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How to Save Money in September

By U.S. News & World Report

We’re nearing the end of August, which means a new season is around the corner. September is sandwiched between the final days of summer and the cooler months leading up to the holidays, making it a unique shopping season. Take advantage of these great deals and hold off purchasing other items until later in the year when the discounts will significantly increase.

Here’s your September shopping guide:

What to buy:

September kicks off with Labor Day, and this three-day weekend is a major sales holiday, as well. You can expect sales events when booking travel and hotels, shopping department stores, buying electronics and more.

First, if you’re in the market to buy a vehicle, September is an excellent time to do so. Not only will new models be hitting the lots this month, causing previous years’ vehicles to go down in price, but salespeople at car dealerships will be trying to hit their third quarter goals. Use this fact to your advantage and haggle a little harder toward the end of the month.

Another category that unveils new models this month is major appliances. With the exception of refrigerators (their lowest prices can be found in late spring), take advantage of the lower prices as stores clear out last year’s models to make room for new.

School begins in late August and early September, which means that school supplies and fall clothing will be discounted shortly afterward. Whether you can wait to buy a few of the kids’ notebooks and pencils until the last minute, or you want to restock your own office with supplies, this is a cheap time to do so. Fall clothing featured for back to school will head into clearance later in September.

Throughout the year, jewelry has a few peak seasons, most notably Valentine’s Day and the holiday season in December. September is not one of the major “gift giving months” throughout the year, so jewelers are more likely to come down in price if you ask.

If previous years are any indication, Apple will announce a new iPhone this September. As soon as a new iPhone is released, older models will go on sale. You can also find plenty of pre-owned iPhones for sale when Apple fans decide to upgrade. If you prefer Apple and are okay with a slightly older model, this is an ideal time to get a mobile phone.

End-of-summer clearance will put an abundance of warm weather items on sale. From heavy duty equipment like grills and lawn mowers to plants, patio furniture and yard tools, stock up on the summer items you need now and you can find rock-bottom prices, though the selection might be a bit picked over.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, September is an idea time to travel. Between Labor Day and the holiday season is a lighter travel time, so there are tons of discounts and deals. After kids go back to school, resorts are quiet and less crowded. Cruises are cheaper in September and through the fall, right up until Thanksgiving. Amusement parks will have discounts while the weather is still warm right before their closing date, so bring the kids for a day on the weekend and you can get a cheaper ticket. September is known as hurricane season in the Caribbean, but certain parts rarely get storms. Do a little research on weather patterns, and then check out the discounted packages at all-inclusive resorts.

What not to buy:

In September, you might spot a few sales or discounts that look tempting, but will ultimately they pale in comparison to the price drops before the holidays. Avoid buying items that are known for their deep discounts during Black Friday week, including televisions and game systems. You will only end up regretting that you didn’t wait a few months for significantly lower prices.

Enjoy the remaining dog days of summer and take advantage of the deals September has to offer!

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How to Save Money in September originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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