For those of you who find taxes and the financial aid application process daunting (don't be ashamed, many do!), read on to clear the fog and solve the financial aid puzzle!
To begin- the deadline for returning students to apply for financial aid is FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2012! Please do not wait to submit everything last minute - you will be late and your financial aid could be impacted. If you are an international student your financial aid is automatically renewed, so you may keep reading for interest only!
A student's eligibility for financial aid is based upon four main criteria which include Parent and Student Income, Parent and Student Assets/Savings/Investments, Number of People in the Household, and Number of Siblings Attending College. Number of people in the household include the head of the household and legal dependents - basically, parents and the number of children still legally dependent under them. Number of Siblings Attending College may not necessarily include all siblings of the student, but pertains to those in the household in an undergraduate program.
The process of applying for aid is simple in that there are 3 basic steps that are repeated every year. Returning students are asked to submit the following:
1. FAFSA available online at FAFSA.ed.gov, school code 00213. Be sure to complete the FAFSA at least two weeks AFTER electronically submitting tax returns. You will then be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (new this year).
2. CSS Profile, also available online at Profile.collegeboard.com, school code 002133.
3. All current year Federal tax returns should be sent to IDOC along with an IDOC Cover Sheet specific to the student. IDOC is a data imaging services provided by the CollegeBoard. All tax returns should be physically signed, include all Schedules, W-2's and business Partnerships or S-Corporations if applicable.
Again, the renewal aid deadline is Friday APRIL 27th. Our office must receive your completed application by this date, so please allow time for completing, compiling, and submitting your forms to IDOC via "snail" mail.
Most importantly, be sure to CHECK YOUR MAIL - at school, at home, and online. Our office sends Missing Information Letters and emails to remind you of deadlines and documents needed in order to complete your financial aid application. Please be sure to read these carefully and in a timely fashion. As always, feel free to contact our office with any questions at sfs@brandeis.edu.
Yours truly,
Savvy Student
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Lowering Your Gas Costs
For those with cars, the money we spend on gas can be astonishing! With gas prices on the rise, this issue has taken center stage. On average, gas prices have now climbed to $3.74 a gallon, which can make filling up the tank more than a little painful. As reported by Time Magazine families now-a-days spend more on gas than on their taxes or health insurance! We've come up with a few tips and techniques that will help you save major $$ at the pump.
-Utilize public transportation as much as possible. Waltham has several options for public transit including two commuter rail stops (Brandeis/Roberts and Waltham) and several bus routes. In addition, you should utilize Brandeis's free shuttle services to get around Waltham and into Boston/Cambridge.
-If you are purchasing a new/used car, think about purchasing a high MPG car that is more fuel efficient! It'll save you money in the long run.
-With the rise of gas prices, often comes the rise of food prices. To combat this, try buying in bulk. If you share a house or apartment with others, buy for the whole house. Also, look for cheaper alternatives. Trying buying the store brand or generic option over the more expensive name brand.
-As the weather is warming up, go outside and get some exercise! Instead of hoping in your car to drive down the street, try walking instead. You'll get a little exercise and you'll save on gas!
-There are also ways to change the way you drive that will help you cut down on gas. Check out this article for ways to break the right way, change gears, and do car maintenance that will help you save cash.
We hope you take these tips into consideration next time you hop into the car!
Safe (and cheap) Driving!
Savvy Student
Additional Sources:
http://www.moneycrashers.com/gas-prices-rising-prepare/
-Utilize public transportation as much as possible. Waltham has several options for public transit including two commuter rail stops (Brandeis/Roberts and Waltham) and several bus routes. In addition, you should utilize Brandeis's free shuttle services to get around Waltham and into Boston/Cambridge.
-If you are purchasing a new/used car, think about purchasing a high MPG car that is more fuel efficient! It'll save you money in the long run.
-With the rise of gas prices, often comes the rise of food prices. To combat this, try buying in bulk. If you share a house or apartment with others, buy for the whole house. Also, look for cheaper alternatives. Trying buying the store brand or generic option over the more expensive name brand.
-As the weather is warming up, go outside and get some exercise! Instead of hoping in your car to drive down the street, try walking instead. You'll get a little exercise and you'll save on gas!
-There are also ways to change the way you drive that will help you cut down on gas. Check out this article for ways to break the right way, change gears, and do car maintenance that will help you save cash.
We hope you take these tips into consideration next time you hop into the car!
Safe (and cheap) Driving!
