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Banks vs. Credit Unions – Does it matter?

3/9/2010 9:09:59 AM

Unhappy with your current financial institution? Wondering if the grass is greener on the other financial side?

Banks have taken a huge public relations hit in the media since the TARP fiasco, but life has moved on, and many people are still with their banks. While credit unions have experienced a surge in membership, and are touted positively for their great customer service and low fees, it is still a good idea to give banks a fair viewing in this ongoing debate. Deciphering the banks versus credit union debate can be a bit daunting, but sometimes the best answer lies in the middle.

How Banks Work

Banks come in different shapes and sizes - some are big and nationwide while others are smaller, local institutions. Anyone, in any city or state, can open an account with a bank, and because of this membership factor banks are generally more accessible nationwide.

Banks are federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and are run by a group of investors who have a large amount of capital that goes into funding for the bank. The Board of Directors is hired, and paid, to make all of the decisions for the bank. Customers hold no voting privileges or decision-making power within the institution.

Unlike credit unions, banks are for-profit, and have to pay taxes to the government. Because of these factors, a bank’s primary purpose is to make money for the investors and for the stock holders, as well as make enough to cover their taxes and in-house operations.

How Credit Unions Work

Credit unions are designed to serve a particular group or neighborhood. People who use credit unions for their financial services are members of the credit union, instead of being just customers. When you open an account with a credit union, you become a shareholder, and part owner of the credit union. Since credit unions are nonprofit organizations, the profits incurred by the credit union directly benefit the members after covering overhead costs. The more members depositing money into a credit union - the higher the benefits to existing members.

Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and are democratically controlled by the members. Members elect their Board of Directors, who are chosen to fully represent the members in making decisions and upholding policies. This also means that members have more say in how the credit union is run, and hold decision-making power.

Pros

Banks offer a wider range of services, and are often more accessible to customers. For example, if you have an account with a branch of Wells Fargo in California, you can access that same account at branches and ATM’s in Wisconsin. Banks will often offer attractive rates on their checking or savings accounts in order to be competitive with other banks.

Since banks need a certain amount of deposits in order to meet their reserve requirements with the Fed, they will often bump up their rates to attract people since every financial institution is required to keep a certain amount of money on deposit with the Federal Reserve. Banks also tend to have larger variety of products and services that may allow you to centralize your banking needs versus having to keep track of accounts at several institutions.

Credit unions are often chosen over banks for their lower interest rates and low-cost services. Since credit unions are tax-exempt, they don’t charge the high fees and finance charges of traditional banks. Credit unions also use the income, from fees, to give back to the members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher dividends for savings and Certificates of Deposit.

A credit union’s primary goal is to keep all of their members happy because their success depends on membership. Recently, more credit unions have begun to expand their services to include checking accounts, IRAs and credit cards. Many credit unions worldwide have also begun to diversify in the types of loans they offer including student loans, small business loans and mortgages.

Another perk due to the fact that credit unions are non-profit is that they don’t have to compete with one another as do the bigger banks, and work in tandem by forming alliances that benefit their respective members.

Cons

A current trend among banks, that is sending more people to credit unions, lies in the charging of monthly fees. For example, if you have a checking account with Bank of America, you will be charged a monthly maintenance fee unless you have direct deposit from your employer or maintain a specified balance.

Customer service has also been a huge factor in customers heading through the credit union doors. Because credit union customers are partial owners, they tend to uniformly have a higher level of customer satisfaction, not to mention the strength of a CU depends on membership. Banks also often push their products, despite possibly better available options. Credit unions aren't focused on profits, since they are not-for-profit, and recommend what they think is best for the customer and not for the institution.

The biggest deterrent from joining a credit union is their relative inconvenience compared to banks, as they typically have less ATMs, and branches, and usually lack variety in investment products and services. Not all credit unions offer credit cards because it is fairly expensive to carry a portfolio. If they do offer the credit cards, it is rare that they are handled in house. Some credit unions also have restrictions on memberships, such as University CUs , or union-based CU’s.

The Winner?

There really is no winner or loser in this debate – well that is if you view the information unbiased. At the end of the day, both financial institutions have pros and cons. The best approach to have is to determine your needs and wants, then research rates and services for both local credit unions and banks.

Often using a combination of the two types of financial institutions is most beneficial. For example, if credit unions have higher interest rates on savings accounts, you might want to open a savings account with your credit union, while leaving your checking account with a traditional bank.

Do you use a credit union or a bank? Tell us about how you made your choice in the comments below.

Coupon Clippers Version 2.0

3/8/2010 3:53:48 PM

Like clipping coupons, internet deals & discounts can save college graduates hundreds of dollars a month on entertainment and shopping.

And although there's very little glamor in surreptitiously slipping a Penny Saver coupon to your waitress with the bill at the end of a date, in 2010, diligent coupon clipping might just be the new black.

