
Enjoy Retirement's Perks While You're Still Working
Start enjoying retirement while you're still working.
by Christy McFarland
Parents know college is expensive. Kids might not realize how expensive it can be. College grads are more than aware of how expensive college is, especially if they graduate with student loans.
So how can your college student lower their expenses while they’re in college? Here are seven simple tips to pass along!
Student discounts are everywhere, you just have to look for them! Some of our favorites include: Amazon, Sam’s Club, Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Amtrak, Greyhound, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, FedEx and certain movie theaters, hotels and restaurants.
Why, you ask? Free food. Many times, if you work at a restaurant or food chain, you’ll get hooked up with free food to not only eat during your shift, but to take home with you! Obviously, you’re going to want to make sure you’re clear on the arrangements with your management before taking any food.
The days of buying expensive text books and “selling them back” for $3 are over, thanks to renting! There are so many websites out there allowing you to rent your textbooks instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars to buy them. Some sites even let you rent-to-own, including Amazon, who many times, lets you purchase the textbook after the first 30 days of your rental period if you decide you want to keep it.
Dorm food can get old, but it’s important to remember you’re paying for that food! Even if it’s paid for in advance of the semester. So, avoid veering out of those dorm food lines and into fast food lanes. If you’re living in an apartment, try to plan ahead and make as many meals as possible at home. If you decide to treat yourself to eating out, determine how much you want to spend. This will help you narrow down your choices!
It’s never too late to apply for scholarships, even if your college career has already taken off! Keep it simple: Stay organized, keep a list of what you’re applying for and have applied for, ask for letters of recommendations and re-use essays where you can. Sometimes the most overlooked scholarships are local, usually carrying a smaller dollar amount. But something is better than nothing and those can all add up!
Graduating early is not always possible, and that’s perfectly acceptable. College isn’t meant to be easy. But, if you find yourself in a position to graduate early – do it! Let’s say you have three classes left to spread out over two semesters. Instead of filling the gaps with fun classes like aerobics, swimming and bowling – opt to graduate a semester early. If you have college loans, your future self will thank you!
Rumor has it, a plastic two liter full of dimes averages $700. So, whenever you have spare change - especially the silver coins - save them! We’ll end our article here so you can go dig through the bottom of your backpack, purse and couch.
Start enjoying retirement while you're still working.
Make sure your fur baby has the coverage she deserves. Just ask Tito.
We know how much parents are willing to sacrifice financially to pay for their kid's college. Don't let college costs derail your future savings goals.
Connect with your local rep or call us at 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879). Find out more about college savings plans.
COUNTRY Financial® is the marketing name for the COUNTRY Financial family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY), which include COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, Illinois.