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10 Sources for College Consolidation Loans

By Susan - Thursday 15 Jan 10:36 am

With the emphasis of college loans for students being on affordability and manageable payment plans, college consolidation loans are definitely a number one choice in the right direction. Not only do college consolidation loans allow you to select fixed interest rates and extended payment terms, but they also allow you to simplify your payments by paying only one consolidated amount every month.

There are numerous institutions across America offering students college consolidated loans. Some have ceased their offerings on college consolidation loans due to the changes in financial legislation affecting the student loan markets. Although all the college consolidation loans they offer all offer basically the same end result, some of them have a few special advantages over the rest. Here are some of the more popular choices (in no particular order) to help you begin your search:

  1. Loan to Learn – College consolidation loans from $10000 to $250000 total. Interest rate saving of .25% for automated payments and .5% for paying all your instalments on time 
  2. Graduate Loans Associates – This institution offers an introductory college consolidation loan interest rate of as low as 5.76% 
  3. One Simple Loan – Allows you to apply with a cosigner with a good credit record, allowing you to qualify for a higher college consolidation loan using your cosigner’s credit track record 
  4. Student Loan Consolidator – Safe and easy online eSign method of application for your college consolidation loan that can be completed in minutes. Approval in minutes too 
  5. Edfed - No credit checks, application for your college consolidation loan is completely free. It can take as little as 60 seconds to qualify 
  6. Student Financial Advisors – College consolidation loans taken out with this group are stated to possibly reduce your overall payment by up t 51% 
  7. Sallie Mae – Offering college consolidation loans as well as one monthly repayment on all loans without consolidating. A very popular choice in all college loans as well as college consolidation loans 
  8. Chase – A popular choice in lenders offering college consolidation loans that will assist in improving your credit rating in a completely secure manner. Highly trained loan officials will guide you through the process from start to finish 
  9. Citibank – On line tools to help you determine whether or not you should opt for college consolidation loans, and to determine what your repayments will be 
  10. Debthelp.com – A variety of solutions available online, including the college consolidation loan 

Although there are many other registered financial services providers offering college consolidation loans, these listed here will be a good place to start your search. You will be able to get an idea of what items should be offered as a standard measure, and then see what providers offer services over and above the expected. What you should expect are a reduction in your monthly repayments into one consolidated amount, a fixed interest rate and possibly ending up paying less in the long run by choosing a college consolidation loan.

Posted in: College Loans

5 Best Industries and Salaries for Accounting Degree Graduates

By Susan - Tuesday 13 Jan 11:00 am

Accounting degrees offer a lucrative future in terms of appealing salaries and the promise of future growth in your field. Accountants will always be in employment, no matter what the situation of our economy. Books will always need to be done, in fact companies depend on accountants to keep their financial status in check. Accounting degrees are therefore one step in the right direction towards being employed within a reliable and economically viable field.

There are certain industries within the accounting field that are more competitive in terms of the salaries they offer. Having your accounting degree can assist you in breaking into one of these niche industries and making your way towards a leading accounting position and impressive salary.

The 5 best industries and salaries for those with accounting degrees are as follows:

  1. Accounting Firms – Obviously accounting degree graduates will benefit hugely from accounting firms who’s sole focus is on supplying accounting services to various companies and business establishments. Depending on where you work, you could receive a starting salary of $30000 – $55000 per annum, $40000 to $85000 after 3 – 5 years and between $50000 and $110000 after 5 – 7 years of service. 
  2. Law Firms and Legal Enterprises – Law firms deal with a of of money coming in and going out. The accounting department needs to be on it’s toes in order to keep everything in balance and to ensure that accounts are paid. An accounting degree more than qualifies you for this job, but the pressure may be high. Annual salaries will be similar to that of the accounting firm listed above. 
  3. Contract work in all Industries – Although you may not be guaranteed that you will have work for the next two years, you will be able to demand a higher salary for your contract period. Accounting degree graduates would be able to take advantage of this, although it is advisable to have some working experience first before promoting yourself as a solo flyer. Salary can start at $50000 on an annual basis. 
  4. Government – Although Government have strict budgets to adhere to, they reward thir employees hugely with impressive salaries as well as incredible benefits. Accounting degree graduates would find it to be extremely beneficial working within government accounting offices. Average annual salary starting at $50000. 
  5. Private Healthcare – Private healthcare operations offer attractive packages for anyone that is employed within their workforce. Accounting degree holders will find themselves to be decently remunerated for accounting services rendered in this domain. Average annual salary starting at $43000. 

All salary information was obtained on Payscale.com and further information regarding this subject can be found by clicking here. By referring to their guide of expected salaries, accounting degree graduates can decide for themselves which industries would be the most profitable to enter into.

