone could provide you with the distraction-free environment you have always lusted after,) and you may not even notice the lack of a dishwasher in the kitchen once you have come to love the oversized, old windows in your apartment.

That being said, from the other side of the process, flexibility counts as well.  Flexibility according to lease date can be an especially important tool in helping you find a subletter.  If someone comes across your apartment and wants to rent it, but alas they want the sublet to start on the 15th of the month and you were hoping for a 1st of the month start date, do not immediately throw the offer away.  Strongly consider the offer still, as there are no guarantees with subletting, and this could potentially be the best offer you receive, (and turn into the most economically appealing choice.)

Cover all ground

Sublet opportunities, and opportunities to find an individual to sublet your apartment, are scattered everywhere.  While this is one of the contributing factors to the overwhelming feeling which frequently accompanies subletting, it is also one of the easiest areas to tackle. It’s easy to fall into the alluring trap of making one Craigslist listing and bemoaning the lack of response on your apartment as your listing becomes buried within an hour on the website.  One way to avoid this is to not be afraid to reach out to your nearest and dearest hundreds of Facebook friends with a status announcing your search, or similarly advertising your soon-to-be available apartment.  Social networking is an invaluable tool when dealing with subletting.  Your middle school lab partner could totally be looking for a sublet, and a friend of a friend could be looking for someone to rent his apartment.  Additionally, announcing such a search can be a great way to connect with potential roommates.  Many students find themselves drawn to the same cities for summer opportunities, so chances are others in your network could be going through the same process as you.  Similarly, look to reach out to whatever resources are available to you.  If you attend college, many universities have off-campus housing offices where students can go for listings and for help finding local rentals.  Contacting them with information about your apartment or your search for a sublet could lead to a plethora of interest in your unit as well as many suitable matches for those looking to rent.

Lastly, don’t get stressed

It’s easy to become stressed out and overwhelmed by the process of either finding a sublet or trying to sublet your apartment.  If looking to sublet, be sure to always discuss subletting with your landlord first, as every landlord has his/her own rules and policies regarding subletting.  This can save you a lot of time and potential aggravation.  Additionally, if you are looking for a sublet, don’t get discouraged: all it takes is one advertisement for you to find the sublet of your dreams.

Student debt has been popping up all over the headlines lately. Whether its about the impending Stafford Loan rate increases, more unemployment statistics, more dismal news about recent grads entering the job market, or further commentary on how student debt has now topped credit card debt in the U.S. – reminders of and information about student debt is everywhere these days. And most of it is not pretty.

The average student debt hovers around $25,000. Combined with a weak job market, it’s enough to make any recent grad’s stress level skyrocket. Starting out on your own managing debt isn’t easy – but a new way to juggle those costs has come to our attention. SmarterBank and Simple Tuition are giving away up to $25,000 in payments to one lucky winner’s student debt with their #CrushStudentDebt sweepstakes!

Amaze! While you check out their sweepstakes, check out SmarterBank’s new online checking account, which hooks students and graduates up with rewards that can help them pay down their student debt – that does sound smart.

You can check out the sweepstakes here and learn more about SmarterBank and Simple Tuition. Good luck! (And don’t forget to follow #crushstudentdebt on Twitter!)

How bittersweet this time of year is – summer is approaching, meaning no more classes or exams or deadlines, but you have to say goodbye to your friends, professors, clubs and parties. Although this can be a fun time get distracted and to get ready for the warm weather and summer fun again, it’s also a time to make sure you’re prepared to be on time for your flight or ride when moving out of your dorm or apartment.

Between finals, nice weather and saying goodbye to friends, it can be difficult to get everything packed in an organized and timely manner. However, it helps everyone to do a little bit over time, so the whole task never seems too overwhelming. What do you need to do before you leave? Where should you begin? Check out this list!

