Student Loans

Interesting article in the New York Times about student loan debt and the current economy. There is even mention of a loan forgiveness program that starts July 1st (but not sure how it's different from the current loan forgiveness programs out there--any clarification is appreciated).


Thanks Cara!!

Recession Girl NYC

Recession Girl NYC is a cute and clever website for those of us living in NYC with a hankering to get out and have some fun on a budget (especially useful for those of us living on a social worker's salary). Tips are given on how to get more for the money you spend ("Swindle of the Day"), free/low-cost events ("Low Roller Fun"), cheap or free items being given out ("Curb Alert"), and much more.

Check it out!!!

http://recessiongirlnyc.blogspot.com/

Suze Orman

As a recent graduate looking at a new year ahead of me, I have been trying to put together the pieces that will build a healthy financial future. Trying to figure out all the pension, deferred compensation, loan repayment options, savings, and a regular budget has been a tad overwhelming thus far.

I was really excited to get notice from a friend that Suze Orman's latest book is available for FREE in a pdf file. I think it is only for a limited time, so save a copy for later if you can't get to it now.
I am hoping reading it and taking the actions she outlines will bring me some clarity and confidence!

Here is the link:
http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081119_tows_bookdownload

Moira

Mint personal finance

Hey everyone,

I commented below, but I just tried out www.mint.com (thanks to Katie's suggestion) and so far it looks really helpful. I was a little afraid, because you have to put in all of your banking info (username, password, etc.), but it really gives me a clear picture of how I'm using my money and how my reality is that I simply don't make enough :)

Loan Consolidation

Hey everyone,

Not sure if anyone still needs this kind of information, but in case you are interested in consolidating your student loans you can go to this website: http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/. You can fill out an application online or you can call (800) 557-7392 to have an application mailed to you (I also called and asked some questions).

I hadn't realized it, but apparently no other lenders are consolidating loans due to some legislation that went into place last October I believe.

Good Personal Finance Website

www.mint.com keeps track of everything you spend for you... good for making a budget;)

Cheap Bus Options

Here's an article from nytimes about cheap buses that are cleaner and less sketchy than chinatown buses.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/travel/escapes/26bus.html?ei=5070&emc=eta1

Preparing for Rising Energy Costs

I ran into a social worker who was training at DFTA and she sent me the info for this free conference:

"Managing Energy Costs? Use the power of action."
October 15, 2008
8:30am to 11:30am
National Grid Auditorium
One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn NY 11201
RSVP by October 9th

Topics to be addressed include:

• What's on a gas bill? For instance, what exactly is a “Gas Delivery Charge”?
• How do rising energy costs impact National Grid bills and customers?
• How can we all use “The power of action” to do something about it?
• How can customers access important resources, like HEAP?
• Are there any National Grid programs might be able to help with energy and cost management?

You’ll get answers to these questions and more. Attendees will also have an opportunity to pose questions to our panel of experts, including a representative from HRA - HEAP!

Our goal is to leave you better able to assist energy consumers - from understanding the bill, to lowering it, and getting help to pay for it when necessary.

This FREE event is open to all. Please see the attached flyer for details, and feel free to distribute it widely. Don't miss the opportunity to take home free giveaways and maybe win our raffle drawing for a "Green" gift basket! To RSVP, please reply to Karla.Ayala@us.ngrid.com or Renee.McClure@us.ngrid.com.

If you have any questions or wish to be excluded from future National Grid Consumer Advocacy Department communications, please respond to this email.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nicole D'Anna
Consumer Advocate
National Grid
1 MetroTech Center, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 718-403-2095
Fax: 718-403-2818
Email: Nicole.DAnna@us.ngrid.com

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Food Bank for New York City

Last weekend I was at the Last Supper Festival and met some representatives from the Food Bank for New York City. Apparently they have programs for school-aged children and seniors (and I asked about regular ole' adults and the person I spoke with said they work with everyone).

Anyway, I was told that they educate people on how to eat healthy and how to use their food stamps in the best way possible.

http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

After exploring the website I also found that they offer free tax assistance too!

Here's a little more information about their "CookShop for Adults" educational program:

"CookShop for Adults focuses on two groups: adult food stamp recipients and seniors.

The CookShop for Adults food stamp recipient initiative provides monthly workshops that improve the ability of participants to prepare home-cooked, nutritious meals for themselves and their families. Program participants learn how to best find, store and cook fresh, in-season food as well as the benefits of a healthy diet based on whole, minimally processed food — with a special emphasis on locally grown produce."

The Coalition for Debtor Education

Hi Everyone:)

Courtney was asking if anyone had ideas for potential seminars for her students. I sent her this info by e-mail, but I thought it was a good opportunity to post a resource.

The Coalition for Debtor Eduation "is a not-for-profit organization whose continuing mission is to assist consumers, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations, in understanding and improving their ability to manage their financial affairs."

http://www.nyls.edu/pages/1438.asp

Being a social worker paying off columbia loans I'm sure I could benefit from some of this info as well;) Hope the information is helpful!

Katie