Erin H, Author at Beating Broke

7 Useful Tips to Help You Finance Dental School

April 18, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Are you aspiring to be a dentist? Are you wondering how you can finance your dental journey? This article is for you! Dentistry is a great career choice with good pay. However, it comes at a cost, and funding your college education might prove challenging. Luckily, there are ways to combat this. Read below to learn essential tips to help you finance your dental school.

1. Use Your Savings

Demand for dentistry services is on the rise. 70% of people in the U.S. feel insecure about their teeth. As a result, more people seek professional dental services to enhance their oral health. A financial reward comes after qualifying to practice dentistry – hence it’s worth investing your savings in. You can use your savings while considering other financing options if you can’t finance your education fully.

2. Apply For Financial Aid From Your School

Once you get the admission letter from the school of your choice, visit their financial aid offices. Ask if they offer dental scholarships and grants and inquire about the requirements. The eligibility is usually based on merit or need. While some scholarships, like the National Health Service Corps scholarship and the armed forces, may require a commitment, typically, you are not required to repay it in the future.

3. Consider Federal Loans

Federal loans are an excellent way to finance your education. These funds come directly from the federal government. However, unlike scholarships and grants, the loan must be repaid, typically starting six months after graduation. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be a problem once you get a job, which is almost guaranteed. According to a poll on honesty and ethics, dentistry ranks among the ten most trusted and ethical professions in the United States.

4. Apply For Private Dental Scholarships and Loans

Private dental scholarships are another fantastic way to fund your education. For example, you can find scholarships online via the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) scholarships section to pursue advanced programs like Sedation Dentistry. Sedation dentistry is designed specifically for patients who are otherwise nervous, anxious, or downright scared of a visit to the dentist. It’s estimated that 15% of Americans are anxious about or fearful of the dentist. Knowing this, you may feel even more driven to become a dentist and make your patients feel as comfortable and safe as possible. This can only be done after completing school, so be sure to stick with it!

5. Join Fellowships And Traineeship Programs

Your school’s financial aid is the best place to get information about fellowships and traineeships programs available. The programs have a deadline, eligibility requirements, and terms of conditions. Some programs will help you pay for textbooks, materials, and living expenses. For example, the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) offers six programs annually. It is essential you investigate before committing.

6. Consider Part-time Working Programs

Even though the dental school curriculum is demanding, with a planned schedule, you can work part-time to supplement your education costs. These programs are available for both graduate and undergraduate students in financial need but are competitive and demanding. Ensure you check their terms and conditions as well as the eligibility requirement. Your school’s financial aid office can inform you when a federal work-study program is available. The government also offers federal work-study programs to qualified students.

7. Request Loans from Financial Institutions

Consider private loans offered through financial institutions like banks and credit unions. The loan rates may vary depending on your financial credibility. Go for a loan facility with friendly rates for a student. Be sure to do ample research!

Dentistry is a fulfilling career. It is a good way of helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle by caring for their oral health. You now know the various options when paying for your dental education. Go for one that fits your future financial plans and sounds less overwhelming to your financial muscle.

4 Tips to Help You Afford Child Care

April 17, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

When it comes to child care, the services can be expensive. Unfortunately, it’s not an area where you can afford to cut corners. Nothing comes before your child’s well-being, but that doesn’t stop you from needing to work or attend school. Fortunately, if you’re looking for ways to lower the cost, there are some options available.

1. Finding a Care Option that Meets Your Finances

Supporting your family is a huge responsibility. Most of the time, working hours are longer than school hours, meaning there will be times when your child needs to be cared for until they’re old enough to be home on their own.

You may need child care in the morning and after work. If your child is school-age, then you have the option of an early drop-off. Some daycare centers offer deals, especially if you’re dropping off more than one child. College students studying early childhood development look for jobs as nannies. If you can set aside the budget, your child will get the personalized attention they need.

2. Registering for After School Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities

Schools often offer after-school programs, where your child can spend a few hours while you finish work for the day. As your child will already be in an academic setting, it is also an excellent time for them to get their homework done so that you can enjoy your evening together when you get home.

As well as general after-school programs, there are extracurricular activities. Joining a club, starting a sport, or embracing a creative field is excellent for overall child development while giving them a hobby and helping them gain much-needed confidence.

