College is a big investment, which is why it\u2019s important to know your options, plan ahead, and choose wisely <\/span>to pay<\/span> for it.<\/span> Most families do not have enough college savings to pay for <\/span>four years of tuition, room<\/span>,<\/span> board, books<\/span>, <\/span>and other expenses, <\/span>so financial aid will come into play. <\/span>Widget Financial<\/span> can help<\/span> you plan, and <\/span>help<\/span> you<\/span> bridge the gap<\/span>!<\/span> We recommend you follow these three steps to fund your college education:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>1. Secure Free Money First<\/h3><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
First<\/span>,<\/span> you should take advantage of scholarships and grants, which cost you nothing and do not have to be repaid <\/span>if<\/span> you meet <\/span>certain<\/span> conditions. <\/span>These may come from your high school, community, college, or other organization<\/span>s<\/span>. Grants are <\/span>usually<\/span> awarded to students with financial <\/span>needs<\/span>. Scholarships, however, can be based on need or <\/span>academics<\/span>, activities, and community involvement.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>2. Explore <\/span>Federal Student Loans<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
After scholarships and grants, you <\/span>can<\/span> turn to<\/span> federal student loans<\/span>. A loan is money that you borrow and must pay back with interest, but federal loans may <\/span>come with benefits not available from other types. <\/span>They generally come with a fixed interest rate that is lower than other loans and may have income-based repayment plans or public service forgiveness available. You will find federal student loans<\/span> offered within your award letter from your college.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>3. Fill the Gap with <\/span>Private Student Loans\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
When scholarships, grants, and federal student loans aren\u2019t enough, you may need to consider private student loans made by private organizations <\/span>like<\/span> Widget Financial<\/span> to fill the remaining gap<\/span>.<\/span> Our private student lending solution comes with <\/span>competitive rates, an easy online application, personalized support, and a unique line of credit that allows you to secure funding for your <\/span>entire undergraduate career with just one <\/span>application! *<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>* Subject to annual review and credit qualification. Must meet school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Get the Edge on Your Financial Future!<\/h1><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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<\/span>Information from Widget Financial to help keep your financial life in balance, for now, and the years to come.<\/h1><\/span>