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How To Transition Your Child Into College

April 11, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

How To Transition Your Child Into College

As any parent will tell you, the moment your child is born, they become your everything and you form this immense amount of love and protection over them. You created a life, and now you have to look after them which is an awful lot of responsibility. And yet, it’s such a gift and privilege that it’s worth every second. It’s a rewarding experience that teaches you how to grow up and see life differently now that you’re a parent.

 

You will go through so many stages through their childhood, both good and bad. They’ll push you to the limit, ruin your favorite carpet, break into the chocolate drawer – but then at the same time, they’ll look up at you with their little innocent eyes and you can’t not fall in love with them all over again. But there comes a stage where they really are getting older far too quickly, and it’s time to start talking about schooling and college. It may seem like a good while away for now – but you really wouldn’t believe just how fast life passes you by. That’s why you need to make the most of it and create as many memories with your children as you can so that you know you spent your days, hours, and minutes the best way possible.

 

So let’s talk college. This is the point in any parents life that’s both heartbreaking, exciting, emotional, and fearful, because it means that their baby’s leaving the nest and spreading their wings working to a career that will hopefully carry them through living a wonderful life.

 

The college expenses

First of all, let’s all be honest for a minute – it is expensive. This is why so many young students end up in serious debt because they’re still trying to pay off their loans years later as an adult. So one of the best things that you can do is to create a college fund early on, and every month (or whenever you get that extra cash in), put it into the account. Continue to do this and it will gradually start accumulating over time. Slowly but surely, but if you really invest in this then by the time your child is getting close to the college age, they should have a very nice number looking back at them to start them off. All you need to do is decide on a certain per cent of your income that will be put into their fund. So it may be twenty per cent, or you may have the freedom to put even more in every month. Then just set that up with an automatic transfer and you won’t even need to remember to do anything.

 

Talk about what their overall goal is

It’s always good to have a goal to reach so that you have something to work towards. It’s no good having your child go off to college without a good idea of what they want to do. Having said that, things do change, and you don’t want to put too much pressure onto your child to choose a career path that they may not actually want to do in the first place. It’s their choice. It’s their career. But it is wise to have some kind of idea so that your child knows what kind of direction they want to go in. Have a sit down with them and talk about what it is they want to do. They may not have any plan whatsoever, which is tricky, but still manageable. It’s all about communication and paying attention to what your child seems to enjoy and is actually good at. One thing that you should encourage though, is to never choose a course or class merely because their friends are taking the same class – it never ends well.

 

Teach your child how to stay safe and protected

It’s never a nice thought to think about as a parent of a child who’s going to college and they’re no longer under the safe protection of your wing. But as painful as it may be, and as much as you’ll want to take care of them, it’s entirely under the same circumstances now. It’s all about knowing how to create a safe college experience so they get by with little to no problems, as a pose to other children that aren’t as knowledgeable. It’s the little things like making sure your child stows away their laptop to avoid the possibility of theft. Change their passwords and don’t make them obvious like “password” because they’ll easily be broken into. And always have them buy and download all the necessary antivirus software to ensure that everything on their laptop is protected, especially if someone is trying to hack into it.

 

Tell them it’s okay to ask for help

Many kids struggle in college, some more than others, and it’s an extremely stressful time for a lot of them as the pressure builds up and they feel as though they just can’t take it anymore. While we all deal with stress through our lives, this period of theirs can be really overwhelming as they have so many choices and paths to cross and things to remember and targets to achieve. So it’s so important that they know they’re able to talk to someone if they feel as though they’re really starting to struggle. There should always be college counselors to speak to if they’re finding it hard, and they should be equipped to giving you the right kind of advice and support that you need to manage your days better. And make sure that you let them know you’re always there for them regardless of what it is they need. There’s no better feeling than knowing your parents have your back.

 

Encourage them to have a study buddy

A huge per cent of college is all the studying that goes into it. It’s something that everyone dreads and groans at the thought of, and yet it’s a necessary measure if you’re going to learn anything. Sure, you have classes and learn while you’re there, but you need to take all that knowledge back with you to your dorm and go over it again and again so that it’s installed into your brain. – That’s how you pass an exam. But again, the pressure and stress of this can really get to a whole number or students. One way to take off the edge is to encourage your child to have a study buddy. Someone that they can hang out with wherever they find relaxing, be it in their dorm room, the park, or even in a cafe. Having someone that’s in the same boat as your child will stop them from feeling so alone, because not only will they be able to study together and help each other out with questions and answers, but they create a bond, and even a strong friendship that may just last a lifetime.

 

Give them their freedom

One of the hardest things that you will find yourself doing, is actually letting your child go. You’ve been with them for all those years watching them grow into their personalities, getting bigger and bigger, more mature, as well as watching them make the typical mistakes every child makes. – That’s all part of growing up. But it can be a real shock to the system when you realize that they’re not going to be there forever, and it’s now their time to fly and soar through the air working towards the career of their dreams. They say that if you love something you have to let it go, and this is a necessary phrase to apply here. They will always be your babies, but they need to make their own way through and make their own mistakes – because that’s how they’ll learn. And of course, you will be there to pick up the pieces and encourage them not to give up.