It's certainly flattering to your wallet. But you don't need to pore over the junk mail to get good deals. (Not to say you shouldn't, but it's no longer your only option.) Since half of us are shopping online and spending most of our work or school days near a computer, the most efficient way to save money and still live the good life is by surfing the web.

Online Coupons: Click, Don't Clip.

Aggregate e-coupon sites like CoolSavings.com, CouponCabin.com and others email you about deals, discounts, coupons and freebies targeted specifically to you. Sign up for a free account and spend a few minutes tailoring your account to your own needs, and searching categories for specific coupons, many of which are printable. If you've got an expensive cheese addiction like me, opt-in to get grocery coupons to reduce your grocery bill. If you live out of a suitcase, check out travel deals.

You can always log back in and change your settings if the coupons you're getting aren't up your alley. Or, log in and click on the site's “Free” tab on the top navigation bar for a broad selection of freebies and special deals that rotate frequently.

Most freebies are available as long as you do a short survey (which is how most marketers find out about their demographics). If you have 5 or 10 minutes, on a recent visit to CoolSavings.com, you could enter to win a $1500 gift card for Target or a stainless steel coffeemaker.

Promo Code Madness.

The other favored method to save online that's similar to coupon sites is finding promotional codes on items you already plan to buy. After I pick out what I want on the web (say, a bouquet of tulip's for my mother's birthday), I do the entire checkout, right up until the page where you can enter a promo or gift code and “recalculate” your order total.

Then, I'll open a new tab in my browser and sidle on over to a site like RetailMeNot.com, which lists thousands of coupon codes and discounts for some 50,000 online stores. The last time I did this, I saved about $12.00 on a $49.00 bouquet of flowers. That's a significant percentage of the total, and in reality, I probably had the coupon code somewhere in my email – but RetailMeNot saved me the time and effort of searching for it myself.

Traditionalists can go to printable.retailmenot.com and print coupons instead of ordering online if they just can't stand to shop online. CouponCabin, PromotionalCodes.com and many other websites provide similar services. If you're looking for something special, check them out.

Coupon sites aren't for everyone, since they work best if you spend the time to navigate them (and unclick offers you don't want so your inbox doesn't get inundated), or if you already know what you want to save money on.

But coupon clippers will love it, because it's the same principle, just without the scissors! And if you are making deals online, your loved ones – my mother included – won't even realize you didn't pay full price.

What's your savviest retail savings tip? What method saved you the most money with the least effort?

Surviving the First 90 Days of a New Job

3/8/2010 11:48:12 AM

You earned the degree, survived the job search and multiple interviews, and you just landed the job of your dreams – well ok, it’s at least a steady income. But is it really the right position for you... or a good fit for your employer?

Life is a learning curve and quite often what looks great on paper doesn’t quite pan out in reality the way you expect. So when the offer is given with the notation of a 90-day probationary period, look at the situation as dating versus marriage – you don’t have to commit quite yet.

How many of you actually knew exactly what you wanted to do after walking away with degree in hand? Today’s workplace requires employees to wear many more hats than before. As a writer, I jumped into the marketing boat with the first recession scare in 2002, and years later have a tool belt filled with much more than just writing.

However, I never took the time to examine who I was saying “yes” to and fell in the rotating job door that so many creative professionals fall into nowadays. The recession proved to be an excellent wake-up call for me, and many others, who went through that door much faster than we planned to while hoping to find steady work.

The employer/employee relationship has drastically changed over the past two decades. Benefits are not so generous as they once were, since most businesses operate with one eye on the bottom line and the other on their employees.

While corporate culture isn’t looking as secure and lucrative as it did prior to 2006, this is the time that people can explore new options that they may have been afraid to try when life was seemingly more easy-going. Nowadays, the probationary period is more than seeing if you fit into your new company’s culture; it’s about both making a good match on both sides.

During your probationary period, you will be evaluated for much more than how well you know Microsoft Office, or how you answer the phone. Your employer will be watching your every move, from the way you interact with other co-workers, to how long and thorough you perform your duties.

Many employers will also be watching you and the clock at the same time; how long you take your breaks, how often you are at your desk, and what time you arrive and depart during the business hours outlined in your employee manual will be reviewed. And yes, you most likely will face some sort of questioning on the employee manual, so it’s a good idea to always read it over the first night in the office.

Employers also have ways of monitoring your time online, and some have been known to have their IT people watching as well especially if it is in the employee manual.

Scared yet? Well the good news is you don’t have to be, because this probationary period is also about what you are looking for with an employer!

Americans have been scared into believing they have to take the first job that is offered, but nowadays the job can be taken away just as quickly as given.

