I would like to take a moment and thank all of the teachers and students that have invited me into their classrooms over the past two years. I would also like to say thank you very much for the wonderful thank you cards and letters your classes have sent me. I have received hundreds of cards, and have kept each and every one of them. Each month I will post some pictures of the creative cards that I receive, so be on the lookout for your classroom's cards.

Please enjoy a couple of the thank you cards that were sent to me after visiting with the second grade classes of Ironwood Elementary. Thank you again!

Take charge of your college education

College is a memorable time for students, in which several notable changes occur, a plethora of knowledge is acquired and several friendships are created. Although college is a fun and educational period, it can be costly. Typical college expenses include, textbooks, lab fees, housing, meals, and of course tuition. According to the College Board Report, the average college student in the U.S. pays $6,585 per school, and the cost continues to increase annually.

In order to assist students, the University of Arizona has implemented an automatic late plan for tuition. The tuition plan was set in place to allow those students waiting for tuition funds to pay their bills in three installments over the course of four months. Those students who do not pay their bills within the first two weeks of the semester, will automatically be enrolled. There are additional costs associated with this plan however. The cost of the plan itself is $75, and students will also pay a $50 late fee as well.

Now is a great time to prepare your students for covering college expenses. I have included several links pertaining to financial aid, scholarships, and tips on saving for college right now.

FAFSA-apply for Federal Financial Aid
FastWeb-view and apply for scholarship opportunities
Education Index-a list of websites with tips for parents and students on saving for college expenses
College Saving Tips-read useful everyday tips for saving money while in college

Happy New Year!!!

The year 2008 is quickly coming to an end. With its retirement right around the corner, we can look back at some major events of 2008 including the Summer Olympic Games, the New York Giants winning the Superbowl, the Dark Knight setting motion picture records, and of course the economic recession. However, the New Year 2009 brings new hopes, a new U.S. President, and millions of New Year's resolutions.

The New Year celebration dates back to 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon, and is the oldest celebrated holiday. The New Year has not always taken place on the first of January, nor is it celebrated on that date everywhere. In fact, it is only celebrated in cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. For more information regarding it's history, visit http://www.goalsguy.com/Events/n_facts.html.

According to http://www.goalsguy.com/ the top ten New Year's resolutions are:
1. Lose weight and get into shape
2. Stick to a budget
3. Get out of debt
4. Enjoy more time with family and friends
5. Find my soul mate
6. Quit smoking and/or drinking
7. Find a better job
8. Learn something new
9. Volunteer and help others
10. Get organized

Please enjoy the following links that I found helpful in setting and maintaining New Year's resolutions:
Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Kids
Tips for Making Good New Year's Resolutions

Holiday Budgeting

With the holidays arriving, it's normal to stress about your finances. With all the money spent each year on gifts for family and friends, groceries for a Christmas meal, decorations, a tree with all the trimmings and holiday cards, it's important to plan out your holiday budget ahead of time. I have included some links on holiday tips for saving money. TFCU also has a Holiday Club Savings Account. Use it to save money in order to meet your annual holiday expenses. The entire amount in the Holiday Club account, including dividends, is deposited into your savings account on the first day of November. For more information about TFCU's Holiday Club, click here.

Also please check out these articles on ways to cut back on the excessive holiday shopping, while maintaining the holiday spirit. And remember, it's never too early to start saving for next year!

Tips to Save Money During the Holidays

39 Frugal Tips for Saving Money at Christmas

Teaching Financial Independence

With the economy being in the shape that it is, financial education is more important than ever. I enjoy facilitating a lesson at a school, and walking out of the classroom knowing that I instilled valuable knowledge in both the students and teacher that they can use for the rest of their lives. I found two great articles that I would like to share with you regarding teaching kids financial independence. As educators and parents, you are in great positions to help educate our students in a variety of life skills, including finances. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."

"How To Teach your Children the Value of Money"- This article is a great resource when teaching lessons involving finances. It discusses various ways to teach children the value of a dollar and how to broaden their financial knowledge as they continue to grow.

"Teaching Kids about Financial Independence"- This would be a great article to pass on to parents. The tips in this article pertain to children of all ages.

Car Buying 101

This past week I was presenting a lesson on Credit to a group of high schoolers, when I realized how important financial education truly is. After the lesson, one of the students came out to the parking lot to express her concern for purchasing her first car. She mentioned her fear of "being taken advantage of" and not being able to understand the lingo on contracts. She also mentioned that her family was also lacking financial knowledge and proceeded to ask if I wouldn't mind meeting her at the dealership when she goes to take out her first car loan. As teachers, I am sure you will have students like her who have no one to guide them through finances. So please enjoy the following resources that can benefit students who need financial guidance, or simply guidance through life.

First Time Car Buying Tips for Teens- This website is designed to help teens and first time car buyers with tips and tricks on the car buying process.

Big Brothers Big Sisters-This is a great program in which youth are provided with a friend/mentor to help with everyday life.