The Importance of Education

Going away to college was a new experience in so many ways. I know I would enjoy the opportunity that higher education could offer.  I loved meeting new people and making new friends.   I enjoyed exploring the area and finding new places to visit.   Along with the good also came the bad.   I was so excited about these new fun experiences, I didn’t even consider the financial aspect of college life.   High tuition costs, student loans, expensive books to buy, everyday living costs, and furnishing my dorm room were all financial worries for me.  I really wondered how I could possible afford everything that I needed to start my school year off on the right foot.  The bills just keep coming and I realized I over-extended my pocketbook.  I didn’t see a solution to my problem and knew I needed some help when my debtors started calling and sending me letters.  I went to the school library and did some research on student debts and found information on the fair debt laws.  I did research on money management.  I asked my counselor for suggestions that would help me figure out a way to get my finances in order.  Once I did my research and received help from my counselor I realized that this was a part of my education I didn’t even know I needed.  It was one that I appreciated and hope to use often.

admin :: Oct.23.2007 :: Blog :: Comments Off

Up until the middle of last year I was in a pretty dire situation with my personal finances.  I got some help from a financial counselor and was, thankfully, able to clear up my debt without having to file for chapter 13 bankruptcy.  Now, with a fresh start and a clear credit report, I’m working with the very same credit advisor who was able to help me get out of debt.  Helping people clear up their problems and having the knowledge to educate them to be able to make the right choices for their financial future is a lot more fulfilling than my last job, once you’ve been able to make a difference in someone’s life, stocking shelves at a super store seems a lot less important.  Now I actually enjoy and look forward to going to my job and not just because I’m bringing home more money but because I can hear the desperation in these people’s voices when they call in and I know that I’m going to be the one coming to help them in their time of need.  I really enjoy being able to put peoples worries to rest and working with them to get them through their difficult times.

admin :: Jan.11.2008 :: Blog :: Comments Off

I'm really glad I decided not to go out of state for college. All through high school it was my dream to go away somewhere exciting like San Francisco or New York City, but in the end my parents managed to convince me to stay here in Chicago. In the end I really thank them for helping me make the decision to stay. All my friends have massive student loans that they have to pay off, and I managed to graduate without owing anybody a single penny. While I might not have gone anywhere exciting, or attended the most prestigious school, I have really enjoyed my college experience. I loved my school and all the people I met here, and I even got to study abroad in France for a semester! That's even cooler than going to school in New York City, or at least I think so. I'm just glad I didn't have to take out any loans, so now I don't have to deal with any debt harassment. Now since I am debt free, and my career is growing wonderfully, I can travel anywhere I want to. I really think I made just the right decision for myself.

admin :: Dec.04.2007 :: Blog :: Comments Off

My cousin Jen just spoke with a bankruptcy attorney and her head is spinning.  She is unable to pay her bills due to unforeseen circumstances.  It seems that her teenage son, who does not have a driver’s license, took her new car and was involved in an accident.  Jen never had trouble with her son Jack before but he got involved with the wrong crowd and wanted to impress his new friends with his mother’s car.  Before he was able to pick up his pals, he lost control of the car and hit three parked cars and damaged city property as well.   The only good thing is that Jack or no other person was hurt in the accident. Jen is a single mom and since her son has no insurance and in under legal age she is liable for all the debts incurred from Jack’s accident.  With all the bills coming in, Jen decided that getting advice from a bankruptcy attorney would be to her advantage.  That conversation was really an education.  She never realized that bankruptcy could be so complicated.  She came home and had a long talk with Jack.  I really hope Jack learned a lesson and will straighten himself out so Jen doesn’t have to put up with any more of his shenanigans. 

admin :: Nov.27.2007 :: Blog :: Comments Off