Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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JULY 12-18, 2017 UCW 23 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM EDUCATION Paying for a postsecondary ed- ucation (college or trade school) is an investment. It requires plan- ning. It takes money. So talk with your family openly and early. If you're a high school student, talk with your school's guid- ance counselor who has helpful information about planning for a postsecondary education. At Fayetteville Technical Community College, contact the Financial Aid Office to receive brochures and pamphlets that describe all types of available financial aid programs. While every student wants scholarships and grants, not everyone can cover the entire cost of college or career school through those options. Loans can make your education possible and affordable. However, when exploring loan options, consider federal student loans before any private loans. Federal student loans have lower and fixed interest rates, generous repay- ment plans, no prepayment penalties and no credit checks (except for PLUS Loans). In contrast, private loans, which may be aggressively marketed to students through television ads, mailings and other media, are substantially more expensive than federal student loans. ey generally have higher, variable interest rates that may substantially increase the total amount you repay, and the interest rate you receive might depend on your credit score. Private loans can also have prepayment penalty fees. After exploring the various non-loan and low-interest loan choices, another option is to reduce the cost of attending college. Start at a less expensive school or community college, such as FTCC, before transferring to a four-year college. Credits earned at FTCC in the College Transfer program will transfer to most colleges and universi- ties in the United States. Debt adds up quickly, so keep a watchful eye on it. If you're concerned about too much debt, consider the following: • Search for more scholarships and grants • Work while attending school • Change your spending habits You can use a credit card to help you establish and build a credit history, but you must use credit cards wisely. Use it only for emergencies and do not spend more than you can afford to pay. If you don't have a checking account, open one and learn how to bal- ance your checkbook. Here are a few more tips to help save money while in school: • Buy used books instead of new ones whenever possible. • Take advantage of free activities (concerts, plays, art exhibits) sponsored by your school. • Resist impulse buying. When you shop, use coupons and look for sales. • Stay healthy to reduce medical bills and loss of class time. • Understand your cellphone plan. Stay within your free minutes. For more information about financial aid programs, visit Fayetteville Technical Community College. Our admissions team will be happy to assist you in explor- ing your options. You can also find valuable informa- tion about financial aid and other opportunities at FTCC by exploring our website at www.faytechcc.edu. Excerpts from this article include information from the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, Student Experience Group, Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt, Washington, D.C. FTCC Offers Information About How to Pay for College by HARPER SHACKELFORD Music by Harvey Schmidt | Lyrics by Tom Jones | Directed by Jeanne Adams Koonce, Purple Door Productions "A Unique Theatre Experience!" A Romantic Musical Comedy! July 27-29, 2017 Ramada Plaza | 1707 Owen Drive Call: 910-391-3859 For Reservations or More Information $75.00 Per Person* • $5 Discount for Seniors 65+ Active Duty Military Available at www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or FDT Box Office at Ramada Plaza Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 *Proceeds donated to Kidsville News Literacy & Education Foundation with Special Musical Guests: Cross Creek Chordsmen HARPER SHACKELFORD, Dean of Enrollment Management, FTCC. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. (910) 484-6200. Not everyone can cover the entire cost of college or career school through scholar- ships and grants.