Student Loan

Buying a Car

Reduce Spending

Going back to school? Already in school but something happened and now you need a student loan? Whatever the case, if you need money for classes then this is the checklist for you. MoneyMix has teamed up with Dr. Mark Oleson and the University of Missouri’s Office for Financial Success to help you stay on top of your situation with this basic checklist. Don’t forget to add your own items to make sure this checklist meets your needs.

1. 1.     Start from the beginning of this checklist and remove items if you find out they are not relevant to your situation.
   
   OR
   
   
2. 2.     Skip ahead to the 3 month category for now, and revisit the earlier categories to help out later.

	Save, Save, Save Target Date Done How much do I need to save?- I have no clue… but if you use Save-to-Buy, I bet you can figure it out. Add Comments   Complete BYU's Financial Path to Graduation Target Date Done This is an awesome resource that helps you figure out how much you'll need: Path Assignment. It helps you find how much money is needed so you don't blindly accept any amount you are eligible for. Why borrow more than you really need? You'll have to pay it back with interest later on anyway. Add Comments   Start a Financial Aid Folder for Important Financial Documents Target Date Done Here are the items you'll need: - Last year's W-2 Forms and other records of money earned - Your (and your spouse's, if you are married) Federal Income Tax Return - Your parents' Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student) - Your untaxed income records (Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records) Wait, whose information do I need? - If someone claims you as a dependent on their most recent tax return, you'll need to use their financial records for loan applications. If no one claims you as a dependent, then you'll be using your own records. Add Comments   Put more into your financial aid folder Target Date Done Here are more items you'll need: - Your Social Security Number (can be found on Social Security card) - Your driver's license (if any) - Your most recent credit union or bank statements - Your most recent business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records - Your alien registration number or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Add Comments   Talk to the Office of Student Financial Aid at Your Campus Target Date Done These folks will help you understand what options you have available and help you become familiar with policies and procedures. Use the “add” feature to keep track of deadlines for the options you pursue. Add Comments   Look for Potential Work/Study Programs Target Date Done Work-Study programs are excellent ways to help pay for school AND get a lot of work experience in your field of study. Your academic advisor and the folks at your campus student financial aid office will have more information. You can also visit the US Dept of Education Web site on Work-Study programs. This isn't an easy task. If you are eligible, make sure you are okay with the level of commitment. Add Comments   Hunt Down Potential Scholarships/Grants Target Date Done This is easy money for school… organizations will hand it over if you qualify. All you need to do is find them, and apply. Use the “add” feature to keep track of deadlines for scholarships/grants you apply for. Add Comments

	Complete the FAFSA Application Target Date Done This is where gathering that financial information a few months ago will pay off. Use that info to complete the form and send it in! You can do this on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Watch out for any individual, group, or service that promise to submit your FAFSA Application and/or find grants or scholarships for a fee. Many are scams AND you can get that information free of charge from your school or the U.S. Department of Education. Add Comments   Keep Your Savings Growing Target Date Done Are you on track you're your savings? Don't forget to check out your credit union and explore different savings options like a 6 month CD or a Money Market account that you didn't consider before. Add Comments   Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR) Target Date Done This is mailed to you a few weeks after you submit the FAFSA Application. Check to make sure all of the information is correct. Add Comments   Receive Info From Your School's Financial Aid Office Target Date Done This is the moment you've been waiting for… What program did you qualify for and how much? Add Comments   Prioritize Your Student Loan Awards Target Date Done Not sure which to choose? Are you eligible for more than you need? Prioritize them based on the terms and conditions of each, as well as their pros & cons. Remember, you don't need to accept ALL of what you've been awarded. Add Comments   Return the Award Notification to Your School's Financial Aid Office Target Date Done Complete the award notification and indicate the amount you wish to accept. Add Comments

	Check Out Your Credit Union Target Date Done Do you need more money to pay for school and school related stuff? Or did you just find out that you'll need to find some money to pay for next semester? In either case, this is the time to talk to your credit union and look for other options. Use the “add” feature to keep track of deadlines for the options you pursue. Add Comments   Plan a Budget for All Expenses Target Date Done Talk to your parents, friends, or do some research and figure out what are some expenses you should plan for. Here's a great time to use MoneyMix' Easy Budget! Add Comments   Talk to the Office of Student Financial Aid at Your Campus Target Date Done Go back to the office at your campus to gather information on alternative methods to acquire student loans. Use the “add” feature to keep track of deadlines for the options you pursue. Add Comments