This put a lot of pressure on me to perfect my college resume. I became somewhat of GPA junkie, doing extra credit whether I needed it or not.

There were clubs I joined, paid dues to, and never attended. Why? Not because I had an interest in the activities, but because I was collecting memberships for my college resume. My obsession led to many sick and sleepless nights, but it was all worth it when I got accepted to a “prestigious” university.

(Make sure you check out the giveaway at the bottom of this post!)

Even with a huge scholarship, my college education was going to cost about $30,000 a year. No big deal. I heard somewhere that college graduates earned a million dollars more over their lifetime. That bit of misinformation had me signing for massive loans with the same hesitation I might have signed a check for lunch.

Even with my above-average GPA and SAT scores, I am ashamed to admit that it took me until my junior year to figured out that college wasn’t adding up. I finally saw passed the sales pitches and slogans, and I no longer felt like a smart college kid; I felt like a sucker. So, do you know what I did?

For the first time in my life, I thought for myself. Heading into my senior year of college, I quit.

People thought I was crazy, and to this day, they still ask if I plan to go back and finish. I am not saying that I haven’t been tempted. Many people esteem degrees and degreed people. In our society it is an automatic qualifier, whether it deserves to be or not.

But I just can’t do it, I’m no longer a believer.

That is not to say that no one should go to college. If you plan to work in a profession that requires a degree, then you have no choice. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is, and so you will have to submit to the system.

Still, before any kid throws a small fortune at college here are some things that they should know:

What Kids Should Know About College

1. True Cost

You have probably noticed that college is outrageously expensive, but you may not be aware of the total cost. On the low end, with room and board, you will pay about $10,000 and on the high end, maybe $60,000 a year. So, the cost of a 4-year degree runs $40,000 to $240,000, right?

Actually, it can be a lot more than that, because there are other costs, hidden costs, that most high schoolers don’t consider.

Unless the 18 year-old graduate has a trust fund, he is going to need a loan. On $40,000 at 6% over a term of 10 years, our college student is going to pay an additional $18,237 in interest. So, the apparent cost just went up nearly 50%! On $240,000 at 6% over 10 years, he will pay an additional $109,423 interest! Ouch!

Then there is the unearned-income cost. For instance, if you devote 8 hours a day, between school and homework, to college, that is 8 hours that you could have been working. If you only made $10 an hour, that’s $1600 a month – $19,200 a year. Multiply that by 4 years and that’s another $76,000 of unearned income that your four year degree is costing you.

Some people will protest that kids could go to college and work. That doesn’t change a thing because they could also take the extra time to work two jobs.

Oh wait, there might be more! Most of the high paying jobs that require degrees, require more than just a 4-year degree.

For instance, if you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, you are going to need to budget for an additional 3 to 4 years. And the bad news is that graduate degrees always cost more money than undergraduate degrees. So again, factor the cost of room and board, the interest on the loans, and the unearned income.

You start adding it all up, and even if you do make that promised million dollars more, you might need it just to break even!

2. Financial Aid:

Financial aid is rarely that at all. It should called financial enslavement, because that is usually what it is. But if you are going to go to college, you need to know the difference between college grants, college loans, and college scholarships.

A grant will cost you nothing – not now anyway. However, before you get all excited about free college money, understand that there is no such thing as “free money.” The federal government collects money from taxpayers and grants it to you, no strings attached right? Wrong.

Once you graduate and have your degree, you will be a taxpayer, forced to fund other students college grant money. And unlike your student loans, you will be on the hook paying for other students’ college grant money for the rest of your working life!

A college loan is not free money either, it is debt that will be paid with interest.

You are selling banks a substantial stake in your future earnings.

And college loans are the worst, and most dangerous loans because there are no qualifications. When you apply for a home loan, the banks look at your debt to income ratio to determine the loan amount. But most college students have no income, and there is no guarantee that they will have the income to cover the loan after they graduate.

Filing for bankruptcy isn’t likely to help you, as students loans are nearly impossible to discharge. Thanks to the low quality of our schools, most high school students don’t know any of this. That’s why banks love to loan to college students, who will sign their life away without any comprehension.

Scholarships are probably kids’ best option. Still don’t get overly excited. If a school offers you a scholarship, they are simply selling you their services at a discounted price. You are still on the hook for the remaining balance. And you aren’t likely to get a full ride scholarship without strings attached.

Say you earn a full ride scholarship to play football. You haven’t won the lottery! The college is simply paying you in educational vouchers, while they reap real monetary benefits. For most college athletes, their sport is a fulltime job.

Between practice, games, travel, meetings, conferences, and workouts, most spend at least 40 hours a week working for the college. Yet, that college rakes in all the sponsorships, advertising, licensing deals, and ticket money.