Savvy Student
Additional Sources:
http://www.moneycrashers.com/gas-prices-rising-prepare/
Friday, February 17, 2012
Stuff Savvy Student Says to Students
With the recent success of all of those "S*** ____ Says" videos, especially our very own "S*** Brandeis Students Don't Say" video, this Savvy Student decided to make a post dedicated to advice for students to ensure that the rest of the school year is as successful and easy as possible.
Here are the top 9 tips for a manageable and enjoyable spring semester...
- Re-apply for financial aid!
If you are a student who will be applying for financial aid next year, complete the FAFSA and send your documents to IDOC before the April 27th deadline. Doing your financial aid application now will save you on stress before finals begin! - Declare your major!
If you are a sophomore, make sure you declare your major before the end of March! If you do not declare at least one major before the end of March a hold will be placed on your account. Holds on your account are a very unpleasent surprise when class registration rolls around! - Be proactive if you want a job!
If you are interested in finding employment next semester, start talking to professors and employers now! You can never be too sure which jobs are opening up and when. Be sure to visit the Student Employment website for more information on jobs. - Understand your loans!
Do the proper research to understand your loans. If you are a senior who is graduating and you have loans you will need to complete exit counseling. If you don't, a hold will be placed on your account. For a few tips on how to repay your loans after graduation, check out our blog on Helpful Tips for Repaying your Loans. - Make a budget!
Making a budget for next year is never a bad idea, especially if you are planning to live off campus! For more tips on preparing to live off campus, check out our blog on Off-Campus Housing. - Check your SAGE account!
You should always be periodically checking your SAGE account to make sure that there are no holds or overdue balances. You don't want to be caught by surprise when registration or graduation roll around! - Get your money back!
If you have a negative balance on your account and you are eligible for a refund, make sure you complete a Credit Release Form so that you can receive a refund check. If you are planning to go abroad next semester and you know that you will have a credit on your account that you will want to use, make sure you fill out the form and hand it in to the Office of Financial Services before you leave! - Get more money!
If you need financial assitance, don't just apply for financial aid from Brandeis. You can apply for many outside scholarships that can go toward tuition, housing, books, or any other needs you may have. The Financial Services website has a list of outside scholarships that is updated frequently. Check it out! - SLOW DOWN!
Take a moment every day to enjoy your time at Brandeis. Despite how busy every student is, it's important to stop and smell the roses every once in a while! Chill!
What other tips do you think are important for a calm and fun spring semester? Comment below if you have any suggestions!
~Savvy Student
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
What is the Cost of Love?
"In total, Americans spend approximately $13 billion per year on Valentine's Day". The most common gifts include greeting cards, date night, flowers, gift cards and plush toys. All of which add up to 8 billion candy conversation hearts, 35 billion boxes of chocolate, and 110 billion roses delivered. And, this is why Valentine's Day turns out to be such an expensive holiday!
While some may recommend "Calling it quits with your other half before Valentine’s Day" (Consumerism Commentary) in order to save money on the costly holiday, this Savvy Student likes to think that you can stick to a budget without kicking your sweetheart to the curb. On average, each American will spend $120 on Valentine's Day gifts for their sweetie, but Savvy Student is here to help.
There are tons of great ideas for couples out there, but here are a few of our favorites:
-Stay in and cook a romantic dinner for two. You can even plan an indoor picnic.
-Repeat what you did on your first date. Go to the same restaurant, see the same movie, or just enjoy reminiscing.
-Enjoy the outdoors--take a walk or watch the sunset
-Snuggle up on the couch and watch an old movie together. Get popcorn and candy to get the movie theater feel.
And, if you're single don't despair. Savvy Student has come up with a list of cheap ideas for you too:
-Have a girls/guys day out--Valentine's Day can also be about celebrating the love you have for your friends or family!
-Have a party for all of your single friends!
-Spend the day watching a movie marathon with your friends--replay all your old favorites
-Enjoy a relaxing spa day (this may be more spendy, but if you can use the facilities around you, i.e. the new pool, yoga class etc your out of pocket expenses will go down)
Whatever you plan on doing, whether you are celebrating Valentine's Day with a significant other or not, keep these great ideas in mind.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Savvy Student
Sources:
http://kayce.wrytestuff.com/swa425942.htm
http://www.smartmarriages.com/uploaded/50.Cheap.Valentine.Ideas.Kurland.pdf
http://www.onlineaccountingdegree.net/cost-of-valentines/
http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x1463449504/The-price-of-love-on-Valentine-s-Day
http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/save-money-break-up-before-valentines-day/
While some may recommend "Calling it quits with your other half before Valentine’s Day" (Consumerism Commentary) in order to save money on the costly holiday, this Savvy Student likes to think that you can stick to a budget without kicking your sweetheart to the curb. On average, each American will spend $120 on Valentine's Day gifts for their sweetie, but Savvy Student is here to help.
