–By Crystal Davis–
With the hip-hoorahing going on after the many extra days off, we have returned to campus to watch the snow melt and the sun burst it’s way about. And with a relaxing yet back-pressing week of shoveling out cars, we all know too well where we are now. Tax season and financial aid. Many of us fumble in joy at the sound because we know we will find ourselves under a waterfall of checks, time-sharing. Habitually, we associate the spring semester with ‘spring cleaning,’ income tax checks and financial aid.
Director in the office of Financial Aid, Mr. Frank Cuozzo granted some helpful insight for students keeping up with their educational finances.
“Stay on top of the process and continually check your email or gothic account while doing so. If you have questions ask a financial aid counselor. It’s better to be proactive than reactive.”
With the continual pressure of taxes, financial aid and paper pushing that students are prone to go through for the return of the spring semester, there is an equal suggestion being transplanted for all—relax, take it easy.
“Tips for students? I would say try to stay at home as long as you can because living on your own is tough s*^%. Try not to spend too much time on anything other than your schoolwork. And if you want to work properly, assess the necessity or you might end up with more than you can handle,” said Victoria Marmolejos, 19, undecided [major] from Jersey City when asked about the essentials of financial aid.
It’s never been a particularly easy thing, but one thing that should be taken into consideration is—like many other tasks, with the right amount of dedication it will become less difficult. However, you might want to keep in mind that there is always some sort of fine print that should require a little extra careful reading.
According to H&R Block’s “Dollar and Sense” column for Parents Teachers and Students—“Apply some financial first aid.”
In health care, first aid is meant to prevent further harm and promote recovery. If someone is bleeding, first aid may involve applying pressure to the wound. Financial first aid involves putting a stop to over spending and oftentimes halting the use of credit cards.
Shop with cash to help avoid impulse buying. It might seem like a small action, but it can be a giant leap toward financial fitness. Studies show we spend 30 percent less when we pay with cash. So take action now to stop the bleeding.”
The idea of Financial Aid and scholarships are really solid ones, but it is always necessary to keep up with them both. Although one might think that the requirement of paper pushing for financial aid might be a burden they do in fact help the average student out more than you’d think. By the way, keep your eyes posted for scholarships in the Financial Aid office!