Join our #CreditChat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET on Twitter and YouTube. Our fourth #CreditChat of Financial Literacy Month covered the numerous options available for students and parents looking to fund a college education. Special Guests included: Wells Fargo, @Liz Weston and @BrokeMillennial. This deck features highlights from our chat with tips from: @JasonVasquezWF, Gigi Dixon, @Payoff, @emergebenefit, @TeamFSINC, @FacingFinances, @LizWeston, @mrjustinwsmith, @ygenmoney, @RAHomes, @BrokeMillennial and @kevincswanson

1. #CreditChat
How to Get Financially Ready for College
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Featuring: Wells Fargo, @LizWeston and @BrokeMillennial

2. Join our #CreditChat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. This week,
we shared tips for funding a college education.
“ Check Out All the Tweets and Resources:
ex.pn/college

3. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
With the rising cost of college,
how can parents and students prepare?

4. Scholarships are for every type of student and should be near
the top of the list when deciding how to pay for college.
Tweet by @JasonVasquezWF
#CreditChat

5. It’s important to start saving early - open a 529
college savings account to prep early on.
Tweet by @Payoff
#CreditChat

6. Start saving early. As soon as your child is born, start putting
money away -- even if it’s only a little bit.
Tweet by @emergebenefit
#CreditChat

7. Be proactive in your college savings strategy. Determine the
level that you plan to contribute to your child’s education.
Tweet by @TeamFSINC
#CreditChat

8. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
What options are available to finance college
tuition (are there any that should be avoided)?

9. Students can fund college with scholarships, savings, grants
tuition reimbursement programs from employers and loans.
Tweet by @FacingFinances
#CreditChat

10. Parents should only borrow if they can afford to pay it off before
retirement (and still save for retirement).
Tweet by @LizWeston
#CreditChat

11. Many schools will allow college students to make several
smaller payments over the course of a semester.
Tweet by @JasonVasquezWF
#CreditChat

12. Take action to ensure that your credit is in good shape
before it’s time to borrow. If you’re co-signing a private
student loan, a better credit score for you might mean a
lower interest rate for you and your student.
Source: Gigi Dixon, Head of National Partnerships, Wells Fargo
#CreditChat

13. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
What are some common misconceptions on
how to pay for college?

14. A BIG mistake parents make is thinking they won’t qualify for
financial aid because they make too much. Fill out the FAFSA!
Tweet by @JasonVasquezWF
#CreditChat

15. Misconception- you don’t have to think about paying back loans
for a while. Bills start rolling in shortly after graduation.
Tweet by @Payoff
#CreditChat

16. Another misconception is that you can hide from your student
loan debt. They have many, many ways to get their money.
Tweet by @LizWeston
#CreditChat

17. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
How can students keep college costs down?

18. Keep costs down by doing well, not repeating classes! Also,
take some courses at a local community college.
Tweet by @mrjustinwsmith
#CreditChat

19. ALWAYS ask for a college discount.
Tweet by @ygenmoney
#CreditChat

20. Living at home eliminates all the associated costs of dorm
(or off-campus apartment) living.
Tweet by @RAHomes
#CreditChat

21. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
Where can students go to find sources
for scholarships and grants?

22. Check out free online resources like
tuitionfundingsources.com to learn about scholarships.
Tweet by @JasonVasquezWF
#CreditChat

23. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
What questions should parents and students
ask when talking with financial aid or
a guidance counselor?

24. At which college would the student be in the top 25 percent of
the student body? That’s one key to a good aid package.
Tweet by @LizWeston
#CreditChat

25. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on a financial aid package. If you
got a sweet offer from College A, see if College B will match.
Tweet by @BrokeMillennial
#CreditChat

26. Ask if the financial aid package will change after Freshman year;
understand the true cost over 4, 5, 6 years.
Tweet by @kevincswanson
#CreditChat

27. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
What should you say to a low-income student
who believes they can never afford college?

28. Grants and scholarships go a long way!
State schools and community colleges also
Tweet by @Payoff
have cheaper tuition with the same great education.
#CreditChat

29. Your college guidance counselor
can be a valued resource when it comes to
Source: Gigi Dixon, Head of National Partnerships, Wells Fargo
exploring the available options for financing an education.
#CreditChat

30. Anyone who wants to go to college can afford it if
they put their mind to finding money to do it.
Tweet by @FacingFinances
#CreditChat

31. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
What is the difference between federal
and private student loans?

32. Federal vs. Private Student Loans
- Federal loans have fixed rates, numerous repayment
options, the possibility of forgiveness and many
consumer protections.
- Private loans have variable rates, few repayment
options, no forgiveness, fewer consumer protections.
Source: @LizWeston
#CreditChat

33. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
#CreditChat
Any final tips on how we can help parents
and students prepare financially for college?

34. Look for schools that are a good financial
as well as academic/social fit.
Tweet by @LizWeston
#CreditChat

35. The best thing to do to prepare for college is to plan early and
involve kids in the saving process early.
Tweet by @FacingFinances
#CreditChat

36. PLAN for everything: 529, investment account, high school
job, scholarships, FAFSA, college job, etc.
Tweet by @ygenmoney
#CreditChat

37. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Check out all the resources and tips shared:
ex.pn/college

38. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
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experian.com/creditchat

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