Posted in: College Degrees

Why get a Masters Degree in Accounting?

By Susan - Sunday 11 Jan 10:00 am

A degree in accounting is one thing, but obtaining a masters degree in accounting can open up and entire new world of opportunity that is separate to obtaining just an accounting degree.

The results for obtaining your masters degree in accounting might not present themselves immediately, as masters degree holders and accounting degree holders will initially be applying for similar jobs straight after completing their studies. The difference, however, comes in at a later stage. Masters degree in accounting graduates will have a more promising chance of being promoted into more lucrative and sought after positions as opposed to their regular accounting degree counterparts. When opportunities arise within the company that you work for, masters degree in accounting graduates will be at the front of the queue for receiving.

There are some employers who will insist on only interviewing candidates who have their masters degree in accounting. This is entirely dependant on the employer in question, and graduates with accounting degrees instead of masters degrees in accounting should not feel like they will be getting the short end of the stick. It merely states that having your masters can prove to be an advantage for you.

Another reason to obtain your masters degree in accounting is that most people studying accounting want to evolve through towards getting their CPA or Chartered Professional Accountant qualification. You need a certain amount of hours and units before you can reach the stage where you are able to qualify as a CPA, so you might as well use those hours and units by getting your masters degree in accounting. After obtaining your bachelors in accounting, you will need to obtain 30 units of credit to be able to apply for your CPA. Alternatively you will need to work for two years, whichever comes first. By working these years and obtaining these units of credit, you are actually venturing halfway towards getting your masters degree in accounting. It makes sense to continue and get your full masters degree in accounting instead of throwing in the towel halfway and moving towards getting your CPA. That way, time is not wasted and you will be more than qualified in your industry which always counts for a lot when approaching employers for work.

Some students feel that this is unnecessary, as the CPA degree is what you want to get according to them, and a masters degree in accounting is just wasting time along the way. To each his own.

Graduates with masters degrees in accounting will not receive that much more in salary initially when compared to accounting degree holders, although there can definitely be a difference. Again, it is determined by your employer.

In short, it seems like an intelligent and wise decision to move towards obtaining your masters degree in accounting while working towards getting your CPA. With an increase in benefits and job opportunity when compared against a regular accounting degree, a masters degree in accounting will definitely not be wasted and will pay for itself in the long run.

Posted in: College Degrees

10 Entry Level Jobs for Accounting Degree Graduates

By Susan - Friday 9 Jan 9:00 am

With Accounting listed as one of the most lucrative choices for future career advantage and an attractive entry level salary, it is easy to note why so many students opt to venture this route by studying accounting degrees. There is always a demand for accounting degree graduates as every business requires the services of an accountant.

There are certain positions that accounting degree graduates will find easier to break into as entry level employees. There are many challenging and sought after careers set aside specifically for accounting degree graduates. These positions offer competitive salaries, security and company perks as well as the possibility to progress towards more senior accounting positions.

Here are some of the most common and sought after entry level careers for accounting degree graduates.

  1. Junior Accountants – An accounting degree graduate in this position would carry out basic duties, including accounts receivable and payable, collections and payments. 
  2. Bookeeper – Accounting degree graduates can easily enter into book keeping as they will have all the skills necessary to do cash books, trial balances, reconciliations etc 
  3. Accounting Clerks – These positions are specific towards a certain element of the financial aspect of a business. Accounting degree holders entering into this career will be awarded an are of expertise to focus on and be in charge of 
  4. Payroll Clerks – This position is readily available to accounting degree holders and is an integral part of most businesses. The employee would be in charge of salaries and wages, deductions thereto and payment thereof. 
  5. Internal Auditors – a lot of auditing firms have job availability for accounting degree graduates. Auditing involves ensuring that companies and businesses are running accurately and legally. 
  6. Financial Analysts – This is a specialized area for accounting degree graduates, and involves the continuous interpretation of financial information and the analysis of the company’s finances, in an attempt to find the best possible business scenario. 
  7. Cost Accountants – This entry level position can develop further into a Management Accountant position for accounting degree graduates. 
  8. Public Accountants – Positions as public accountants are available for accounting degree holders. The main responsibilities along this career path would be company tax functions and auditing. Excelling in this position could lead you to becoming a supervisor or manager of your department. 
  9. Government Accountants – Accounting degree graduates would be responsible for overseeing the performance and allocation of government funds. This job could also spread into the Department of Defence or the IRS. 
  10. Trainee – Accounting degree graduates could enter into a company as a trainee in literally any position. From here you would earn a basic salary while absorbing all the necessary skills for your chosen career. You could be simply a trainee accountant, or a stock broker, mortgage advisor etc. The options are limitless. 