 

Now that you have a good idea of what the transition period of college is, know that it will be a scary time, not only for your child but for you too. But it’s necessary if your child is going to have a job that pays well and more importantly, something they actually enjoy. It won’t be easy, and you’ll most likely have plenty of calls late at night with your child on the other end of the phone crying and asking to come home because it’s too hard or their not understanding the lessons, or they can’t find somewhere to sit in the cafeteria. But once you reassure them and let them know that everything is going to be okay – it will get easier, and you need to let them know that.

 

College is an exciting time where new experiences and memories and friendships are made, so although it’s important to take it seriously – tell your kids to make the most out of it too. You only do it once.

Filed Under: college Tagged With: college, College Admissions, college planning, college prep, paying for college

How to Talk To Your Daughter about College Funding and Responsibility

June 22, 2017 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

How to Talk To Your Daughter about College Funding and Responsibility

How to Talk To Your Daughter about College Funding and Responsibility

Your daughter will see her dad as the provider and head of the household, so she might not think that she has anything that she needs to do besides tell you where she wants to enroll. Next, you may not be on the same page when it comes to applying for scholarships and grants or exploring student loans. Ultimately, it will be your daughter’s actions that decide whether she will qualify for an academic scholarship or has what it takes to maintain an athletic scholarship during college. Lastly, there is the financial aid portion of planning for college that many teenage girls overlook. Whether she is eager to earn her bachelor of science in diagnostic medical sonography from ADU Online or really wants to become a teacher, financial aid is an important step that you will need to work together to complete. Here’s how to plan a great future for your precious daughter.

College Funding

Talking Openly about College Expenses

You’ve lived together and shared a lot, but dads trying to sit down and come up with a sensible plan for college with their daughters have many challenges to contend with. Not all parents believe that they should outright pay their children’s college expenses, especially if their kids haven’t shown an adequate level of responsibility. You may need to talk to your daughter about her getting a part-time job as she works on her bachelor of medical sonography degree to help offset costs. Then there’s the fact that both you and your daughter might need to take out student loans to help get through college. If your daughter doesn’t have established credit, you will need to co-sign on all of her loans so that they get approved.

college

Discussing Responsibilities and Expectations

Perhaps the deal that you made with your daughter consists of her maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA for you to foot the bill. Other fathers require their daughters to check-in with them consistently, especially if they are going to college in a different state. Whatever your rules are, make sure you explain them adequately. Realize that your child is going to be quite busy and distracted with school, so she will appreciate knowing what her responsibilities are upfront rather than having a detailed discussion in the middle of spring semester.

college

Coming Up With Alternative College Plans

Remember that getting into college has a lot to do with grades, but luck also plays a part. Let your daughter know that she is not guaranteed to be accepted to her dream college and help her to make up alternative plans just in case. You might also face challenges when you start calculating college expenses, so see if there are any creative ways that you can your daughter can come up with to help fund her higher education.

If you can’t wait to watch your little girl graduate with her class and throw her cap in the air, make sure that you have an honest discussion about planning for college. You may not want to disappoint her on any level, but being upfront about expenses and responsibilities will actually help you to gain more respect. Remember that college is a new experience for young adults, so be understanding about her concerns and you will be able to enjoy an even stronger relationship with your daughter.

Filed Under: College Admissions, college application, fatherhood Tagged With: college, College Admissions, College Preparation, Colleges and Universities, paying for college, scholarship

10 Weird & Unusual Ways To Save & Invest For College

August 19, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Everyone wants a bright future for their children which includes saving for a college education. If you have an infant or toddler, by the time they’re ready to attend a University, the US Department of Education reports the cost for a four-year degree will likely top $200,000 in some cases.

college

As any parent of a grown child will tell you – time flies – it seems that one day they’re in diapers and the next thing you know – they’re driving off to school. So the time to think about investing in their future is – the sooner the better – no time like the present.

Here’s ten unusual and often overlooked ways to invest and save for college to ensure your child receives a stellar education:

 

  1. DELVE INTO DIAMONDS: Many people think about investing in precious metals, but diamonds have an unbelievable ROI compared to gold or silver. Globally speaking, diamond prices have continued to increase by as much as 37% in some countries over the past few years.

 

  1. KICK A BAD HABIT: Kicking caffeine to the curb, deleting soda from your diet, going on the wagon and quitting smoking are not only ways to live a healthier lifestyle, if you take the money you regularly spend on these bad habits and invest those funds instead, you may be surprised on what you could sock away in a decade.

 

  1. CAMPAIGN FOR COLLEGE: Consider starting a crowdfunding project for your child’s education. USA Today recently reported on three platforms that are ideal for this unique form of fundraising for educational purposes.

