All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

Tips for Parents of a Soon-to-Be High School Freshman

high school freshman

Entering high school is a significant milestone for both students and their parents. This transition can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and filled with opportunities for growth. As parents, your support and guidance are crucial in helping your student navigate this new phase.

Here are some tips to help you and your soon-to-be freshman plan for a successful and fulfilling high school experience.

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Top Tips for Affording College

affording college

A college education is one of the biggest investments you could ever make. College costs money, and it’s not often as cheap as you think it could be. The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you everything you have, and you do not need to live on ramen the entire time you’re studying. 

Your education is important, and you have to look at it as the investment that it is. If you’re planning on studying a useful degree, then you’re going to know that whatever you put into it now is going to pay you back later.

Low interest student loans are out there for those who want to use them, but you must also consider other ways to contribute toward affording college. You get to crunch the numbers now and plan for your future to make it as bright as possible. 

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Tips for Your Recent Graduate to Help Them in the Workforce

graduate

Whether you have a new high school graduate entering the workforce permanently or temporarily, or you have a college graduate starting their first job, to be secure in their new position they should follow these ways to make themselves indispensable.

1. Make Your Manager’s Job Easier

Nobody wants their job to be difficult, and that’s especially true when it comes to managers. They’ve got quite a bit on their plate, and more than a few tasks to get through. They don’t want to have any extra work because some employees aren’t doing their jobs properly. Take the time to make their job easier.

It’ll reap more than a few benefits because of it. Making sure your tasks are done to a high standard, while also avoiding any potential problems is a great way to do this. It could even be worth taking on extra duties whenever you can.

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Maximizing Your Summer: College Prep for Every Grade Level

college prep

Summer break is approaching and it’s an excellent opportunity for students to invest in their future. Whether you have a rising freshman or a soon-to-be senior in your home, there are steps they can take during the summer months to enhance their college readiness. Let’s delve into college prep strategies tailored to each grade level.

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What’s a Mother Worth?

mother

Mother – noun – a person who does the work of twenty. For free. (see also superhero, warrior, saint).

Sunday is Mother’s Day. No amount of pay can adequately communicate how much a mother is really worth. Her value is priceless. They say you can’t put a price on love, but can you put a price on what a mother is worth?

Salary.com thinks you can and their annual Mom Salary Wizard lets you calculate just how much all your mom work is worth based on real salary data.

From a survey of over 6,000 moms, they found that these super-human women perform a huge range of jobs all rolled into one: from CEO to Psychologist, a mom’s work is never done.

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Parenting a Soon-to-be College Student

college student

Sending your child off to college can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, drawing on memories of our own transitions. Yet amidst our own apprehensions, it’s essential not to overlook the need to provide unwavering support and encouragement to your soon-to-be college student as they embark on this significant journey.

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Colleges Still Accepting Applications

applications

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, timing can often be crucial. For many students, the college application process can be a whirlwind of deadlines, essays, and decisions. But what happens if you miss those deadlines or simply need more time to decide on your future path?

Fear not, as there are still opportunities available. Several colleges and universities understand that life doesn’t always adhere to strict deadlines, and they’re extending their application windows to accommodate prospective students. Let’s explore some of these institutions and the opportunities they offer.

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Why You Should Attend College Fairs

college fairs

College fairs are often bustling events, filled with eager students, university representatives, and stacks of brochures. While the thought of navigating through a sea of booths might seem daunting, attending a college fair can be an invaluable experience for anyone considering higher education. If your student is a high school junior just beginning their college search, here’s why they should make it a point to attend college fairs.

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Navigating Net Price Calculators

Net price calculators


Before your student applies to any college, it’s important to understand the cost of attendance as it applies to your family’s financial situation. Many disappointments can be avoided if this is the first step before applying to any college. We made that mistake with my daughter and although she got into her first-choice college, we simply could not afford it. If we had been realistic about the cost, we would have discouraged her from applying and steered her toward more affordable options.

With the rising costs of higher education, understanding the true financial implications of attending college has become increasingly crucial for students and their families. Net price calculators, often available on college websites, offer valuable insights into the actual cost of attending a particular institution after factoring in financial aid and scholarships. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to utilize these calculators effectively:

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Choosing the Right Path Amidst Multiple College Offers

college offers


The college decision deadline is approaching for those seniors who have been accepted to colleges and have multiple college offers. Even though some have extended their decision deadlines beyond May 1 due to the FAFSA issues, parents and students are evaluating colleges and comparing offers.

Deciding which college to attend can be one of the most significant decisions in a young person’s life. With multiple offers on the table, the choice can feel overwhelming. However, with careful consideration and a structured approach, you can navigate this maze and choose the college that aligns best with your goals, preferences, and aspiration.

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