Posted in: Accounting Degree, College Degrees

How do I get a College Loan if I have bad credit?

By Susan - Tuesday 6 Jan 2:00 pm

Going to college is a costly affair, as we all know, but there are a plethora of viable solutions in the form of college loans for us to take advantage of to make the process more attainable. But what happens if you have a bad credit history? Are you as eligible for college loans? Read more…

Would be students with a bad credit score need not discount themselves from applying for college loans. There are in fact, a decent amount of options available for those with bad credit and the chances of at least one of them being approved are extremely probable.

 The following college loans can be further investigated for those students with a bad credit record:

  • Federal Stafford college loans
  • Federal Perkins college loans 
  • Bad credit rating loans – secured and unsecured 
  • Credit based college loans utilizing a cosigner 

Federal Stafford college loans do not require a credit check and so are completely viable funding solutions for those with bad credit. Some Federal Stafford college loans can be subsidized for those students that display a need for college funding, while unsubsidized college loans are available to all would be students, possibly including those with bad credit. These are the most widely distributed college loans for those with bad credit ratings and those without.

Federal Perkins college loans are not as widely disbursed as Stafford loans, but they also do not require a credit check. If you have bad credit, you would be able to apply for one of these, bearing in mind that approval on Perkins college loans is more difficult and they are usually awarded to those students who display an exceptional need for them.

Bad credit rating loans are not only set aside for college loans but for any form of monetary requirement. They are offered mainly by private lending agencies and financial services providers. They come in two forms: secured and unsecured. Secured bad credit college loans are awarded when the borrower offers some form of collateral that is equal to or higher in value than the total loan amount. In the event of the borrower failing to make payments, the collateral is repossessed and sold to make up the value of the outstanding college loan. Unsecured loans are offered without the backup of collateral, but the interest rates on these bad credit college loans are exceptionally high.

Using a co-signer with a good credit history to sign with you on your college loan application could improve your chances of obtaining one. They would not be held responsible for any debt you incur, but their credit rating would work in place of your bad credit rating to get your college loan approved.

With these options in place for those with bad credit ratings, achieving you goals is still possible and obtaining a college loan is well within your reach.

Posted in: College Loans

10 Most Lucrative College Degrees

By Susan - Saturday 3 Jan 10:15 am

The different types of college degrees are vast and voluminous, and the amount of fields of employment to enter into are numerous. Some college degrees can guarantee that you are offered an extremely beneficial and lucrative starting salary, others can’t. Depending on your specifications and personal interests, you could be selecting a college degree that doesn’t offer a large return on investment by way of your potential salary. Selecting a college degree that suits your personal interests and talents, as well as offering a lucrative return on salary is definitely the option that you want to be searching for.

Some career paths will start with a college degree that can guarantee you a competitive salary and an advantageous setup from the start. There are some variables such as location, graduating college etc. that could alter these figures somewhat, but generally speaking, the college degrees listed below are found to be highly lucrative in terms of the opening salary they offer upon commencement of employment.

According to an article published in 2007 on CNN Money, the following college degrees return the most financial rewards in terms of the starting salary that can be offered upon finding employment within that field. Some changes might have occurred in the last year to the figures listed alongside these college degrees:

  1. Chemical Engineering – The most lucrative college degree on offer promising students a starting salary of $59361 per annum 
  2. Computer Engineering – Bringing in $56201 as a starting salary after completing a college degree in this field 
  3. Electrical Engineering – $55291 is the opening salary post attaining a college degree in this subject 
  4. Mechanical Engineering – College degree holders in this field can expect to earn $54128 upon commencement of employment 
  5. Computer Science – Upon graduation, a college degree in Computer Science could earn you $53396 as a starting salary 
  6. Civil Engineering – $48509 is the starting salary for employees with a college degree in Civil Engineering 
  7. Economics – A college degree in Economics will earn you an opening salary of $48483 per annum 
  8. Management of Information Systems – With a starting salary of $47648, college degree holders can guarantee themselves a head start in life 
  9. Finance – A college degree in Finance opens with a starting salary of $47239 
  10. Accounting – $46718 is offered as an opening salary to college degree holders in the field of Accounting

If the college degrees listed above don’t compliment your strengths and skills in any way, then you could opt to enter into the field of Business Administration or Management, Marketing, Political Science or Government, or perhaps a college degree in History, English, Sociology or Psychology? These subjects were also listed in the same article as the top choices for the most lucrative college degree choices, and offer extremely competitive salaries as listed in the Summer of 2007. The entire article can be read in context by visiting the CNN Money website here.

Posted in: College Degrees