Looking at the “glass is full” view, this is the time that you can decide if you want to commit to the office environment that you are experiencing, or continue looking for better options. It turns out that there are many great employers out there, and the key is to finding a common ground during the probationary period.

Just as with dating, if it doesn’t feel right in the first 90 days, chances are it’s not going to work out. How long before it ends isn’t as critical as what is being missed during that time.

While your employer is examining your worthiness as an employee, you should be researching what you will be gaining from the position and the company.

Ask yourself these questions:

Is this a position that you can grow with, and learn from?
Does this company value its employees?
Does this company encourage employee growth through training, team-building exercises and events?
Do they have an open-door communication policy?
Do you feel comfortable asking your superiors and co-workers questions, especially during training?
Are there opportunities within the company?

These questions can help you evaluate if this is a place worth making a commitment, or just a stepping stone position. It is also a good idea to ask yourself if you have a good personality match, especially with your co-workers.

After all, you will most likely see these people more than your own family and if you feel as if you’re surrounded by evil step-siblings – you might want to move on, even if the paycheck is generous.

Bottom line? No matter what the situation is, make sure to always have your best foot forward. You should never let your professional demeanor down, and the probationary period is an excellent time to learn proper business etiquette.

Learning the ropes can be stressful. But it is essential to remember to stay true to yourself, believe in your strengths and accept your weaknesses during this time. If you are willing to be dedicated, a hard worker, and a receptive learner, you will go far in the workplace.

What do you think about in the first 90 days of a new job? What do you think employers look at? Tell us your success (and horror stories) below.

Start Saving Strategy

3/8/2010 11:14:02 AM

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if money really did grow on trees? Unfortunately the money trees you buy at the garden store don’t produce dollar bills; in fact, it costs you to purchase them! Starting out after college can be a stressful time for finances.

The excitement of receiving a salaried wage often prompts new professionals to spend like a crazed teenager with an unlimited credit card in the mall. Too many new professionals find themselves with sparkling new big ticket items, but no money for groceries, and worse yet no “cushion” in case they become the latest victim of the revolving recession door.

These days, it’s imperative to save for a rainy day, because you never know when that day will come. Live according to your income by working with what you have, and not accumulating debt, and listen to your accountant - always put aside 10 percent of every paycheck, if you can!

Saving Tips for the Recent College Graduate

Set goals, make a budgetary plan, and stick to it.Look at your living expenses and decide what the bare minimum is that you can live on contently. For example, if you are single and living by yourself, you are probably paying over $200 in “extras” such as cable connection, and a gym membership, on top of your rent and utilities. Even though watching Food Network at 7 p.m. to whet your appetite is nice, it’s not necessary, especially when cable alone runs an average of $75 for a monthly bill.

While having internet might be necessary, the cable is not, and that may be money better spent in your savings account collecting a monthly 5% interest. If you can’t part with cable, and you’re paying monthly for a gym membership, cut your financial losses by working out at home to fitness channels such as Fit TV, or better yet, invest in a few DVDs and work out in the comfort of your home.

Planning is key to reaching your financial goal. There is more mental comfort to living off of your savings, versus credit cards, during unfortunate transitional periods. Years of savings will also pay off when you do want to make large future purchases such as a house, or even starting a family of your own.

Think “eco” with your planning.There is both an economical and ecological benefit to this strategy. For example, limiting the use of utilities is not only great for the environment but also increases significant savings on your utility bill. You can finally listen to your mother and start turning off lights, appliances and electronics when not in use. Save time and money by limiting your travel and correspond your errands with your daily work commute. And don’t be afraid to explore new travel arrangements including carpooling and public transportation to cut down on travel costs. When someone else is doing the driving, you save money and have time to read a book, relax, or catch up on work.

Limit your food expenses. It is so easy to grab fast food during the course of a busy week, but do your budget and belly a favor by planning ahead with a weekly menu plan. Set a reasonable average weekly budget, and include snacks, healthy options (whole grains, legumes and vegetables), and indulgences such as spirits and desert to avoid tempting weeknights out. Searching online for tasty recipes will help with planning.

You will be able to divide recipe items (such as chicken, fresh herbs, vegetables) up between meals. Preparing the meals ahead of time will also reduce the temptation of “grab and go,” especially for late nights at the office.

Once you are at the grocery store, you can also save money by using grocery coupons, buying the generic store brands, and signing up for a customer reward card for discounts. When eating out, be sure to look online for restaurant promotions such as “buy one entrée, get one free,” to help keep food costs down.

Limit the expense of possessions by living with less and buying only what you absolutely need. The simplistic rule of thumb is quality over quantity. Let’s face it, we are living in a very disposable culture nowadays, and with trends coming and going quickly your money almost lasts longer then the skinny jeans craze. Start by having a basic wardrobe of well-fitting, quality constructed clothing.