1. Figure out where your stuff is going ASAP.
   If you live near school, it’s probably all going with you back home. Get some boxes or bags to start packing things away early – nothing is worse than a parent who’s just spent x thousands of dollars to send you to college to better yourself and arrive to find you are still a helpless child who can’t even pack up his or her tiny dorm room. The shame!If you live far from campus,  call around to different storage places in and around campus to get the best rates. Got friends who live off campus with a sweet basement? See if you can stash your stuff there for summer, crazy basement party throwing permitting. You don’t want your TV jacked during some frat rager if you’re leaving your things in their basement. There are many options – look out for flyers on campus. The sooner you choose a spot to keep your stuff, the sooner you can get the approved boxes to start packing things up. The sooner the better…
2. Start packing your clothes early.
   Honestly. How many outfits are you really going to wear while spending your  your last two weeks camped out at the school library preparingcramming for finals? If you’re anything like the typical college student, you’ll be parked in a remote corner of the library in the same sweatsuit for the majority of the rest of the semester…Pack away your winter gear first that you definitely won’t touch in two weeks. Then move on to everything else.Things of note to keep out: make sure to keep some sweatshirts or a fleece for cooler nights, some rain gear/waterproof shoes in case April showers rain on your parade, a few party clothes in case you get the opportunity to attend some of the last of the year, and some clothes for class. A couple weeks goes by quickly, and when you’d rather be celebrating the end of finals instead of packing up your whole room, you’ll be glad you started putting things into boxes/bags/storage early.
3. Set aside items to donate. 
   Starting to pack early will give you plenty of time to go through the things you don’t need any longer. Last semester’s fashion or gym sneaks may have seen better days, and it may be time to throw some things out or, better yet, donate them. Many campuses arrange for “donation drop offs” where you can bring the stuff you don’t want to be donated, or a “take it or leave it” section, where you can grab all the stuff the seniors are leaving behind, and leave behind your old stuff for someone else to cherish. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so if you don’t want it or need it and it’s in good condition, donate it!
4. Eat your food. Use your meal points.
   Make the most of what you’ve got – start eating the snacks kicking around your room and swap late night pizza ordering for a trip to the dining hall to use up your meal plan and save a couple bucks during stressful finals time. Make sure to throw out any food, drinks, trash, etc. that you don’t plan on bringing home with you. Ants and rats are no fun, especially if Residence Life fines you for bringing them around.
5. As the semester comes to a close, start selling back your books and sorting through your school work.
   Books are heavy. Don’t bring them all home with you. Hit the campus bookstore and sell them back, make your returns to the book renter, or find a student to buy yours as soon as finals end so you aren’t stuck with tons of pounds to carry down four flights on move-out day. They’ll only be worth less come next semester…Sort through the work you’ve done this year and decide if it is worth saving and bringing back home. Do you really need your notes from your elective class? Save any papers you’re especially proud of, or that may help you in the future (like the essay that may  become the cornerstone for your thesis?). Better yet, save the digital files to an external hard drive and save on space (just don’t lose it!).
6. Survey your (mostly) empty room for damage.
   If you cause damage to your dorm or your apartment, residence life or your landlord will hold you accountable, and you’ll have to pay up. Hopefully, you have renters insurance in case any big charges come up, but for smaller damages there are some quick fixes. If you’ve made marks or holes in the walls from posters, pictures, etc., cover them up using spatter – if the hole is smaller than ¼ inch, simply squeeze some toothpaste in the hole, then use a playing card to scrap off the excess-a 2nd application might be needed (http://www.diylife.com/2007/07/24/how-to-quickly-fill-small-holes-in-your-wall/)
7. Save time to clean.
   Yeah, it’s a little annoying, but saving time to clean up your space after you leave it will also save you the dollars the university or your landlord may charge you for not vacuuming, emptying all your trash or making the place look gross.
8. Hold on to a memento of this year.
   If you’re anything like most students, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of junk since the fall. Campus freebies are hard to resist! Whether its a new tshirt or a trinket that reminds you of a great time this year, hold on to a little something to remember your year by!

Preparation is key to a quick, easy move. Best of luck getting your things packed and with finals!

The NAFSA Annual Conference is quickly approaching! There’s just over a month to go until it’s start on May 27th. We will be attending and you can come find us at booth #142 to learn more about our services, college risk and why universities and students alike should consider protecting themselves with the help of our different insurance plans.