 

  1. OVERSEAS EDUCATION: In many cases, it’s cheaper to get a college education in other countries. For example, getting a law degree at Oxford takes only three years, compared to four in America, saving an entire year’s tuition.

 

  1. HOUSING HELP: Consider investing in a rental venue such as a small home or condo and rent it out until your child reaches college age. Sell it for a profit and this could help to pay their tuition.

 

  1. RARE COINS: According to the Business Insider, rare coins have experienced gains of over 13% in three years. In some rare cases, increases have reached 20% or more during the same time period.

stamps

  1. STAMPS: Although they have a much lower return rate compared to coins, in some very rare instances, their ROI can be also as high as 20% or more.
  2. SELF-STORAGE: Bloomberg reports that investing in self-storage units have continued to remain a consistent and rewarding ROI, in the best cases, over 35% in three years.

 

  1. EDIT ENTERTAINMENT: If you’re paying for extra channels with your cable provider, drop down to basic and invest the difference in other venues. Take the amount you’d pay for dining out and add this to the coffer.

 

  1. BUNDLING & PACKAGING: The same goes for things like smartphone usage, cut down on data usage and bundle with family members for some significant savings.

 

Take a good look at your monthly and annual budget and look for creative ways you can trim the fat and put this money towards your children’s future. Education can be priceless and rewarding, but a college education still comes with a high price tag that’s worth saving and investing towards.

Everything You Should Expect And Do When Planning for College

Want some additional assistance in planning for college. The is an amazing resource that was written by the one and only Dad of Divas himself, Dr. Christopher Lewis. With 20+ years of experience in the college admissions field, this book really is an amazing resource that will help you and your child in asking the right questions and preparing at the right time for college! Learn more about the book!

 

Hillary SmithAbout Hilary Smith

Hillary Smith loves technology and hasn’t met an app that didn’t catch her attention. After graduating from the Northwestern Medill School of Journalism, Hillary began a career as a freelance writer focusing on the challenges of digital parenting. She works out every day and spends time with her children, ages 4 and 7.

Filed Under: college, fatherhood, Guest Post Tagged With: college, college planning, paying for college

Saving and Paying for College Doesn’t Have to Be Hard!

April 29, 2016 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

Paying for College
 photo disclaimer_zpsaa1cb05b.jpg

I have worked in the College Admissions field for about 20 years now, and as my own kids get older and older people keep coming to me asking me for advice on paying for college and college planning in general.

I cannot say that I have all of the answers, but I can say that there are some things that I have been doing since my own children were young that may be helpful to you too.

Paying for College

For us, from an early age we started a 409 educational savings plan for our kids. While we were not always able to place a lot into the account, having it there accruing interest always helped. We also started talking to our kids from an early age about the future and the reality of the cost of higher education. While I work in higher education, it is safe to say that the cost continues to rise and even though I have been saving, I do not know that I can say that I will have enough saved to cover the entire college education that my kids will encounter in 7-9 years.

Just saying 7-9 years makes me realize how fast time flies as your kids grow up, and this is important for all parents to soak in early. Why? Because, if you keep saying, I’ll start saving tomorrow, soon you will find that tomorrow has past you by and college is on your doorstep.

college ave college loans

As I mentioned, I know that I probably will not have enough saved for my kids, so I keep my eyes out for other options outside of just the federal government. One program that looked really promising lately is one called College Ave Student Loans Parent Loan. This parent loan seems to be a good option to consider for those families you may need to pay for college. In reading more about the loan itself; it can save you money (no origination fee, lower rates than the federal loan for those with qualifying credit), and personalized options to meet individual financial situations (such as money directly deposited in parents’ bank account to help pay for extra educational expenses, and multiple ways to pay back the loan including a reduced interest rate if you start paying back while your child is in school).

The site was easy to navigate and there was a very cool resource that I really appreciated: A student loan calculator! The new College Ave Student Loans parent loan offers qualified parent borrowers an average savings of $1,000 vs. the Federal Direct Parent which can really add up in the end.

Paying for College

Do you want to learn more about the The new College Ave Student Loans parent loan experience? Check out the below to find out more or to see if you may be qualified for their services!

  • College Ave Student Loan parent page
  • College Ave Student Loans qualification tool
  • College Ave Student Loans homepage

 

 

About College Ave Student Loans

College Ave Student Loans, a leading online student loan marketplace lender, and Experian®, a leading global information services company, are offering a limited time joint offer of a credit health check — a complimentary, personalized credit education session with an Experian Credit EducatorSM agent — to families preparing to pay for college. College Ave is collaborating with Experian to better support parents who may need to consider borrowing or cosigning a private student loan if savings, scholarships and federal aid fall short of higher education costs. Families who may want to explore private financing options should start getting ready now. The personalized credit education session offers an in-depth, one-on-one, 35-minute phone call with an Experian Credit Educator agent.

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Filed Under: College Admissions, college application, College Preparation, fatherhood Tagged With: college, College Admissions, College Ave, College Preparation, Colleges and Universities, paying for college

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