Debt Free

Investing in one's future isn't cheap. Post-secondary education-college or university-is a great asset, but one that tends to cost quite a bit of money. Yet, it is an inevitable step to accomplish in order to develop the skills and knowledge needed to embark on almost any career. How do students afford to pay for college and university? For many, student loans are the only possible way. Yet, with excellent money management skills and knowledge before entering your college years, you might be able to accomplish a small feat in itself by graduating debt free. And in an age where average student debt in North America is climbing higher each year, graduating debt free is a goal worthy of celebrating.

Debt Free Tips

Free money sounds too good to be true, but for excellent, hard-working students, there are numerous scholarship and bursary opportunities available which can keep you debt free. Visit the local student aid and funding office at your college or university for information on what is available to you. Keep in mind that some scholarship contests are very competitive and require established grades and, in some cases, demonstrated financial need. Other scholarships require your involvement in the community or in sports, so apathy in high school won't get you anywhere.

Decide on a program you are interested in

Contrary to the advice of parents across North America who wish their sons and daughters all grew up to be dentists, doctors and lawyers, it's important to decide on a program or trade that you are interested in. Often times, the more passionate you are about a subject, the harder you will try to succeed. And success often translates into work in your chosen field, and the ability to be debt free. Most North Americans only want a job that they don't hate-and after graduation, you will be getting paid to do something you love.

Shop around at different schools that offer similar programs. Weigh the financial costs, find out which school offers co-op programs-a great opportunity to make money and gain valuable work experience-and speak to professionals in that industry. And if you don't have a clear idea of your career path, you are not alone. Speak to a career counselor about your aptitudes and the costs associated with each school you are interested in before making a decision.

To get a free debt consultation, click here.

Work hard and live frugally

Sounds like advice from your grandfather, doesn't it? Well, there is no easy trick to saving money if you are not willing to work hard and sacrifice. Graduating debt free is possible, and not just to the independently wealthy. Find summer jobs that offer you valuable work experience and relatively good pay. They are out there, but you may have to pound the pavement in order to find them. Plus, the bonus about working at a job that offers indispensable work experience is that you will be one step ahead of other graduates when graduation the time comes and you want to get started on your career.

Living frugally is probably the hardest advice to live by. This means you should not only work while you are in school and more during the summers, but you should avoid expensive trips and you may have to sacrifice living on your own for living with your parents for a couple of more years. After all, the alternative might be graduating, having lived alone for 4 years, but with $30,000 in debt, and having to move home afterward. While you might have to defer gratification, graduating debt free will certainly be worth the wait.

For more detailed information on how to become debt free, contact us here.

How Do We Compare?
Read about how Debt Consolidation Counselors is different than most credit counseling and debt settlement agencies out there.

Do You Qualify?
Find out if you qualify for the DCC program.