3. Accepting Help from Loved Ones

If after-school programs or extracurricular activities are unrealistic for your situation, it may be time to turn to loved ones for support. It’s very common for family members to step in when necessary. 81% of all guardians are family members, so there’s no reason to feel guilty or embarrassed over the situation. Asking for help is never comfortable, but you probably have friends or family members that would happily watch your child. Think of people in your life with children of a similar age to your own, especially if they’re already close to your kid. After all, if they had to choose between being around people they don’t know well or spending a few hours with their cousins or friends, it’s pretty apparent which they’d pick.

Whoever you choose to look after your child while you’re at work should know if you’ll likely be home late. Your commute will probably mean sitting in traffic for a while as the roads become flooded with other people driving to school and work. All of the vehicles in America collectively travel trillions of miles every month, and while you’re rushing to pick up your child, it can feel like all those cars are on the road at once.

4. Considering Child Care for Special Events

Sometimes you only need child care for a night or a few days for an event like a wedding. Unfortunately, most weddings will happen when kids are out of school for the summer, as only 5% of weddings occur in the winter. If you cannot bring your child to the event, consider hiring a babysitter or getting a family member to stay in the hotel room.

Being able to afford child care can feel impossible, but if you’re mindful of the options available and plan, you’ll be able to plan your finances around having someone you trust to watch your child. Additionally, you can help them devote the time they’re not with you to their overall development by having them join an after-school program or extracurricular activity or leaving them with a nanny or family member that can give them personalized attention.

How to Find the Right Car That Won’t Break Your Budget

April 14, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Are you on the hunt for the perfect car? Before you start, it’s important to know your budget. If you start looking without a spending limit in mind, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and even anxious looking at all the market options. As soon as you put yourself in a price range, you can lower the number of cars you have to look at, instantly making the process easier. After that, there are other aspects to consider, like fuel efficiency, different types of vehicles, the features you want, and what you’ll be most comfortable in. Take a look at some of the specifics before heading out to begin your vehicle shopping experience!

Consider Fuel Efficiency

One way to ensure your new car won’t strain your bank account is by choosing one that’s fuel-efficient. According to Consumer Reports, a hybrid car will save you around $500 per year in fuel costs compared to one powered by gasoline. With increasing fuel prices, selecting a car with better efficiency is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Moreover, hybrid vehicles usually have a longer life expectancy. So, you won’t be back on the market looking for another car right away.

Explore Electric Vehicle Options

The popularity of electric vehicles or EVs has definitely increased in recent years. According to Policy Advice, there are over 5.6 million electric vehicles around the world. These cars offer many benefits, including reduced emissions and operating costs. Furthermore, many governments give incentives for purchasing EVs, which will lower your initial cost. If your situation allows for it, consider investing in an electric vehicle to save money on fuel and maintenance.

Think About Safety Features

While finding a car that fits your budget is important, you should never compromise on safety. For example, larger trucks are involved in less than 4% of all accidents. Look for vehicles with good crash test ratings and advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Spending money on a car with these added bonuses helps you avoid getting into unexpected accidents, which can get rather expensive.

Assess Your Needs

When searching for a car that won’t break the bank, it’s important to solidify what features are a must for you. First, consider the vehicle’s main purpose. Are you going to be commuting to work, taking it on family outings, or exploring on weekend road trips? Then, list the features you need and those you can probably live without.

For example, prioritize fuel efficiency and a comfortable interior if you have a long drive to and from work. On the other hand, if you need a car for family trips, focus on the above-mentioned safety features and lots of storage space. Knowing what you need, you’ll be better equipped to find one that meets your requirements.

Shop Around and Compare Prices

Once you clearly understand how much money you can spend and the features you’re expecting, it’s time to start shopping! Visit several dealerships, go out for test drives, and compare prices. Additionally, research online to find the best deals and see if there are any promotions available. Finally, don’t hesitate to negotiate with dealerships and ask for a better price. Many will haggle with you and you can end up saving thousands.

Buying a new car is supposed to be an exciting experience. So, don’t let the stress of getting the perfect one keep you from enjoying it. The best way to do that is by preparing ahead of time. Know your budget, understand what you’re looking for and what you want, and take into consideration the costs you may incur down the road. In the end, just make sure that you’re comfortable with your new ride and that you can afford it. Then, happy cruising!

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