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Financial Tools & Tips

 

 

Budgeting

The Student Financial Services office offers self-guided as well as speaker-led presentations to help students prepare for life after higher education and success through retirement. These resources give an in-depth view of how to be financially successful and begin thinking about retirement planning. Topics include: student loan repayment options, when and how to use debt and saving for retirement accounts and emergency funds.

Tip

Borrow only what you need, taking excess loan money means more to repay later.

MINT

It is a user-friendly, free service to create personalized budgets, receive unusual account charge alerts and retrieve your credit score.   today to use these tools and learn how to improve your budgeting skills. 

Student Financial Services Presentations

In an effort to increase financial awareness, SFS offers this service to student groups interested in learning the stages of basic personal financial management. These are important life skills that are often neglected in the home and classroom. Some of the topics discussed include: identifying where your money comes from, where your money goes, different types of expenses, personal financial decisions, and keys to success with managing your money. These presentations are on a set schedule for freshman in the UNIV 1400 class during the fall semester but can also be set up Monday through Friday to fit a particular group鈥檚 needs and time schedule. Sessions are available to UCM groups and organizations as well as the community (high schools, middle schools, and Whiteman AFB).

Student Financial Services Financial Presentation

This option is to help individuals on campus and in the community with a variety of issues ranging from student aid information to help with completing required forms.
This option is to help individuals on campus and in the community related to creating personal budgets and finishing school with as little debt as possible.
Would you like to know about your current loan debt and projected repayment terms? We can assist you in assessing your current student loan debt, estimating future student loans, and discussing possible repayment options. During this session we will look at federal educational debt; however, we do not have access to private loan information. If you have private loans, you can bring that information with you for us to review.
Please provide a phone number or alternative email address you can be reached at.

Credit

Paying bills in full and on time, reducing your use of credit and limiting the number of credit cards you hold are only a few factors that may help your credit rating. Actions that may reduce your credit score should be avoided whenever possible.

 

Credit History

Qualifying for financial assistance from the Federal Stafford (student) Loan program is never impacted by your credit history. However, if you find you need to borrow private educational loan funds to help you with your educational and living expenses, or if your parent wishes to be considered for a Federal PLUS Loan, you (or your parent) normally cannot have an adverse credit history.

A copy of a credit report may be obtained (for a fee) at any time from one or more of the three national reporting agencies: , , and/or . A credit report containing information from all three agencies may be obtained (at no charge) once per year at  or by calling 877-FACT-ACT. 

Always review your credit report carefully for errors and incorrect information. If you identify a mistake, follow the instructions included in the report.  If you have a negative credit report, do not utilize the services of any company or person claiming to be able to 'fix' your credit profile. They won't be able to do so. All information, positive and negative, remains a part of your credit history.

Your credit history does, however, continue to evolve over time. As you use credit responsibly and pay your bills on time, you'll build a positive credit history. In fact, your bill-paying pattern during the most recent 18-24 months is typically much more important than your financial activity of 3-5 years ago.

If you're having difficulty paying your bills, the non-profit  (NFCC) has member agencies that can assist you in establishing a budget and negotiating a repayment plan with your creditors.

Opt-Out of Prescreening

If you want to avoid the temptation of assuming additional debt, you have the option to visit  Opting out means you no longer wish to receive notification of preapproval credit or insurance offers.  You can learn more about your options on OptOutPrescreen's .

Family Information

As a parent or guardian you likely have many questions about the financial end of your student鈥檚 education. Get started by learning about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and become familiar with recurring dates and deadlines.  

Supporting your student doesn鈥檛 end once classes start. Your influence and knowledge of student resources available at UCM contribute to their success. If you have questions please let us know. We鈥檙e here to help. 

  

Parent PLUS Loan Information

Parent PLUS Loan Application Information and Process

Information about the Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate, dependent students can be found on the Admitted Student Information page and .  If you鈥檙e applying for a Parent PLUS Loan, the video below will provide important tips and walk you through the application process. 

