tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3 2009-07-01T15:18:35Z Hot student loan info,in three minutes or less. Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.405 2009-07-01T21:36:08Z 2009-07-01T15:18:35Z

This spring, the U.S. Department of Education asked colleges to help students whose families are struggling due to economic hardship like unemployment and medical bills. Now, schools are dishing out record amounts of aid — and approving more appeals than...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org This spring, the U.S. Department of Education asked colleges to help students whose families are struggling due to economic hardship like unemployment and medical bills. Now, schools are dishing out record amounts of aid — and approving more appeals than ever. Do you think you have a serious need for extra aid? If so, start with these [Dos and Don'ts][link]. [link]:http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/paying-for-college/2009/06/16/10-tips-for-getting-more-financial-aid.html?PageNr=1 tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.404 2009-07-01T21:34:02Z 2009-07-01T15:17:58Z

Federal authorities estimate that 1.5 million students eligible for Pell grants did not apply because they wanted to avoid the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Federal authorities estimate that 1.5 million students eligible for Pell grants did not apply because they wanted to avoid the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That’s why they are quickly moving to simplify the notoriously complicated form, which currently asks financial aid-seeking students as many as 153 questions. Sources say about 20 percent of the questions will be cut from next year’s form, mainly by eliminating redundancies. To learn more about the administration’s changes to the form, [click here][link]. [link]:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/education/24fafsa.html?_r=3&ref=global-home tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.403 2009-07-01T21:05:09Z 2009-07-01T15:16:57Z

Do you plan on using the new Income Based Repayment plan?(polling) Starting in July, borrowers can choose a new repayment plan — Income-Based Repayment, or IBR — that calculates payments on federal student loans by income and family size....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Starting in July, borrowers can choose a new repayment plan — Income-Based Repayment, or IBR — that calculates payments on federal student loans by income and family size. Under this program, qualified borrowers will never have to spend more than 15% of their discretionary income on student loan payments. ]]> Sometimes that first job (or two) out of college might not [produce a paycheck][link1] that can cover the standard monthly payment, or, in today’s job market, [you might not even find a job][link2] right after graduation. This new repayment plan may solve your student loan payment dilemma. The plan does have downsides: more interest will accrue, and it will take you longer to pay off your loan. And of course, you must meet certain requirements in order to follow an [IBR plan][link3]. For more information, contact your lender or visit [www.ibrinfo.org][link4]. [link1]:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124553912948134661.html [link2]:http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/columnist/block/2009-05-18-student-loans-repayment-options_N.htm [link3]:http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/16/student-loans-income-personal-finance-ask-money-builder.html [link4]:http://www.ibrinfo.org/ tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.402 2009-06-22T16:27:55Z 2009-06-22T17:34:19Z

With so many slumps and crises going on ― credit, housing, and beyond ― concepts like “counseling” and “literacy” have become buzzwords. Is this a fad, or could consumer under-education really have been a factor in creating the economy’s current...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org With so many slumps and crises going on ― credit, housing, and beyond ― concepts like “counseling” and “literacy” have become buzzwords. Is this a fad, or could consumer under-education really have been a factor in creating the economy’s current state? A recent survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found nearly 30 percent of adults say their mortgage was different than what they expected. Susan Keating, president of the NFCC, thinks first-time home buyers, or anyone taking on a non-traditional mortgage, should be required to take a financial counseling class. [What do you think?][link] [link]:http://www.usnews.com/blogs/alpha-consumer/2009/05/26/should-first-time-home-buyers-get-counseling.html tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.401 2009-06-15T16:26:21Z 2009-06-16T07:30:33Z

As if the anxiety that comes with having those first “real” interviews isn’t enough, new graduates have another hurdle to overcome: a historically grim job market....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org As if the anxiety that comes with having those first “real” interviews isn’t enough, new graduates have another hurdle to overcome: a historically grim job market. Click [here][link] to see what other students are facing, and find out about the one place that plans to hire more employees straight out of college. [link]:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/18/eveningnews/main4954222.shtml tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.400 2009-06-08T16:24:55Z 2009-06-09T03:47:30Z

While many college students earn summer cash serving food, working in a different kind of food industry, the organic farm, has become a growing trend....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org While many college students earn summer cash serving food, working in a different kind of food industry, the organic farm, has become a growing trend. [Click here][link] to see how these students are turning social change into pocket change. [link]:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/dining/24interns.html?_r=2&hp tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.399 2009-06-01T16:17:23Z 2009-06-01T15:23:19Z

President Obama recently signed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which aims to protect consumers from industry practices that have been criticized for trapping users under piles of debt....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org President Obama recently signed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which aims to protect consumers from industry practices that have been criticized for trapping users under piles of debt. Much of the legislation brings [changes in issuer responsibilities][link1]; however, students and young adults are the focus of this bill’s most [drastic changes][link2]. [link1]:http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/05/credit_card_legislation_become.html [link2]:http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/2009/05/41360/why-you-should-care-about-the-credit-card-act-of-2009/ tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.398 2009-06-01T16:15:08Z 2009-06-01T15:22:59Z