Be sure to look for us at the conference and for our #nafsa12 Tweets on Twitter. You can follow us at @nextgenins, @GradGuard, @JohnTFees, @WentworthDennis for updates during the conference!

What are Stafford Loans?

As stated on their website,  Stafford Loans are:

federal student loans made available to college and university students to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work-study. Nearly all students are eligible to receive Stafford loans regardless of credit. Stafford loans may be subsidized by the U.S. Government or unsubsidized depending on the student’s need.

Students must be in school at least half-time to be eligible for Stafford Loans, and students may borrow up to $20,500 per year, depending on their status. Stafford Loans have a fixed interest rate, meaning the interest rate will not change over the loan period. The money for these loans is lent to the student from the U.S. Department of Education and taxpayers.

Subsidized loans are offered to students with financial need, based on the information provided on their FAFAs. While in school or other periods of deferment, students are not required to make payments to these loans, instead the government “subsidizes” the interest. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need. Any student can take out an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, however, interest is charged on this type of loan beginning as soon as it is disbursed.

The current interest rates for Stafford Loans varies on whether the loan is subsidized. For the 2011-2012 academic year, subsidized loans have a 3.40% interest rate while unsubsidized loans have an interest rate of 6.80%.

How Are They Changing?

On July 1st, the interest rates for subsidized loans will double, spiking from the current 3.40% interest rate to 6.40% for the 2012-2013 school year, unless Congress intervenes.

How Would a Spike in Rates Affect Me?

If you are seeking a loan for the 2012-2013 school year based on need, interest will affect how much you will end up paying over the life of your loan. SmartMoney illustrates what will happen to a student borrowing $11,300 in subsidized loans:

A jump in rates would be broadly felt: If rates were to stay at 3.4% for several years, a bachelor’s degree recipient with roughly $11,300 in total subsidized Stafford loans — the average amount, according to FinAid.org — would pay $15,630 over 20 years. If rates shoot up to 6.8% and remain there, this individual would pay an extra $5,125, or $20,755, over that period.

Why Would They Raise Interest Rates?

Student debt in the United States has reached $1 trillion, exceeding credit card debt. To help students, Congress passed the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which froze interest rates on subsidized Stafford Loans and brought then down to a fixed-rate of 3.40%. This helps students, however, it is a heavy burden for the government to bear, costing up to $6 billion each year. Raising interest rates would save the U.S. Department of Education billions each year. You can learn more in this helpful NPR interview with Mark Kantrowitz from FinAid.org.

What Does Washington Think?

NBC reports:

Both Obama and Romney have expressed support for freezing the current interest rates on the loan for poorer and middle-class students but lawmakers are still exploring ways to pay for the plan. The issue is looming because the rate will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1 without intervention by Congress, an expiration date chosen in 2007 when a Democratic Congress voted to chop the rate in half.

The Low Down

• The increase in interest rates only applies to subsidized Stafford Loans issued after July 1, 2012.
• Interest rates will increase from 3.40% to 6.80%.
• Stafford Loans are fixed-interest loans, therefore, loans issued before July 1, 2012 will be unaffected by raised rates.
• President Obama and Congress are searching for ways to delay the spike in interest.

With the approaching deadline, a college education may be on its way to becoming even more valuable than ever. As recent data suggests, this investment is fast becoming even more valued in the workforce. Although college costs keep climbing, a degree is still worthwhile, though you may want to consider protecting such a large investment. Tuition refund insurance can help you and your family protect the investment in education, you can learn more about tuition refund insurance here.

Going to college is a fun, exciting time for both students and parents. But when it comes to education, things can get a little pricey. Private and public universities are becoming more and more expensive each year–even while the economy continues to struggle. Last year, the United States College Board identified 123 as costing more than $50,000 a year. So which schools serve as some of the most expensive in the country? Take a look to find out:

Harvey Mudd College: This school, located in Claremont, CA, is one of the country’s most expensive finds–tuition, room and board topped $56,000 in 2011. The college prides itself on state-of-the-art research centers, specializing in the sciences, math and engineering. Students have the opportunity to experiment with model rockets due to their revised courses that take place in their new labs.