 

Identity Protection and Scams

Data Theft Versus Identity Theft

Data theft occurs when someone obtains key pieces of your personally identifying information, such as your name, address, birthday, phone numbers or Social Security Number (SSN). Identity theft occurs when that information is used for any fraudulent or other unlawful purpose. The unlawful acquisition of personal identifying information does not necessarily mean that identity theft has occurred. This distinction is important when considering any response you might wish to make to the disclosure of your SSN. 

Recognizing Identity Theft

Order your free credit report

...Or order additional copies of your report from , or  for a fee.

...Then review your credit report

Once you have received a copy of your credit report, look for any accounts that you don't recognize, especially accounts opened recently. Look at the inquiries or requests section for names of creditors from whom you haven't requested credit.

Some inquiries, labeled something like "promotional inquiries" are for unsolicited offers of credit, mostly from companies with whom you do business. Don't be concerned about those inquiries as a sign of fraud. (Note: If you place a fraud alert (See Section ) on your account, you are automatically removed from lists to receive unsolicited pre-approved and pre-screened credit and insurance offers. You can also stop those offers by visiting  or calling 1-888-5OPTOUT)

Look in the personal information section for addresses where you have never lived. Any of these things might be indications of fraud. Also be on the alert for other possible signs of identity theft, such as calls from creditors or debt collectors about bills that you don't recognize, or unusual charges on your credit card bills.

If you find items you don't understand on your report, call the credit bureau at the number given on the report. Credit bureau staff will review your report with you. If the information can't be explained, then you will need to call the creditors involved and report the crime to your local police or sheriff's office.

If you find errors in your credit report, informing the issuing credit bureau at the phone number located on the report to have the information removed or corrected.

Illegal use of Your Personal Information

 

If you determine that someone actually has used your personal information for an illegal purpose, you should considering taking the following steps:

Crime Scene Tape

File a police report

File a police report with UCM's Public Safety Office or the agency to which UCM Public Safety may refer you.

 
Judge's Gavel

Contact the Missouri Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Unit

You may download a complaint form their . If you do not have access to a computer, you may call the toll free number below for a  and other assistance.

  • 1-800-392-8222 
 
Social Security Administration Seal

Contact the Social Security Administration

Contact the Social Security Administration if you believe your Social Security Number has been used illegally and call the SSA Fraud Hotline. You should also periodically contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the accuracy of the earnings reported on your SSN, and you may request a copy of your Social Security Statement. Additionally, these other SSA resources are available on the Internet:

  • SSA Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271 (10 am - 4 pm EST); TTY: 1-866-501-2101
  •  (SSA Pub. No. 05-10002)

 (SSA Pub. No. 05-10064)

 
Federal Trade Commission Seal

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  • 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or
  • 202-326-2502

Ask for a copy of . This is a free comprehensive consumer guide to help you guard against and recover from identity theft. You may also write to the FTC at:

Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Other Resources

 

These Internet sites provide information on steps you can take to protect your credit and identity. 

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice site describes what can happen if you are a victim of data theft or identity fraud. It provides steps for action, tips for reducing your risk of fraud, and phone numbers, addresses, and links to credit bureaus and other governmental agencies you may need to contact. 

Department of Education

You can find information about identity theft specific to students. Use the search bar and look for 鈥渋dentity theft鈥 for more information.

Scams

  

Federal Loans

Consolidation

Are you having difficulty managing your monthly student loan payments? Consolidating your  obligations is a good way to make repayment easier and often can lower your monthly payment(s). In addition, you'll be responsible for just one payment each month (instead of a separate payment for each of your loans) and you may also be able to 'lock in' a lower interest rate. 

On the other hand, your new consolidation loan interest rate may be higher, which can result in a greater total amount of interest required to be paid over the life of the loan, especially if you select a longer repayment schedule. However, the benefit of having a lower single monthly payment may outweigh the higher total finance charges.

To determine whether consolidating your student loans is an option for you and read more about , visit Studentaid.gov.