Trendy items are always a fun splurge, but make your wardrobe expenses part of your overall budget to keep clothing costs down. It is also a good idea to think of clothing as an investment rather than a necessity. And don’t be afraid to check out resale and consignment stores where you can also sell and trade your own used clothes. There are many upscale consignment stores where well-crafted designer clothing and accessories can be purchased for a fraction of the original retail price.

After all, it’s more about how you wear, than what you wear. If you absolutely need to purchase this season’s saucy gladiator sandals, first search online for low pricing, and then check out inexpensive stores such as H&M or Charlotte Russe to keep spending down on such items that might not see another season.

Treat yourself now and then.The worst thing you can do to your morale is deny yourself an occasional reward. You worked hard all week, stayed with the budgetary game plan – you deserve something! Consider this a “mini” goal, and add it in to your overall budget plan by keeping your rewards specific.

For example, it is easy to go down the slippery slope of rewards by treating yourself to dinner out with friends, buying a new pair of dark rinse jeans, and adding a few more selections to your wine collection all in one weekend. These rewards can easily pass the $200 mark within two days, and if this happens a few weekends in a row your savings suddenly takes a hit.

Use cautionary discipline and limit your “rewards,” or incorporate “fun money” into your budget and stick to it! This is a habit that will not only pay off down the road with savings and investments, but will also be a great lesson of discipline to teach future generations.

We should all benefit from lessons learned from the recession and remember that constraint is not a ten- letter word, but rather a front-forward way to live life. What’s your best recession lesson?

Playing Water Cooler Politics

3/8/2010 10:51:38 AM

Your work “family” may be the most dramatic group of people in your life. Just as your own family, you often cannot pick members of your work family and end up with a telenovela version of office life.

After all, we are all humans with needs and we compete to win at the end of the day. Even if you feel above the human drama, we all end up sucked into the water cooler politics one way or another.

Most employees start out trying to stay secluded from the dramatic banter, especially when first starting in a position. But it is difficult not to become roped into talk; these are your teammates and communication is necessary in the workplace. Newbies are often spared the gossip, usually out of mistrust, but the social thread often unravels once the probationary period is over. When this time arrives, it is best to know how to play the politics without getting burned.

Water cooler drama can often start out innocently: people need to vent for mental health purposes.

But the underside of human nature is that people can be egocentrically motivated and there are co-workers you need to beware of.

The first step to positioning yourself above the drama is to analyze your demeanor. While there are many other types of personalities, these few are the most recognized and the best to form guidelines around when approaching the game of water cooler politics.

Overly enthusiastic personalities – always willing to help – often find themselves being snubbed by some and abused by others. As a team, it is necessary to work together, but it must be a fair approach to all members. Offer your assistance, but don’t be the doormat by taking on more work than you can handle in the name of “impressing” others.
Secluded personalities – always alone at their desk – are viewed by teammates as unapproachable and the mystery often causes unnecessary rumors. If you find yourself on the secluded personality side, there is nothing wrong with being who you are, but a daily smile and “hello” will quash any potential “narc” or serial killer rumors.
Opinionated personalities are also a target for the office rumor mills. They can be bossy and mistrusted by others, but are sometimes necessary when there is constant indecision and stalling with team mates. This personality can be good in small doses, but should come with a warning label because the motivation should be analyzed. Are they this way for the good of all or just for the individual?

Now for strategy, the most important part of the game. First and foremost, never take what is said or done at work personally - that is the downward spiral of office politics. People are motivated by different factors, and you do not want to take the brunt of a co-worker’s emotional baggage. Unlike your family at home, your work family has the ultimate goal of being productive and making sure the company prospers as a whole.

Keeping this in mind, there are tactful ways staying in the communication loop without losing your head. The following are examples of tactfully handling water cooler politics:

Situation: A coworker starts venting about other people in the office.

What to Avoid: Getting sucked in and contributing to the trash talk, which may be passed along or overheard.

Co-worker: “I am so sick of Dennis making me do all his work and then taking the credit. We worked on the X project together, and all he did was hit on Suzy the secretary instead of preparing the Y reports. I don’t why George hasn’t fired him yet he’s so useless, don’t you think?”

Your Response: Say as little as possible and frame your responses around the coworker’s needs, not the people he’s talking about. “I can see why you’re frustrated. You should let Dennis know that you’re upset, but be constructive about it because maybe he doesn’t realize why you’re upset.”

Situation: A colleague tells you something you feel you should not know about, like an affair between coworkers or a rumor that someone may get fired.

What to Avoid: Irrelevant or false information could prejudice your attitude toward coworkers and compromise your working relationships.

Co-Worker: “Did you hear about George and Ally? They totally hooked up after a networking event last week. Guess they didn’t know about the office policy on inner-office relationships.”