Class is out and the only lecture you’ll think about for a few months is the one you need to give your roommate on doing dishes....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Class is out and the only lecture you’ll think about for a few months is the one you need to give your roommate on doing dishes. [Here are a few ways][link] to have fun in the summer sun without breaking the bank. [link]:http://www.brokegradstudent.com/8-cheap-summer-fun-ideas/ tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.397 2009-06-01T16:12:15Z 2009-06-01T15:22:00Z

How many hours per week will you be working this summer?(poll) Last year, the number of people between ages 16 and 24 who entered the workforce during the summer increased by nearly 2 million. Why?...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Last year, the number of people between ages 16 and 24 who entered the workforce during the summer increased by nearly 2 million. Why? ]]> Because [summer jobs][link] aren’t just for spending money any more. Rising tuition costs and a harsh job market for graduates are changing the way students use their summer earnings. What will you do with the money from your summer job? [link]:http://wvgazette.com/News/200905240404 tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.395 2009-05-27T17:29:36Z 2009-05-27T17:49:43Z

Are you wowed by your “grown-up” friends’ tales about the real world? While things might seem pretty sweet in New Condo New Car Land, your full-timer friends might not be telling you the whole story. Management of your expectations —...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Are you wowed by your “grown-up” friends’ tales about the real world? While things might seem pretty sweet in New Condo New Car Land, your full-timer friends might not be telling you [the whole story][link]. Management of your expectations — as well as your spending and other lifestyle habits — is essential in order to thrive during this stage of the game of life. Just don’t forget to have a little fun while playing. [link]:http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2008/06/16/financial-tips-for-college-graduates/ tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.394 2009-05-20T17:27:01Z 2009-05-20T19:24:25Z

We all know student loans can add up – especially when in an extended graduate program or residency. Often, forbearance is the best way to avoid being buried under piles of monthly payments. But will it hurt your credit score?...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org We all know student loans can add up – especially when in an extended graduate program or residency. Often, forbearance is the best way to avoid being buried under piles of monthly payments. But will it hurt your credit score? [Find out][link] what other students have experienced. [link]:http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?board.id=studentloans&thread.id=2804&cm_mmc=yesmail-_-ficoforums-_-april2009-_-topic5text tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.393 2009-05-15T17:20:55Z 2009-05-15T17:26:41Z

Graduation time is near, and while many college students are anxious to see what their future entails, they have one more obligation that can be as dreary as a Monday morning lecture: the ceremony....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Graduation time is near, and while many college students are anxious to see what their future entails, they have one more obligation that can be as dreary as a Monday morning lecture: the ceremony. Of course, [there are always exceptions][link]. Some senior send-off traditions are rooted deep within the school’s history, like Wellesley College’s venerable hooprolling race. Other schools…well, it seems like the students just wanted to shake things up a bit. Does your school have any graduation traditions? [link]:http://www.askstudent.com/general/wacky-and-bizarre-graduation-traditions-at-colleges-and-universities/ tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.392 2009-05-06T22:08:33Z 2009-05-06T22:16:51Z

If there’s one person “It’s the thought that counts” works on, it’s Mom....

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org If there’s one person “It’s the thought that counts” works on, it’s Mom. This Mothers’ Day, you can be smart and sweet with [a few cheap gift ideas][link]. And hey, if anyone questions how much you spent (or didn’t spend), you can simply say it’s because your mother is priceless. Who would argue with that? [link]:http://frugalliving.about.com/od/specialoccasions/tp/Mothers_Day.htm tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.390 2009-05-01T21:57:06Z 2009-05-05T15:15:53Z

Should financial education be a graduation requirement?(online surveys) Throughout the year you have a chance to see how you’re doing academically and improve your grades from there. But do you ever measure your financial knowledge and progress?...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org Throughout the year you have a chance to see how you’re doing academically and improve your grades from there. But do you ever measure your financial knowledge and progress?]]> Well, if right now your answer is no, don’t beat yourself up just yet – apparently [you’re not alone][link]. Surveys show that Americans are rating themselves alarmingly low on the subject of financial literacy, even though our economy requires more attention and intelligence than ever. There is no better time than now to earn a better grade in personal finance. Take a minute out of your study time (or Wii session) to think about how you can be smarter with your funds, whether it’s changing the way you pay for your bills or simply assessing your weekly cash flow. [link]:http://www.usnews.com/blogs/alpha-consumer/2009/04/29/americans-get-low-marks-on-financial-literacy.html tag:www.theramenreport.org,2009://3.389 2009-05-01T21:54:53Z 2009-05-01T21:56:57Z

With graduation coming, you probably have a group of friends who made the journey from dorm to diploma right by your side. If you’re on a budget, how do you thank them for four years of laundry coins, lecture notes,...

Ramen Report http://www.theloanprogram.org With graduation coming, you probably have a group of friends who made the journey from dorm to diploma right by your side. If you’re on a budget, how do you thank them for four years of laundry coins, lecture notes, and Thanksgiving leftovers without being boring – or going broke? Click [here][link] for some clever ideas. [link]:http://notmadeofmoney.com/blog/2009/04/inexpensive-graduation-gift-ideas.html