Default

 

It's extremely important to understand that you, and only you, are responsible for repaying the federal loan funds you've borrowed. This is true even if you fail to graduate with a degree, have difficulty locating employment, or if you're not satisfied with your educational experience. If you do not make the required payments on your loan obligation according to the terms of the legal promissory note you signed, and do not apply for a  or a , your loans can go into default, which has serious consequences. In addition, federal student loans are not dischargeable through bankruptcy.

If you default on a federal loan...

  • your loan may be turned over to a private collection agency to recover the money you owe,
  • you'll be liable for any costs incurred to collect on your defaulted loan, including late fees, court costs and legal/collection fees,
  • you can be sued for the entire amount of your loan,
  • your employment wages can be garnished,
  • your state and federal income tax refunds may be withheld,
  • your credit history will be negatively impacted, making it difficult to purchase a vehicle or home, and/or
  • you'll be ineligible to receive any additional federal or state financial assistance until your defaulted loan is fully satisfied.

Defaulting on a federal student loan is very serious. Here's how to prevent default from occurring...

  1. Make sure you understand your borrowing  and options.
  2. Always make your loan payments on time.
  3. Promptly notify the UCM Office of Student Financial Services of any changes to your name, address, or any other information that may impact repayment of your loan.
  4. If you begin to have difficulty with your loan payments, consider applying for a  or a . Don't wait! These options are not available to an individual whose student loans have already gone into default.
  5. Consider  your federal student loans into a single educational loan, with one interest rate and one monthly payment.
  6. Maintain accurate records of your loans, as well as all the other financial assistance you received while pursuing your education.

 Need more information? The U.S. Department of Education publishes a  to help students with repaying their defaulted loans. You can also read more about  at Federal Student Aid.

Deferment

  information from the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Student Aid Ombudsman

 

Forbearance

After you graduate or otherwise leave the 欧美视频, you may be willing (but not financially able) to make the monthly payments on your Federal Student Loans. If you do not qualify for a federal loan  , applying and being approved for a forbearance will permit you to postpone your monthly payments (or make lower payments) for a limited period of time. 

Unlike a deferment, you normally must pay the interest due each month during any forbearance period that is approved for you. However, you can choose to capitalize the interest and have it added to the total amount outstanding on the loan when you're once again able to make regular monthly payments.

Visit Studentaid.gov for detailed information about applying for federal loan .

Income-based Loan Repayment

 

Information Related to Bankruptcy

A past or current bankruptcy normally has no impact on a student's future eligibility for federal grant, loan, and work assistance.  In addition, federal grant or loan aid cannot be denied to a student solely due to a bankruptcy (as long as the student is not currently in  on a previously received federal loan). This is because a student's credit history is never checked as part of determining his/her eligibility for federal student assistance. Further, if a student's federal loan is discharged in bankruptcy after (s)he defaults, the loan is no longer considered to be in default (and no further payments are required). 

Federal student loans, however, are rarely discharged in bankruptcy and only if the student petitions (and can prove) that repayment will cause an extreme financial hardship. Also, federal student loans have no statute of limitations. Delinquent loan payments and loan defaults can impact a student's credit rating for a minimum of 7 years. 

On the other hand, a parent who applies for Federal  funds is usually denied if (s)he has an adverse credit history, one definition of which is having had debts discharged in bankruptcy within the past 5 years.

 A student with an adverse credit history due to a bankruptcy will usually be denied private educational loan funds by most lending organizations. However, the student may be allowed to receive a private educational loan if (s)he has a credit-worthy co-signer. A parent's bankruptcy or adverse credit history normally has no impact on a student's eligibility for private loans. Also, the U.S. Bankruptcy Code states that if certain private loans can be proven to be education-related (similar to the treatment of federal student loans) these private loans are not required to be discharged during a bankruptcy filing. 

 for additional information about the relationship between bankruptcy and financial aid.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

 

 

Federal Loan Requirements and Servicing Information

Visit our "Admitted Student Information" page to access information and links if you and/or your parent plans to accept a federal loan to pay towards educational costs while attending UCM.

 

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