Peer Educator

NIU Financial Cents in looking for peer educators for next semester.  As a current peer educator, I recommend giving it consideration.  It’s a great way to network, educate others, earn a scholarship, and a way to polish your resume.  Being a peer educator allows you to educate others, while also learning in the process.  It’s a great way to develop your communication, writing, and presentation skills.  One of the best things about being a peer educator is how flexible the hours are.  Only 50 hours a semester are required for a scholarship up to $500.  Being a peer educator is also a great way to increase your chances of becoming a graduate assitance upon graduation.  If you’re interested in becoming a peer educator make sure you check out the Financial Cents website.  If you have any question don’t be hesitant to ask.  Email us at finacialcents@niu.edu.   

Negotiating Your Salary

One of the most interesting statistics I have seen lately is “ 8 out of 10 companies are willing to negotiate salary, but only 3 out of 10 job candidates ever try”.  Most people are just leaving money on the table.  Luckily, there is a workshop going on during Money Smart Week (April 9^th), to help with the interview process.  This includes maintaining rapport, preparing before the interview, and the actual negotiation.   Finding the job you love is important and graduation is approaching fast. Make sure you get paid what you are worth.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity.  Stop by Money Smart Week and check out the workshop.     

Money Smart Week

In my life I’ve had several apartments, car payments, phone bills, student loans, credit cards, and a handful of jobs with full benefits.  I’ll admit, even with all this financial experience there is still a hefty amount of stuff I don’t know.  Heck, I am currently getting my doctorate in physical therapy right now and am still no expert on the healthcare system, nor do I know how or when I should start saving for retirement.  There is always something more you can learn to make your life easier.  Luckily there is hope.  The 2014 Money Smart Week events will be occurring April 5^th - 12^th throughout DeKalb County.  Different topics will be discussed that range from budgeting and credit scores to eating healthy on a budget.  The only regret I had during my undergrad was that I didn’t take advantage of opportunities like this.  Trust me, the sooner you learn this stuff the better (it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks).  Take a look at the events going on, I’m positive there is something you find helpful.  Hope to see you there!

Tax Time

The worst time of the year for me is from February to the beginning of April, and it’s not because of the weather.  Tax time is my kryptonite; it makes me want to crawl up in a little ball and hide.  When it comes to filling out, I have no clue what I’m doing.  I just imagine the whole time that the Government is going to lock me up if I make a mistake.  This year I’m in the clear! I finally found a way to beat the system! NIU is having a FREE tax preparation and filing event. It’s every Wednesday, in the Founders Memorial Library, from Noon to 5:00 p.m.  Don’t be a sloppy mess like me, and forget your social security card/earning statement (or else you’ll have to go back home and get it).  Did I mention it’s FREE?!  The tax specialists who were there answered any and, all of my questions.  It took me half the time it takes me to fill out my taxes by myself, and had no more fears of filling it out incorrectly. Take advantage of this opportunity and make these wintery months a joyful experience!

Destination Graduation

After 4+ years of hard work it’s time to graduate!  So what’s next? How do I prepare?  What challenges will I face in my career? All of these questions can be answered at Destination Graduation, which is on February 25^th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  Destination Graduation will help future graduates learn how to negotiate their salary, budget student loans, and transition from a student to a professional.  It will help inform students on important topics they should be familiar such as a 401k, insurance benefits, and finances in the “Real World”. 

It’s never too early to start planning ahead!  Destination Graduation is open to students of all classes and not just seniors.  Get a jump on your future and join us in Altgeld Auditorium (2^nd Floor).