Education Leads to a Longer Life

Research has found a link between education and lifespans. Those who have more education typically have longer lives. This link has been consistently found in a number of countries, leading to questions of what it is about education that is so good for us.

For one thing, exercising your brain with new knowledge every day is considered to be very healthy. We all need to keep our minds working. Those who are less educated may have more difficulties planning for their future.

Of course, we also know that those with higher levels of education usually make more than people with less education, and money does carry benefits to those who have it. Those who have more money are better able to take care of themselves and to afford insurance to pay for needed healthcare.

Unfortunately, too many people cannot continue their education because they cannot afford it. This prevents families who have less money from doing all they should be able to do to improve their situations. But there are ways in which opportunities for education and training can reach more people.

In this week’s State of the Union speech, President Obama discussed a plan for providing free tuition for those attending community college. Obama mentioned that 40 percent of college students attend community college. Those who want to hold costs down will be glad to know that the president is not suggesting a totally free ride. Students will have to keep their grades up and graduate on time in order receive the free tuition. Within these limits, free community college will allow students a chance for higher education and training for a better career, which otherwise would be out of reach for many low-income and working parents.

It also increases students’ chances of being able to attend community college and then to transfer to a four-year institution after that. This less expensive path toward higher education can now be even more affordable.

But first, the Obama plan will have to pass a Republican House and Senate and be signed into law. Divided government insures that these hurdles must be met.

READERS, what do you think?

1.     What are your thoughts on President Obama’s free community college plan?

2.     Have you considered higher education and/or career training as the next step after high school?

3.     As things stand now, what would you have to do to be able to afford to continue your education and/or career training beyond high school?

References:

Flashman, R. (n.d. [2007, January 19]). If you want a longer life, then continue your education. [HSFPP Weekly Update # 179]. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/hsfp/updates/2007/update0179.htm.

Transcript: Obama’s State of the Union address 2015. (2015, January 20). Washington Post. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/transcript-state-of-the-union-address-2015-remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery/2015/01/20/fd803c4c-a0ef-11e4-b146-577832eafcb4_story.html.

Smartphone Apps for Year-Round Shopping

Holiday shopping is underway. Shoppers are still looking for deals, and a variety of cellphone
apps can help with that. What’s more, these apps are useful for comparison shopping year round.

Coupon Sherpa (available on Android and Apple phones) allows you to search through hundreds
of coupons from stores and restaurants, both local and chains. A feature of this app is an “instore”
list, showing which stores have coupons available. All you have to do is show the cashier
the coupon code when you are ready to pay.

RedLaser (available on Android, Apple, and Windows phones) enables barcode scanning with
your camera phone, so you can compare prices of items in stores. This lets you know if
something is available for less at another store or even online.5

Slice (available on Android and Apple phones) is an organizational app for online shopping. It lets
you know if any item you have already purchased is available for less now. Because some
retailers will refund you the price difference if you show them an item you bought from them that is
now available for less, you can save money even after the fact. And you can use the app to store
e-receipts for possible refunds or returns.

Reference:
Huddleston, C. (2014, November 24). Best apps for holiday shoppers. Kiplinger.com. Retrieved
       December 2, 2014, from http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C011-S001-best-                appsfor-  holiday-shoppers.html.

How to Make Extra Cash for the Upcoming Holiday Season

Do you get bored quickly during holiday breaks from school? Or do you need extra money to have fun with friends during your break? You might consider working at a temporary or part-time job over your break. Not only would you earn extra money for the holidays, but you would also be improving your resume.

Just keep in mind that it may be difficult for a young person to find a part-time job because adults may be competing with you for these jobs, due to the economy. However, there are alternatives for making extra cash without a regular job:

·      Pet sitting: Many people need someone to care for their pets while they are away on vacation. Holiday breaks are the perfect time to ask people you know if they need someone to care for their pets. And the rewards may be more than financial, as walking dogs is great exercise.

·      Babysitting: Babysitters are often in great demand during the holiday season. This can be a fun money-making opportunity if you enjoy kids. Of course, it is also a great responsibility; parents will expect you to take good care of their kids and not raid their refrigerator or turn their house into party central. Consider creating fliers to distribute in your neighborhood and to your parents’ friends to publicize your services.

·      Winter Labor: If you live in area that gets a lot of snow during the winter, consider shoveling snow off of people’s driveways and sidewalks. In fact, if your area gets snow until March, this could be a good job for the entire winter.

·      Sell your used electronics and gently worn clothing: If you have properly functioning electronics that you aren’t using, consider selling them online. Secure websites like uSell and Gazelle.com allow you to safely sell your smart phones, tablets, etc., online. If you have gently used clothing that you no longer wear or no longer fits you, consider selling it to consignment stores. If your item sells, then you might receive 50 percent of the selling price. Some stores might give you cash on the spot if your clothes are not outdated and are in good condition. You can might even sell your clothes online through sites such as thredUP.com or The RealReal.

READERS, what do you think?

1.     Have you ever looked for opportunities to make extra cash during your holiday break? If so, what did you do?

2.     Can you think of other ways to make money during your break that are not mentioned here? If so, what are they? How practical do you think they are?

References:

Flashman, R., & Stork-Hestad, N. (2011, December 5). KHSFPP Update # 258—Part-Time Jobs for the Holidays. Kentucky High School Financial Planning Program. Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/hsfp/updates/2011/update0258.htm.

Huddleston, C. (2014, November). 20 Ways to Earn Extra Cash for the 2014 Holidays. Kiplinger.com. Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/saving/T065-S001-20-ways-to-earn-extra-cash-for-the-2014-holidays/index.html.