Are you a college student wanting to live large but don’t want to break the bank? Well, don’t worry—whether you’re a newbie navigating your first year or a seasoned scholar looking to make your dollars stretch, you’ve come to the right place. Financial Planning Let’s start with the basics: creating a budget that works for you. Sit down and figure out how much money you have coming in each month—and where it’s all going. This will help you understand what to change about your spending habits and get a good sense of your budget.  Saving is extremely important because it can set you up for f ..read more

College is a time for learning, networking, and personal growth. However, you’re also taking on some hefty loans as a student. This can cause severe financial stress if you don’t learn how to manage your bills correctly. Left unchecked, this kind of stress can even impede your class progress and undermine your ability to learn.  Manage your stress and make your time in college a success by reducing your costs and rethinking debt. This will motivate you to succeed in difficult classes and help you focus on getting the most from every semester.  Understanding Stress Long-term financial ..read more

Embarking on a journey to study in the United States as an international student is an exciting and transformative experience. Let’s dive into some of the essential aspects of studying in the US as a university student. Navigating College Life in The US as an International Student 1. Tuition and Financial Planning: Budget Wisely Understanding the financial landscape is crucial when studying abroad. Tuition fees for international students vary across universities and programs. It’s wise to research potential scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages institutions offer. Many universit ..read more

Just in time for the start of a new school year, Time Magazine has named GradGuard the best renters insurance for off-campus college life. We are delighted that GradGuard’s dedication to assisting colleges and universities in educating and protecting their students from the challenges of college life has been included in the feature. Not all renters insurance companies are created equally. The magazine showcases GradGuard’s specialization in renters protection for college students.  On average, renters insurance costs between $15 to $30 per month, as estimated by the National Association ..read more

In college, you often have the desire to experience new and exciting things. If a road trip is on your agenda, it’s important to plan sufficiently beforehand so that it goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re taking a day trip with your roommates to a neighboring town or traveling cross-country over winter break, consider the following tips to stay safe and comfortable along the way. Prepare Your Transportation There are several modes of transportation that you might consider for a college road trip. If you’re traveling by bus, plane, boat, rental car, or using any ride-sharing service, make ..read more

For families with incoming college students, back to school will look a little different this year. Their seniors are becoming freshmen yet again. However, this time, they are likely moving out of the house! Last year alone, over 20 million students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across the United States. If your child is among the millions heading to college this year, there’s a lot to organize before the fall semester begins. Despite all the effort put into selecting the perfect college, families need to think about the challenges their child could face in their educati ..read more

Embarking on a study abroad adventure is an exhilarating experience that opens up a world of possibilities and cultural immersion. As a college student preparing to venture into unknown territory, packing efficiently and thoughtfully is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful journey. To help you navigate the packing process and ensure you have everything you need, we’ve compiled the ultimate packing list for college students studying abroad. From travel essentials and academic supplies to clothing, toiletries, and beyond, this comprehensive guide will ensure you’re well-prepared for any ..read more

Preparing for the new semester with essential technology can make your academic journey easier and increase your productivity. In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. College students, in particular, can benefit greatly from the use of technology in their academic pursuits. Why Tech is Essential for College Students: 1. Access to Information: With technology, students can access vast amounts of information online with just a few clicks. This means that they can quickly and easily research topics for their assignments and projects, as well as stay up-t ..read more

College is one of the most significant financial decisions a family will make. If you need money to cover college costs, follow these helpful student loan tips. 1. Always complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first. The FAFSA is the application for all federal aid, including loans. Federal student loans typically have a lower interest rate, and the repayment options are more flexible than private loans. Students should accept the maximum amount of federal loans they are entitled to before borrowing private student loans. 2. Calculate the cost of student loans for all fo ..read more

Finding ways to pay for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re the parent of a middle school student just beginning to save for college or a high school student approaching graduation, there’s something for everyone in this handy guide. Everything You Need To Know to Pay for College College Savings Plans (529) A 529 plan is an investment account with tax benefits used to pay for qualified education expenses for your student while they’re in college. Ideally, you would start a 529 when your child is very young, but parents of high school students can still open ..read more