There are tons of great ideas for couples out there, but here are a few of our favorites:
-Stay in and cook a romantic dinner for two. You can even plan an indoor picnic.
-Repeat what you did on your first date. Go to the same restaurant, see the same movie, or just enjoy reminiscing.
-Enjoy the outdoors--take a walk or watch the sunset
-Snuggle up on the couch and watch an old movie together. Get popcorn and candy to get the movie theater feel.
And, if you're single don't despair. Savvy Student has come up with a list of cheap ideas for you too:
-Have a girls/guys day out--Valentine's Day can also be about celebrating the love you have for your friends or family!
-Have a party for all of your single friends!
-Spend the day watching a movie marathon with your friends--replay all your old favorites
-Enjoy a relaxing spa day (this may be more spendy, but if you can use the facilities around you, i.e. the new pool, yoga class etc your out of pocket expenses will go down)
Whatever you plan on doing, whether you are celebrating Valentine's Day with a significant other or not, keep these great ideas in mind.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Savvy Student
Sources:
http://kayce.wrytestuff.com/swa425942.htm
http://www.smartmarriages.com/uploaded/50.Cheap.Valentine.Ideas.Kurland.pdf
http://www.onlineaccountingdegree.net/cost-of-valentines/
http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x1463449504/The-price-of-love-on-Valentine-s-Day
http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/save-money-break-up-before-valentines-day/
Friday, February 3, 2012
Great Clothes on the Cheap
Designer clothing with TJMaxx prices, at your fingertips every morning at 11am. Online discount boutiques are all the rage right now.
Ruelala (Ruelala.com) is often considered the mother of all boutique shops. This company, based in Boston, offers a variety of great deals on designer goods. Each day at 11am (Eastern Standard Time) the site opens up a variety of boutiques. Each "shop" is open for a few days and often, some of the best stuff sells out right away. The page has a lot of great deals for clothing, travel goods, food and sometimes even good get-aways or certificates for use in Boston. Right now they're running a special for free shipping, but typically, shipping is $9.95. They do have a special they've been running- when you pay for shipping once, you get free shipping for 30 days. Proceed with caution though, this may make you more liable to make purchases that you don't need. Ruelala is "invite only," but you can apply for membership from the website. Ask around and see if a friend has an account though, if you make a purchase, they get a $10 credit!
Other sites with similar set-ups are Hautelook (hautelook.com), Gilt (gilt.com), Beyond the Rack (beyondtherack.com) and Ideeli (ideeli.com).
Another site that often has clothing but also some unique artistic gifts is Fab (Fab.com).
But, we at savvy student say buyer beware with all these great websites. Many of these items, while they are dramatically discounted, were very expensive to begin with and therefore, can still be pricey. While the deals are tempting, be sure to figure out if you really need the item and it fits within your budget!
Ruelala (Ruelala.com) is often considered the mother of all boutique shops. This company, based in Boston, offers a variety of great deals on designer goods. Each day at 11am (Eastern Standard Time) the site opens up a variety of boutiques. Each "shop" is open for a few days and often, some of the best stuff sells out right away. The page has a lot of great deals for clothing, travel goods, food and sometimes even good get-aways or certificates for use in Boston. Right now they're running a special for free shipping, but typically, shipping is $9.95. They do have a special they've been running- when you pay for shipping once, you get free shipping for 30 days. Proceed with caution though, this may make you more liable to make purchases that you don't need. Ruelala is "invite only," but you can apply for membership from the website. Ask around and see if a friend has an account though, if you make a purchase, they get a $10 credit!
Other sites with similar set-ups are Hautelook (hautelook.com), Gilt (gilt.com), Beyond the Rack (beyondtherack.com) and Ideeli (ideeli.com).
Another site that often has clothing but also some unique artistic gifts is Fab (Fab.com).
But, we at savvy student say buyer beware with all these great websites. Many of these items, while they are dramatically discounted, were very expensive to begin with and therefore, can still be pricey. While the deals are tempting, be sure to figure out if you really need the item and it fits within your budget!
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