Your Response: Pretend you’ve got something crucial to attend to and politely excuse yourself from the conversation, keeping the rumor in your “vault.” The less you admit to knowing, the less entanglements you’re part of, and the more stress-free your life becomes. “Nope, I didn’t hear about that. Hey, sorry, but I’ve got to back to these reports, I’m on deadline.”

Situation: You hear news about a claim that one coworker is harassing another, such as an office bully (they do make it past high school!).

What to Avoid: This is a situation that you cannot avoid. A situation such as this can adversely impact you and the organization, especially if you’re perceived as someone who didn’t do anything about harassment.

Co-worker: “Frank told me that I have to work through my lunches this week to finish the J project. Johnny told me that Frank said I was inadequate, and that HR is looking for a replacement for me after I missed the Tuesday morning group meeting. But Frank never told me about the meeting, and gave me 10 more hours of work afterwards, saying that I have the chance to save my job if I finish it by end-of-day Thursday. I’m having such a hard time finishing my deadline, and the extra work, especially since he asks me every few hours about my work status, and teases me that I work slow because I’m old.”

Your Response: Pass it up through proper channels immediately. Tell the person who reported the harassment that she needs to tell human resources, or you will. “Frank is bullying you Sally. I don’t think it’s fair for him to put you down, and it is completely out of line for him to say you’re too old. Not to mention he should have told you about the meeting, and you should not have to do his work for him. You are being harassed and it is imperative that you tell Joe (supervisor) and HR about this situation.”

Have you had experiences with workplace drama? Let us in on how you handled it in the comments.

Staying Fit for Cheap

3/8/2010 10:39:46 AM

Looking to lose those freshman 15 still hanging on even after your first year as a professional? Is your stomach proportionally larger than your wallet? Staying in shape is essential and does not have to cost much. Say goodbye to popping buttons, tight pants and the belted double bubble belly – this is the year you make your wallet fatter and your stomach flatter!

Fitness professionals often recommend treating a workout session as a very important scheduled item. For example, if you have a work meeting scheduled with your boss, you wouldn’t cancel it just because you’re running behind on a deadline for that day. This same mentality should be applied to scheduling your workout sessions throughout the week.

Quite often, the first scheduled event to be dropped during a stressful week is exactly what is needed to avoid feeling stressed – the workout. Many people believe that in order to lose weight they have to join a gym in order to make the “ultimate” commitment to working out.

Gym memberships experience ebb and flow throughout the year; the resolution spike in January, the buff-bride mid-year spike, and the pre-holiday wind-down in December.

Let’s face it: if working out was as easy as drinking a fine wine, we would all be in great shape.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA),

“All healthy adults aged 18 to 65 year need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, five days a week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes, three days a week.

"Moderate-intensity aerobic activity, which is generally equivalent to a brisk walk and noticeably accelerates the heart rate, can be accumulated toward the 30-min minimum by performing bouts each lasting 10 or more minutes.

In addition, every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance a minimum of two days each week. Resistance (weight) should be used that results in substantial fatigue after 8–12 repetitions of each exercise. Resistance training at least twice per week provides a safe and effective method to improving muscular strength and endurance by 25% to 100%.”

This is probably not new news to you, but if you’re not out running right now, and reading this, there’s a good chance this is information you understood and buried deep inside your memory bank. The long and short of it is that working out increases energy, both physical and mental, makes you feel good and helps your wellness years down the road.

Taking this information to the gym is great; there are lots of classes and programs offered to keep members constant with their attendance. But if a gym membership is not in your budget, there are many other options starting right at your doorstep.

There are plenty of ways to keep fit at your own home, or office, starting with jogging and walking.

But if you are like most, and turn your nose up at running, there are many other “vigorous” forms of exercise that can be performed in the comfort of your own home. For example:

Have cable or internet? Then you have no excuse not to find a high-impact aerobics show that bests fits you! There are many online fitness video sites to choose from including hulu.com, exercisetv.tv, and even youtube.com. These online sites are a great way to learn what makes you “tick” when it comes to fitness.
Fit TV (on cable) is also a great option with many different workout series to choose from that range in complexity and duration. Many of these online and cable options are “hybrid” aerobics, including cardio kickboxing and dance, that combine spurts of intense aerobics with muscle conditioning.
Dance is another vigorous form of aerobic activity that is often overlooked. While classes generally range been the price range of $10-$15, there is no need to pay membership dues. Yoga and cardio boot camps are also often in the same price range, and without membership commitment. Having flexibility in pricing is another great way of working around a budget.

This year, make your fitness goal happen, and save money at the same time! Treat your scheduled workout times as important calendar events. Incorporate vigorous activities throughout the day time, and see if you’re most committed to working out in the morning, lunch or after work. Working out at home will cut down on expenses, and cut your travel time down significantly!