New York University: NYU comes with a $57,000 price tag because of its location and academic facilities. The university has the seventh-largest collegiate housing system in the U.S., all while being located in one of the most expensive housing markets worldwide. NYU also spends its money on sustainability across its campus–it has been the largest university purchaser of wind power since the year 2009. With its vast student body and multiple campuses spread throughout the city, NYU’s tuition goes towards a multitude of services including activities, research and campus safety.

Boston College: This elite college in MA possesses two campuses in two of Massachusetts’ most expensive towns. Chestnut Hill and Newton, MA, both are relatively safe and wealthy suburbs in the greater Boston area. Their $55,079 tuition covers a multitude of student activities, in-depth career services and a very popular and well-known campus ministry center on their Jesuit campus.

Sarah Lawrence College: Sarah Lawrence, located in Yonkers, NY, has held the title of “most expensive college” for the past few years. In 2011, it was the most expensive higher education institution in the U.S. with a grand total of $59,170. With a total student body of 2,500, Sarah Lawrence prides itself in its close-knit community. The student-teacher ratio is only nine to one and the average size of an undergraduate seminar totals twelve people. The largest size lecture you’ll find at Sarah Lawrence is 75–a lot of the college’s money goes toward providing dedicated, full-time faculty for small classes. Its location in Yonkers also pushes the financial envelope.

University of Chicago: Aside from being one of the most difficult schools to earn an acceptance letter, U of C in Illinois is also one of the most expensive places to learn. Tuition, room and board in this Windy City school totaled $55,416 in 2011. Its commodities include a safe location, a rigorous undergraduate curriculum with some of the best professors in the world and heavy financial aid for its student body. U of C also possesses a large career center for undergrads and graduate students to network their way across the world.

Want to learn more about paying for college and collegiate expenses? Check out GradGuard for information tuition insurance, college and lots of undergrad advice!

Finals are a very stressful time for college students but they can also be a difficult time for parents who are desperate for a way to help their child. Being so far away makes it harder to be an understanding and supportive figure for students. But here are some tips to help any college parent be as helpful as possible during finals.

1.  Encouragement- Every student gets anxious around finals about getting good grades and the last thing they need is more pressure so the best thing to do is just encourage your student to do their best. Remind them that while finals are important they are not the end of the world. You can also give them some useful tips for dealing with stress, such as making a list of everything they have to do and then prioritizing it. Or any great tips for studying that you may have learned over the years. Just remember to stay positive!
2. Send them something- Nothing brightens up my day more than when I get something from home and this goes double during a stressful time like finals. It can be anything from a card, a funny email, or a care package of their favorite snacks and goodies. All of these things will make your child feel loved and remind them that there is a world outside of finals.
3. Don’t stress them with stuff from home- Although it’s important to keep your student informed, adding unnecessary stress about stuff going on at home is only going to make them feel worse. There probably isn’t much they can do since they are away from home anyways. Just think about whether it can be put off until after they finish finals and if it can then talk to them about it then.
   
   
4. Plan your travel around their final schedule- If you are coming to the school or are trying to buy the ticket for your child to come home make sure to check when their finals end before making plans. Often professors can’t or won’t move finals due to travel so make sure that they don’t conflict. Also, if you plan to be at the school while your student is taking exams feel free to spend some time with them, but do it around their schedule and don’t take up too much of their time. They probably have a lot to do or, at least, a lot to study and need time to do this. Remember, in a few short days you will have them for the whole summer.
5. Be Patient- This point is probably the hardest and most important. If you think that you’ve dealt with the worst when you grounded your student from the party in high school, then you have never dealt with them in college when they are desperate for a good meal, sleep-deprived, and stressed out. Just remember that they are going through a lot and they need you to be their rock. Unfortunately, tensions will be high and they will be at their nerves end. Try to be patient and remind them to be patient as well.

Hopefully these tips will help you and your student get through finals with the least amount of stress possible. Remember that it will be over soon enough and summer is right around the corner!