Archive for July, 2007

T Minus 5: After Graduation Plans

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 23, 2007 (3:46 pm)

We have 5 months left before I graduate. So far there are two plans we have:

1.  The company where I’m interning at offers me a position after graduation.  The cost of living here is more expensive and pay is lower than national average for both are occupations.

2. We move to an area with more affordable housing.  The job prospects there are promising, but no guarantees.

The game plan is prepare for both options.  We’re submitting resume and applications at the local employers’ databases.  We have been in there area to see if we would even like it and we did. As the semester rolls forward, we would defintely become more aggressive with the job hunt.  If anyone has expierence with this situation and would like to leave some advice, please feel free.

Writing Exit Exam

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 21, 2007 (7:07 am)

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Writing Exam Today

Before I can graduate this fall, I have to take a writing exit exam for the University. I have been preparing for this, so that’s why there has been a lack of posts. Once this is out, I’m going to go ahead and get back on schedule with the blog. I hope everyone has a great day and please expect another post by this afternoon. Thanks!exam

Update!!

I finish in 90 minutes and I feel really good about the essay. The two topics given to me were ‘Corporate Culture’ and ‘Exporting American Jobs’. After looking the questions, I felt that writing about the former allowed me to shine. The other topic was more negative, as in ‘Why is Exporting American Jobs Bad?’.

Best Cities in 2007 (According to Money Magazine)

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 18, 2007 (10:28 pm)

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Money Magazine does an annual review of the best places to live in the United States. This year’s winners are listed here. What I really enjoy about the list is that it breaks it up into cities of different sizes . You can also filter the list by certain characteristics that appeal to you. While the choices can certainly be debated, it’s a great starting place for those who are thinking of relocating to a more affordable area.

1. Middleton, WI
6. Papillion, NE
2. Hanover, NH
7. Milton, MA
3. Louisville, CO
8. Chaska, MN
4. Lake Mary, FL
9. Nether Providence, PA
5. Claremont, CA
10. Suwanee, GA

After you look at the list, which cities look promising to you and which are over hyped? If you live in one of the ‘best cities’, go ahead and leave a comment on your thoughts.

Health Insurance Coverage

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 18, 2007 (2:48 pm)

Health insurance isn’t typically a college student’s main concern. If you neglect having suitable insurance,though, it can not only lead to serious health consequences, but also can ruin your financial life.

How much does an Emergency Room visit cost?

A visit to the ER can average $361- $1262 according Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. I don’t know many college students and recently graduated students that can afford that. Buying health insurance is important.

How can a college student keep their health insurance coverage?

About.com has a really good overview on how to maintain health insurance when you’re in college and when you graduate.

Some insurance companies, universities, and states also have policies with college students in mind:

Check around to see if you an cut on your health costs with sacrificing necessary coverage.

Another option is getting a limited health care plan. While it might help with some basic visits, the lower premium usually means getting less coverage. Still, it’s an option for those trying to make ends meet. As with every other policy, please read the fine print. I also suggest reading USA Today’s Story on the topic. When looking at different policies, don’t just look and the price, but look at the amount of coverage you can get for that price.

To help people out, there are websites that allows you to compare some health insurance policies side by side.

If anybody has any other ideas about getting decent coverage on a limited budget, please feel free to leave a comment. Also if you have any experience with getting health insurance on a limited budget, I’d appreciate you sharing it.




Paying Off Debt Can Be A Good Addiction

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 17, 2007 (7:59 am)

I was surfing through some personal finance blogs and when I came across this one article on debt reduction, I just couldn’t resist. Sometimes we focus on just paying debt off, not realizing what the end result is: freedom, peace of mind, and less debt. It’s not only good for your financial health, but also your self-esteem.

Reducing your debt can give you some peace of mind.

Reducing your debt can give you some peace of mind.

 

 

Why don’t you start reducing your debt today?

  • By paying off a debt, you’re giving yourself more dignity and achieving a goal that many people struggle with nowadays.
  • Pay off one debt. I’m not suggesting something big, like a credit card. (If you can, though, then go for it.)
  • Pay off that IOU to your friend or family member. See how you feel afterwards and set a goal to work another debt. It takes time and it isn’t exciting, but there a huge payoff when you get closer to true financial independence.

Write back if you accomplished that already or if you’re working on something right now.

Photo Credit: Per Ola Wiberg (Powi)

 


The Rich Pay Too Little in Taxes, Unless They Pay Too Much

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 16, 2007 (8:30 pm)

“It is about taxing the rich, and begins by explaining why Warren Buffett can afford to always complain that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary: most of Buffett’s income is derived from dividends and capital gains, which are taxed at only a 15% Federal rate, as opposed to a Federal rate more than twice that for ordinary income, bonuses, etc.”

read more | digg story

From www.freakonomics.com

Car Tip #1: Carry the Right Stuff

By: GreenPanda | Date posted: July 16, 2007 (2:59 pm)

The best way to save money is to prepare for emergencies.  A few months ago I went to visit my mother my tire blew out. I had a spare to put on, but it was a little flat. We had to drive some miles before we hit a gas station that had an air pump. Now I try to check on the spare tire to make sure it is properly inflated. The Simple Dollar also posted about this as well. Being prepared is usually a very good thing.

I decided to include a list of things you might need for your car.

· First aid kit (A good one can be found for $10)

· Flashlight (Wal-Mart has a large one for only $3)

· Fix-a-flat

· Jumper cables (this has helped me numerous times)

· Rags (old T-shirts, etc.)

· Road flares

If I forgotten something, please add it with a comment.

Update!!

Thanks Charlene for your help on other essential things for the car kit. I looked up on Google for prices and found some pre-made kits for anybody that wants to get one:

http://www.google.com/products?q=emergency+car+kit

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