What are your top fitness tricks that are cost-effective? Share in the comments!

The Joys of Grad School

3/4/2010 4:22:57 PM

It’s well worth the plunge.

Grad school is all I could have ever dreamed. Seriously, I love it! If you thrive in a learning environment and want to expand your career opportunities, it’s the place foryou. I am in a writing/teaching Master’s program at a local state university and couldn’t be happier with the thoughts it has provoked and opportunities it’s presented. I’m even teaching a freshmen writing course already as a graduate instructor!

Grad school has been a very different experience from my undergraduate years. And not just because there aren’t any frat parties. Here’s how:

Networking opportunities: Classes are more career-oriented and tailored to your interests. No more Calc 101 or some other despised course that has no relation to your career. You’re able to share business ideas with fellow classmates who have your same interests and professors who love to chat about career plans too. Most programs are linked with internship opportunities as well.
No busy work: No more article summaries. No more quizzes. No more busy work! Grad school, from my experience, is made up of two things: tons of theory-based readings and final essays. There isn’t too much real “homework” per se, but instead lots of reading and follow-up discussions. And a lot of times, you can slide by in discussion without doing all of the reading (although I would never do this of course). The end of the semester is then crunch time as final exams must be taken, or in my case, final essays must be turned in. Overall, grad school is much easier and more manageable than I thought it would be.
Class length: Since most grad students also have full-time jobs, classes are in the evenings. They are designed more like small seminars and typically last about three hours. A lot of times professors let the class out early, because they often have families to go home to. This is much better than three-days-a-week classes!
All ages: With the rise in unemployment rates, a wider range of age groups are in grad school. It’s not uncommon for students to be married with kids. I even had one woman in my class who was in her 70s! Hearing perspectives on issues from a variety of ages can make for dynamic discussions. (Although, hearing World War II references every time she raised her hand got a little annoying!)
Adult topics: Almost anything goes in grad school. We’re “real” adults now. People are willing to express their political and religious beliefs, or at least imply them, and sex-related topics pop up more often than you’d think. This absolutely makes for interesting classes!
More authority: I couldn’t believe it when one of my professors inserted the word “ideal” before “due date.” What?!? Anytime before grades are due? Yes, in grad school, they know many students have families and/or full-time jobs, so a paper that’s a week late is rarely frowned upon. Absences and tardies are also more acceptable, because professors know students are typically juggling heavier responsibilities than undergrads. The role of the professor becomes more of a discussion facilitator and mentor rather than an authority figure. This means you’re treated as a fellow scholar versus just a student.
The THESIS: The catch to getting your diploma is that you have to write a dissertation or thesis. This is a HUGE, often year-long, project. But because you get to choose what you want to research, it’s not so bad. Plus, you’ll leave school with a great addition to your portfolio.
Dress code: Most people come to class directly from work which means they tend to wear business casual clothing. But you still get your fair share of jeans. PJs and sweat pants (standard code as an undergrad), however, are definitely out of place. This unspoken dress code adds to the professional atmosphere of grad school.

Now I can’t speak about the joys of law school, med school, or MBA programs (if there are any), but my grad school experience has been nothing short of terrific. Everyone of course is entitled to their own opinion, but these are my encouraging realizations on why you should take the graduate studies plunge. Go for it!

Distance-Learning Universities

3/4/2010 3:46:41 PM

Are They Right For You?

Over the last year, several of my friends have told me that this recession has made them think twice about their career. They aren’t the only ones. With layoffs and cutbacks, many people are reconsidering their career paths and goals, which may lead some to go back to college. This is a difficult option if you have a full-time job or a family. But luckily, we live in an age of technology where an education is simply a click away.

Distance-learning universities, or online colleges, make it easier to fit higher education into your schedule. A few years back, there was a great deal of speculation about getting a degree online. The review boards were filled with negativity and doubt. Since then, a majority of the legit online colleges became accredited. An accredited college has higher, stricter standards for education, and these are typically the only type of online colleges that employers will accept as bona fide.

A Certain Person

Of course, this type of learning is not for everyone. Unlike attending actual classes at a university, online courses demand that students be self-sufficient, independent, and self-disciplined. The only person holding you accountable for your work and progress is you. Because it is strictly web-based, there is a great deal of reading and writing. For some, they need the classroom and teacher combination in order to stay motivated. But, for those who can succeed on their own, online college definitely has its benefits.

Also, ask yourself what kind of experience you want. Online college doesn’t offer the same “college experience” as a traditional school. The only camaraderie is formed through discussions in online chats or e-mails. Additionally, this type of schooling doesn’t offer clubs, sports and other social opportunities. An online college is strictly based on learning.

