Graduating from college is a wonderful thing that should rightfully be celebrated. But in six months or so, that celebration will be substantially muted when college loan payments begin.Did you know the average 4-year undergraduate has $18,625 in student loan debt that will end up costing $25,720 between now and 2022? Being saddled with that kind of debt often leads to putting off major life decisions such as getting married, buying a house and starting a family. That's why Patrick Kandianis and the SimpleTuition.com team offers a SmarterBank account with SmarterBucks rewards. Basically how it... view article details

Many students are faced with the realization that paying for college has become worth more than some people's yearly salaries. The rise of inflation, the budget crisis and annual increases are some of the reasons that college has become financially unattainable for some individuals. While there are government grants and financial aid, some students are still left with too great of debt to afford to stay. Some reasons students have to start paying for their education could be because their parents have lost their jobs in the recession, their grades were not up to par, or they're out on their o... view article details

  In 1993, President Clinton signed the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth, adoption, foster care, to care for a child, parent, or spouse with a serious medical condition, or if the employee themselves has serious medical condition. Who is covered by FMLA?The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration's Wage and Hour Division enforces FMLA. FMLA applies to all public agencies, including state and local governments, and local education agencies such as schools. In the private sector, FMLA a... view article details

What is FMLA, and how does it work? Employee Rights Under FMLA: Family and Medical Leave What is FMLA? In 1993, President Clinton signed the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth, adoption, foster care, to care for a child, parent, or spouse with a serious medical condition, or if the employee themselves has serious medical condition. Who is covered by FMLA? The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration's Wage and Hour Division enforces FMLA. FMLA applies to all public agencies, includin... view article details

The teens and 20s are always a tricky time for young adults trying to launch careers, move into their own households, figure out their finances, and generally establish themselves as grown-ups. And when an economic crisis hits in the middle of the process, it can have significant and long-lasting impacts.The financial slump known as the Great Recession is no different. Recent economic troubles have left young people reaching some milestones of adulthood at slower rates, according to an analysis released last month by Pew Research. At the same time, however, the economic climate seems to have h... view article details

Dear Heather,My job is rather demanding. I’m generally in the office by 8AM and rarely out the door before 6. My oldest son just completed his first year of college and moved back home for the summer to cut down on expenses. He’s a great guy and is paying most of his tuition himself. He’s also very social and his late night schedule is running me ragged. Last night he got home at 2 in the morning. The night before he had friends stop over around 10 and they stayed until after midnight. He doesn’t have to be at work until 9 most days and has that “youthful energy” going for him. I’m in my mid-f... view article details

COBRA  The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) is a federal law that protects your right to continued health insurance. COBRA gives former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children, who were covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event, the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. One overwhelming drawback to COBRA is the cost. If you and/or your family members qualify for COBRA, you will pay 102% of the insurance premiums until coverage is terminated. Most companies pay a portion of health insurance premiums... view article details

They’re lazy, they’re entitled, they still live at home – leeching off their parents. Who are they? Millennials, of course. Well, that’s the perception anyway: a generation of “Peter Pans,” destined to never grow up, or move out. Are all millennials idle do-nothings, expecting trophies for just showing up? Or, could this simply be a matter of bad press and a lack of bigger picture thinking? Let’s explore what makes this tribe of 20 and 30-somethings tick (and perhaps put some of these stereotypes to rest). Financially, Millennials Are a Product of Our Society What type of issues are millennia... view article details

We asked more than 1,500 people if college is still worth the high cost, if college is still necessary for career success, and how student loans impact their lives. Check out this infographic to see how they answered, and if you want the full story you can click here. view article details

The foundation laid now often sets the tone for what the future will hold. This philosophy possesses very significant meaning in education. Selecting a place of higher learning definitely helps chart the course for future career opportunities and success. It may not be that any of the schools are necessarily wrong—it’s really about uncovering that one school that is right for you. A few things to consider: Ask the online-accredited colleges to send brochures and information packets about their programs. Seeing the quality and depth of information sent will help determine the type of education... view article details