i. College Costs Are Real—But So Are Your Resources

Photo by University of New Orleans

For over 60 years, the University of New Orleans has provided a pathway to success for tens of thousands of graduates. Our alumni are leaders in a number of fields in metro New Orleans and beyond.

But, as you probably already know, financing your college education can be a daunting proposition. The United States government is transforming how it supports education, so it is important that you stay on top of those changes. You should also be aware though that Louisiana has a number of scholarships and aid that residents can and should pursue. One example of that is TOPS or the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. This and other programs – along with careful management of your money – can help you successfully complete college and minimize your debt.

In this module, you will learn to reach your personal life goals by implementing financial planning and strategies to protect yourself, manage your money, and hopefully position yourself to be in good financial place in the future. Remember, how you act today, impacts your tomorrow.

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Align your personal and financial goals through smart financial planning.
• Create a saving and spending plan and track your performance.
• Plan for emergencies.
• Identify best practices and risks associated with credit cards and other debt.
• Determine the best opportunities for you to finance your college education.