Miss me? Back in the game!
Hey gang, it's been a few days, owing to a few technical issues here and there, but no worries, we're back in the game. Here's what you missed over the past couple of days:
1. Student loan consolidation controversy! It seems that some lenders are using delaying tactics to avoid releasing student loans to consolidation companies, like returning payoff statements with chewing gum stuck to them or with nothing on the statement except a coffee stain. The tactics are ethically questionable, but technically NOT illegal. Has this happened to you? Let me know - leave a message in the comments or email financialaidpodcast at gmail dot com.
2. On Tuesday's show we talked about money saving tips for college students. Among the tips: joining a credit union can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in pointless fees from major banks, and chances are your school has a credit union. Ask if students are eligible to enroll. Find a credit union near you with the NCUA finder! Other tips include actually showing up at class, because you're paying a hefty amount per hour.
3. Yesterday we touched on what warning signs often come with a scholarship scam. Among them - receiving unsolicited offers of scholarships, sites that have no WHOIS registration information, ANYONE asking you to pay money for a scholarship, and scholarship ID theft schemes where they ask you for sensitive information like your SSN or date of birth.
4. In today's show we answer listener questions, including whether you can get a student loan as a non-traditional student for child care and other related expenses. The answer? Yes, you can. Private student loans can be used for anything up to the cost of education, and that includes child care, food, living expenses, rent, even babysitting.
It's good to be back!
Check it out at:
The Financial Aid Podcast Web Site
If you have iTunes, visit:
FinancialAidPodcast.com/itunes
As always, please contact me with any feedback, either here, on the show, or on the phone.
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