We’re entering the second week of the Personal Finance Writing Project: Education and Wealth. There have been some really interesting and thoughtful articles submitted so far and they need your votes! If you haven’t put your two cents in yet, vote for your favorites here.
Remember: The project ends September 7th, so be sure to participate or promote it and get all your friends to vote, too! The winner will receive a custom Readers’ Choice badge and bragging rights! Here’s a rundown of the submissions thus far (in alphabetical order):
Miranda at AllBusiness.com, Are You Getting the Best Value for Your College Education Buck?
People seem to think that the more they pay for an education, the better it will be. Miranda argues that it’s what you accomplish in college, not where you go or how much you spend, that determines the overall value of your education.
Peter at Bible Money Matters, Higher Education Can Have A Negative Effect On Your Level Of Wealth
Have you ever considered that putting your kids through years of high-level education could actually do them a disservice? It’s possible that spending too much time in school earning an advanced degree, coupled with the over-consumption that tends to accompany increased earning power, leads to harmful spending behaviors and excessive debt.
Ryan at Cash Money Life, Education and Wealth: You Don’t Need a College Degree, But You Need an Education
Here’s a controversial take on education: college is overrated. That’s what Ryan argues and he makes a compelling point. Maybe you don’t need a college degree, but you better be educated.
Bob at Christian PF, What You Need to Know Before You Get a Student Loan
Student loans help thousands of students obtain a college education every year, but many don’t realize the impact they’ll have on their post-graduation finances. There are a few things you should seriously consider before you borrow money for school.
Elle at Couple Money, Financial Tips for College Success
Going away to college means working toward financial independence. A lot of students are intimidated by the task of building a financial foundation, but it’s actually quite easy. Elle walks through the steps you can take to establish yourself financially as a college student.
Hank Coleman at Own the Dollar, Five Ways To Save Over $30,000 On The Cost Of A College Education
Tuition is outrageous. Books cost a fortune. How can anyone afford to go to college? It helps if you follow these five suggestions. Some are pretty easy, others require diligence and planning–but saving 30 grand in the process is definitely worth it.
The Digerati Life, Should You Invest In An Ivy League College Education?
This is another take on the value of education. If you decide a university is for you, is splurging on an Ivy League school (assuming you can get in) worth the thousands more you’ll pay? This article weighs the pros and cons of attending an Ivy League versus a community college or state university.
Craig at Free From Broke, Ways For Students To Get Textbooks For Less
Most people don’t bother buying textbooks brand-new because they cost so much more than their used counterparts. If you thought buying used was the only way to save on books for school, think again. Craig details some of the more creative ways to buy books for less.
Hank Coleman at Military Money Might, Use Your Employers Tuition Assistance Or You Are Wasting A Portion Of Your Paycheck
Military officers have their tuition paid by the government, but many civilian employees are offered the same opportunity by their employers. If you can receive tuition assistance through your job, take advantage of it or you’re wasting money.
Miranda at Moolanomy, Should You Live at Home While Attending College?
Lots of students move away from home to attend college and live in on-campus dorms. However, plenty more attend a college in their hometown. How do you decide if living at home while going to school is the best option? It’s not just a matter of money.
Miranda at Money Ning, 5 Ways to Save Money as a College Student
It’s getting to be back-to-school season again and anyone attending college is thinking about how to budget. Little expenses can really add up over the course of a semester. However, there are a lot of ways students can reduce spending–here are five.
Amanda at My Dollar Plan, 7 Ways to Further Your Education Without Paying Full Price
Amanda states it well: “knowledge is the most powerful and valuable tool in life.” That said, knowledge sometimes comes with a hefty price tag. If you simply love learning and want to continue your education beyond the college years, try a few of these tips to make your passion more affordable.
Len Penzo, 22 Signs Your College Degree Might Not Be Worth the Money
You know how your parents always told you to follow your dreams? How you could be anything you wanted if you set your mind to it? Remember how that changed as you neared college age? If you’re going to spend money attending college, you might want to think twice about that fluffy liberal arts degree.
PT at PT Money, Does a College Education Equal Financial Security and Wealth?
The college experience may be invaluable to your development as a person, but it certainly won’t do much for your finances. Watch out for things like student loans and debt, which could cancel out any benefit from your increased earning potential.
We would also like to thank Provident Planning for including our infographic in last week’s Carnival of Personal Finance. Visit the page to view Why Americans Can’t Afford to Die.
Visit our writing project voting page to cast your vote for favorite Education and Wealth post!