Researching Online Schools

When googling “online college,” a multitude of results pop up. It’s a bit overwhelming and can be difficult to decipher between them. The easiest way to start is by using the key words “accredited online college.” This way, only the legit online colleges will appear—limiting your options. Next, check to see what programs they offer; not all colleges have the same degrees and programs. Say you want to teach elementary school. You should search “online accredited college elementary education” to narrow your options more. This will give you a list of accredited online colleges that offer degrees and programs specific to what you want. Be sure to carefully read the course descriptions. For instance, not all degrees in education are the same. Similar to traditional colleges, online colleges vary in specific fields. It’s very important to thoroughly read through the fine print as well. You don’t want to waste any time looking into a school that’s not for you.

After you have selected a few online colleges that fit your criteria, contact them by email or telephone. Be sure to ask solid, effective questions based on what you want your experience to be like. Ask specific questions about financial aid, mentoring, degree types, tuition costs, etc. You will be surprised to learn that colleges operate very differently.

Consider It

Online college is a great way to make yourself more marketable in the business world. Furthering your education, or simply taking a different direction in life, will give you a fresh start.

Finding Your Passion

3/4/2010 11:14:17 AM

It may be right in front of you.

Several years ago, I was faced with a dilemma. I was 24 years old, working at yet another dead-end job, and living paycheck to paycheck. I could either continue down this path leading me nowhere, or I could discover my passion, get an education, and pursue a rewarding career. I had a decision to make. And neither seemed to be aneasy route.

What I know—I am an avid reader. I find zen in a trip to the bookstore. Walking the aisles in search of my next read really gives me a sense of pleasure. So, it was no surprise to me that this was where I found my passion.

While perusing the self-help section, I came across Dr. Phil. At the time, he was a regular guest on Oprah, and I had watched him several times. Clearly, the guy knew what he was talking about, and he said it with such conviction! I figured if he could tell it like it is to those folks on TV, maybe he could tell me like it is in his book. At the time, his latest literary accomplishment, “Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters,” definitely caught my attention. It was exactly what I was looking for.

He didn’t disappoint. I read that book, cover to cover, in 2 days. I highlighted passages, wrote notes in the margin, and took a good, long look at myself. Turns out, I was all over the place in terms of personal goals and expectations. Sure, I had dreams and ambition, but I lacked motivation and determination. I didn’t have the proper tools to organize the thoughts in my head, and to analyze what those thoughts were telling me. In short, I needed structure and guidance, and Dr. Phil definitely put me on the right track.

A Memory

While reading, a memory from my past dislodged itself from the deep, dark crevices of my mind. My senior year of high school was filled with depression and isolation. Graduation almost became an event I watched from the sidelines. I spent the majority of the year on anti-depression medication, lost in sadness and desperation. My home life wasn’t exactly stable. I was 17, and just got kicked out of my house for the 8th time in 2 years. My mother and I had become enemies. The details of my removal are not important, but the aftermath of that incident left me dead inside. I knew I couldn’t go back, but didn’t know how to let go of two younger siblings and a home I had known my whole life. Which is why I spent my senior year as a zombie. I’d wake up, go to school in a daze, come home, and sleep.

Finally, one of my teachers noticed a change in me. He pulled me aside after class one day and asked if I was alright. Of course my friends knew my situation, but other than the people closest to me, no one had cared enough to ask why I was failing classes when I was once a good student. When I opened my mouth to answer him, a tidal wave of words came bursting out. In a rage of tears, I explained my situation. He sat and listened without judgment or criticism. When I finally finished, he hugged me and told me I was a good person and that things happen that make us stronger. From that day forward, I was fixated on not letting this get the best of me or ruin my life. That man was my senior year English teacher. Not only did he change my life by not allowing me to fail myself, but he compelled me to be an inspiration for teenagers who are going through the same issues.

So, there it was the whole time. I decided to blend my love for reading with the desire to motivate and help students in need of guidance. Hopefully, I could share my passion of literature and trigger their own appreciation, as well as share my story and knowledge with them on how to overcome life’s obstacles and to never give up on yourself, even when others do.

On Track

I changed my major, once again, and decided to do it right this time. After all my years switching majors and taking pointless classes, I was on track. I felt renewed. I had a purpose, and for the first time, I was proud of myself. I didn’t give up when faced with dilemma. And, if anything, that was my biggest accomplishment. So many people cower in the shadow of change. But, not me, not this time.

I graduated Cal State University of Fullerton in 2009 with my degree in English Education. I made the Dean’s List each semester and graduated with an almost perfect GPA. I contacted my old high school English teacher while taking my teaching courses. Much to my surprise, he remembered me. He told me that I was just as much an inspiration to him as he was to me. To watch me go through what I went through made him realize how fragile, yet, strong teenagers are. After teaching for 30+ years, he became desensitized to his surroundings, and began to separate himself from the emotional aspect of being a teacher. I interned in my old classroom for a year before graduating—studying his technique and the way he interacted with his students.

