In November 2011, CNN reported that students who graduated from college in the past year did so with a record level of student loan debt – $25,250 per graduate. What is most worrisome is that this number is an average – meaning that while some students’ debt stayed below this amount, many carry debt far [...]

How to Pay Off Your Student Loans With Low-Interest Credit Cards is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

For many students, going away to college is the first time that they will live away from their parents or hometown. University life affords freedom, independence, and an opportunity to gain life skills that will be used throughout life. However, while this is certainly a major event, getting the most out of your college experience [...]

10 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad in College – Benefits & Challenges is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

Working during the summer when school is out of session is a great opportunity for teenagers to make money and assert their independence. Having a summer job can help you earn spending money, pay for college, and gain practical experience for a future career, all while providing opportunities not available during the school year. Deciding what [...]

12 Great Summer Jobs for High School Students is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

College is one of the most exciting, memorable times in a person’s life. There are many reasons to attend college, as it allows one to gain an education, discover new passions, and meet lifelong friends. College can also heavily impact your financial future, as earning a degree can open doors for you to pursue the [...]

Top 5 Money Mistakes You Should Avoid in College is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

There are many reasons to go to college. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an established professional going back to school to advance your career, community college may be your best option to start. No matter your age, attending a public or private university is expensive. However, the total cost of a four-year degree can [...]

Benefits of Attending Community College for Two Years to Save Money is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

I sat at the front of the classroom with my half-eaten lunch as 28 Japanese 7-year-olds hovered around me peppering me with questions: ”How tall are you? Why are your eyes brown? What’s the best place in America?” Their eyes wide with genuine curiosity and interest, I answered questions in my broken Japanese and signed autographs as they [...]

How to Become an ESL Teacher – Guide to Teaching English Abroad is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

Attending college, while not essential, can give graduates a financial boost that will benefit them throughout their lives. The U.S. Census has determined that the average college graduate makes $19,550 more per year than the average high school grad. Furthermore, the Pew Research Center stated that even after deducting time spent not earning money while [...]

17 Ways to Pay for & Afford College Without Student Loan Debt is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

Are you fresh out of school, looking for a job, but lacking in experience? You might think this will stop you from landing a decent paying job, but that’s not true. Not every entry-level, “no experience necessary” job is a dead-end. While many professional careers do require formal higher education and years of experience, you [...]

Top 15 Jobs That Require Little or No Experience is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

If someone asked whether you would like to work for free, your initial reaction might be, “No way!” or, “Why would I do that?” However, there are several reasons, depending on your situation and goals, why volunteering may actually be in your best interest. For example, if you’re focused on how to make your paycheck last longer, think [...]

10 Reasons to Volunteer Your Time or Work for Free is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

In generations past, the financial marketplace consisted of insurance agents who sold whole and term life insurance, stockbrokers who pitched individual stocks and bonds, accountants who prepared income tax returns and did corporate accounting, and bankers who offered customers security with FDIC insurance and safe-deposit boxes. Today’s modern financial marketplace has substantially blurred the distinctions [...]

How to Become a Financial Advisor – Career Challenges & Rewards is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

While at work, many of us dream of having time off to fill our days vacationing, playing golf, and relaxing with loved ones. But when retirement comes, we may actually find that we miss the work! There are myriad reasons to continue to work after retirement: it can help you stay physically and mentally healthy, [...]

8 Best Job Ideas for Retirees & Seniors is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

From the time that traders gathered under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street until the 1970s, stockbrokers were known primarily as salespersons who got rich by recommending stocks and bonds to wealthy speculators. And while many brokers still do this today, the role of stockbrokers has evolved and expanded considerably over the past few decades. Those [...]

How to Become a Licensed Stockbroker – Career Challenges & Rewards is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

As a freelancer, I’m on the hunt for a new gig more than most people and I’ve found quite a few through Craigslist over the years. Craigslist has become a haven for people looking for occasional part-time work, but many full-timers have found new jobs through the site as well. In fact, a friend of [...]

How to Find a Job Online Using Craigslist – 16 Step Process is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

Let’s face it. Recessions are difficult. You’ll know this best if you’re out of work and looking for a job. But even if you’re employed, you may still feel anxiety about losing your job or you may have had to take a pay cut to keep it. Some professions are hit harder than others during [...]

Top 10 Recession Proof Jobs – Do They Exist? is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

With job postings still scarce, job security dissipating, and wages seemingly stagnant at best, many people are trying to establish some security by creating multiple streams of income. It’s a smart strategy, but if you have trouble leaving your home or primary position to get to a second job, you’ll find yourself frustrated and stressed [...]

10 Best Ways to Make Money from Home (Legitimate) is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

When looking for a job, you need all the help you can get. Having an inside track can help you conquer a tough job market, especially when dozens of people apply for the same position. A headhunter or a career counselor can provide you with an advantage in a competitive job market. These professionals help you to [...]

Using Headhunters & Career Counselors to Get a Job – Is It Worth It? is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

I did it. My mother did it. Her mother did it. Many of my friends did it, and I know countless other women who did it. Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of mothers with children under age 6 are currently doing it. Maybe you’re considering being a stay at home [...]

8 Reasons Why I Quit My Dream Job to Be a Stay At Home Mom is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

Early retirement…most of us want it, but few actually have the motivation and the know-how to get it. Just like a regular retirement, at or after age 59 1/2, retiring early requires planning and saving. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. One, you’ll have to save more money and start earlier because you’ll need your retirement [...]

Early Retirement Planning: 6 Best Tax Efficient Investments is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

The conventional wisdom is to go to college, though a college education is by no means a prerequisite to success. That said, it has been considered a great asset and may open doors otherwise closed to non-college graduates. But as the world economy changes, traditional wisdom is being questioned. It’s up to you to determine [...]

Is Going to College and Getting a Degree Worth It? is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.

As a small business owner, when an applicant piques my interest with a good cover letter, I still need to see an impressive resume before setting up an interview. Your resume acts as the first point of contact for you and a prospective employer. If you want prospective employers to contact you about a job, [...]

How to Write a Great Resume for a Job – Tips & Examples is a post from the Money Crashers personal finance blog.