Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is an essential part of planning and paying for your education. Here you will find a few basic tips and resources to assist you in making informed decisions about managing your finances.
- Get Organized –Create a filing system that organizes your bills, contracts, passwords, and deadlines. These records will help you create a budget, file taxes, and resolve financial disputes. Also, having saved copies of your W2s and filed taxes will help you file your yearly FAFSA.
- Make a Budget –Utilize the simple student budget worksheet and tips provided by mint.com.
- Know Your Aid Limits –The most expensive degree is the one you never complete. It is important to work closely with your academic advisor to create a detailed plan for degree completion. Once that plan is in place, evaluate the aid you are receiving to determine how many years you may be eligible to receive each type of fund. Keep in mind that your eligibility can change each year based on your FAFSA, funding availability, aid limits for Federal student loans and Pell grants, Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress, and other factors.
- Ask for Help: Student Services is here to answer any questions you might have about paying for college. Talk to your Success Coach or OCCC’s Financial Aid Office to request assistance. Research and utilize other community resources as appropriate.
- Make Smart Choices About Loan Debt –Debt management and repayment planning are complex issues with long lasting repercussions. Luckily there are a wealth of resources to help you make sound decisions.
Additional Financial Literacy and Student Loan Information Resources
Free Credit Report: Students should monitor their credit by requesting a free annual credit report. This site has information on how to obtain your credit report and what to do in the case of inaccurate information.
Manage Your Loans and View Your Financial Aid History: Login to this federal website using to view a summary of all of their federal student loans, as well as the contact information for their loan holders and servicers.
MyMoney.gov This is the U. S. government’s website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. The site provides important information designed to help make smart financial choices.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you plan to work in a public service or non-profit field you may be eligible to have your remaining loan debt forgiven after 10 years in repayment
Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans: After your graduate, there are multiple repayment options available for your federal student loans. You can review the currently available payment plans on the FSA website
Earned Income Tax Credit: Students should ensure they are claiming all tax credits they are eligible to receive. The Department of Human Services and the Department of Revenue are jointly encouraging all workers to check if they may benefit from filing a return, even if they aren’t required to file. Taxpayers may be leaving money on the table if they qualify for refundable credits, but don’t file a return claiming them.
Emergency Funds: If you are experiencing challenges securing food, transportation, or housing, or have other financial issues that are affecting your ability to attend and succeed in class(es), please reach out to the Student Resource Navigator.