It took several years of frustration and disappointment to get me to where I am today. For some, it may be easier, and for others, you may be able to sympathize with my story. Either way, the moral of the story is to not get discouraged and give up. Find your passion. Something you can be proud of every time you get up in the morning. With this, do whatever possible to bring that passion to life. For me, it was getting the education I needed in order to make my dream a reality.

College and Beyond

3/4/2010 10:58:40 AM

Four rules to live by.

College. It wasn’t for everyone, but for those of you who have succeeded, the easy part is done. You’ve passed your classes, paid your dues, and the only thing left to do is get that $50,000 piece of paper in the mail. So, now what?

College courses definitely didn’t prepare you for the outside world. On campus, you were sheltered. All you had to do was stay on course, show up to class, learn a thing or two, and get passing grades. Once you step into the real world, you’re merely a small fish in a big pond. It’s either feast or famine time. Life is a game, and you need to know the rules in order to play.

Rule #1

First and foremost, you need to get out there. Even in this recession, there are jobs to be had. It may not be the end all be all, but it’s important to have an income while you continue the search. Even if the job isn’t in your realm of expertise; if it pays enough and allows you to put food on the table, take it. You need to build your resume anyway, and get some experience working in the business world.

Side note: Don’t give up on your dreams. It’s easy to get stuck in a job simply because it pays well. The reason we go to college is much more than a paycheck. It’s important to remind yourself of why you wanted a higher education, what kind of life you want to have, and most importantly, who you want to be at the end of the day. Stick it out, and follow your dreams.

Rule #2

You may have accrued some debt while getting your degree. Depending on your lender, you have some time after graduating before you’re required to make payments. Once you secure an income, figure out how much money you will need to save each pay period in order to make those payments. It’s a good idea to get yourself in the habit of paying your debt so that when the time comes that you have to start paying, you aren’t left struggling each month.

Side note: I can’t stress how important it is to pay your bills on time. The last thing you want is to have your unpaid bills go to creditors. Some potential employers will run your credit. If they see negative marks on your report, they will most likely not hire you. Who wants to hire someone who can’t pay their bills on time? This looks like you’re disorganized, immature, and not ready for a responsible job position. Not to mention, it’ll make it hard to buy a car, purchase a house, or apply for credit cards. You may be able to skate by and get these things, but at an insanely high APR. So, do yourself a favor and sign up for auto-pay through your bank. This way you don’t have to worry about missing a payment and incurring late fees.

Rule #3

While on the subject of saving money, it’s also a good idea to put a little extra in savings each month. Whether it’s $50 or $5, it adds up. Unfortunate events happen. It’s smart to prepare for them before they occur. The worst thing you can do is accumulate more debt by not being prepared.

Side note: Now that you’re getting a paycheck doesn’t mean you can splurge on all the finer things life has to offer. Don’t be that guy who picks up the bill every time you and your buddies go out because you’re the only one with a steady income, or the gal who stops shopping the discounted items because you can suddenly afford the expensive aisle. Sure, your buddies will love you. Yes, you will look like you just stepped off the runway from fashion week. But in the long run, is it worth it? Just ask yourself that, and if it is, great. But, more times than not, it won’t be.

Rule #4

Ok, recap. You found a job, whether short or long term. You are paying your bills on time, every month. You put away a little cash for a rainy day. And you’re preparing for future expenses courtesy of your student loans. Now what?

Side note: Enjoy yourself. You did it! You graduated! Your family is ecstatic, and you’re now a participating member of society. Now it’s time to live, responsibly that is. Don’t just live to work. Whatever your work schedule is, try setting some time aside each week for you. Finding a good balance between the new you and the old you is very important for your sanity. It’s what will keep you going week after week. It could be anything—joining a book club or softball league, taking a cooking or exercise class, or meeting with friends after work for a cocktail. Whatever it is, do it. You will thank yourself for it.

Set the Course for Success

Naturally, some will wander off track. If this is you, no worries. Simply correct yourself, and get back on course. It’s like any program that will help you. In order for it to work, you must remember the big picture.

The big picture. Where do you see yourself in 2, 5, 10, 20 years? A career? A wife and kids? A wealthy bachelor sailing to the Bahamas on his yacht? Whatever it is, this is why you worked so hard for that degree. At some point, you wanted a better life than what you had before. Always keep the big picture in mind to remind yourself of where you came from, where you are now, and where you will be. In fact, write it down.

Hold yourself accountable for making your dreams come true. The only person that can make this happen is you. Without you and your determination, want, and skill, who knows what the future will hold. But I can assure you this: it won’t be as bright and plentiful as it could be if you don’t set the course for success.