Subtract the tuition our full-riders save from they money they could earn working a minimum wage job, and most would come out ahead working the minimum wage job!

3. Education or Degree:

Colleges still maintain a monopoly in degrees and certifications, but they are no longer the sole educators. We live in the information age. I swear, anything college can teach you, Youtube can teach you better!

So, unless your chosen profession requires a degree, educate yourself and keep the change! You want to study art? – then take your tuition money and build yourself an art studio. You want to study business? – then take your tuition and use it as startup money. You want to study history? – then take your tuition and travel the ancient world!

Take your tuition money and get an education, not a degree!

4. A Million Dollars More:

Okay, but in the end isn’t it all worth it? I mean, don’t college students earn a million dollars more over their lifetime?

The answer is no.

This rhetoric is closer to a bold-faced lie, than it is to the truth. It is a lie that could only be bought by an uneducated, schooled population, one that is accustomed to swallowing and regurgitating any line thrown their way.

Homeschooling Teens Giveaway!

Homeschooling your teen is an incredible journey—full of discovery, growth, and the beautiful freedom to learn alongside your child in ways that truly matter.

We want to celebrate YOU and bless your homeschool journey!

I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you the Homeschooling Teens Giveaway—one winner will receive a $125 gift card to the store of their choice! Use it for curriculum, resources, or whatever will encourage you most. 

I know there are quite a few entries, but each blogger has generously contributed to make this giveaway possible. And remember, the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning.

Click to continue reading Things Kids NEED to Know About College…

The post 7 Things Every Teen NEEDS to Know About College (giveaway) first appeared on True Aim.

Whether you give commission based on certain extra chores completed, or a weekly allowance, grab 3 jars per child. Pringles or shoeboxes work well, but I’ve noticed clear mason jars serve as the best “visual” – as you can see the money. Label the three jars: saving, spending, and giving respectively. The rules typically are although you can take Spending money and put it either in Giving or Saving, you cannot move Saving or Giving money. Find what works best for your family. Some times, the traditional 10% Giving, 60% Savings, 30% Spending works. Other times, during a certain season, more money must be used for Savings rather than Spending.

Saving

The savings jar is for money to be used for large purchases, or to go into a savings account for future use – such as a bicycle, or a big trip. Money in this jar goes towards the large purchase, or a real bank account. If you haven’t yet, take a trip to the bank and open a savings account for your child, where the temptation to use that money is put at ease.

Spending

Spending money can be used however the child wants – such as candies, movie tickets, trips to the Dollar store, vacation souvenir extras, or other “fun” things.

Giving

Teaching philanthropy is important even at a young age. Giving can include birthday or Christmas presents, sponsoring a child, school fundraisers, or tithing.

With this free printable that comes in two different color schemes, help children keep track of the amount of money they save, spend, and give. Each time money goes in or out one of banks, include a note of what it was used for, plus the amount.

Save Spend Give

Save Spend Give Pink

The post Save, Spend, Give! Plus FREE Printable for Kids first appeared on True Aim.

As luck would have it, the whole family woke up the next day with a sore throat. Now, my daughter had a fever too; perfect timing. We were supposed to help out in children’s church the next day and now, instead of calling my regular doctor, I would have to go to urgent care.

This is a sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

Turns out we all had strep throat! Through sickness, we had to take care of a bunch of sick kids, missed church and then the work week started right when we were recovering. What a miserable time.

It would have been nice to know right away that we should go in to the doctor. That’s why I’m so excited about the new SayAhh! Sore Throat Home Exam Kit for children ages 6 and up. I will never go without one again! Had I had this kit when my daughter complained about her sore throat, I would have saved money by going directly to my family doctor.

Since many childhood illnesses start with a sore throat, the SayAhh! Home Exam Kit helps you observe your child’s throat and make a decision about going to the doctor or not. 90% of of childhood illnesses are viral and nothing can be done about them. This will save you a lot of money and time.

You can also download the new SayAhh! Exam Guide App, which will provide a good basis for comparison to what should be seen in a normal throat, in order to better report to your doctor to determine if an office visit is necessary.

The SayAhh! Sore Throat Home Exam Aid package includes a patented, scientifically-designed oral retractor that minimizes the gag reflex, a flashlight to help me easily observe my child’s throat, a chart with medical-grade illustrations and descriptions of six common throat ailments, and a health management program at its website. It was designed by a doctor to make it easy to use, but highly effective for moms like me.

This kit does not diagnose, treat or prevent any diseases, but it is an essential tool in my medicine kit. Along with that I always make sure I have some cough medicine or natural remedies like tea, lemon, honey, or cider vinegar for my children to sooth their throat.

Enter the SayAhh! Cold Season Survival Stash Sweepstakes now through September 18, 2015, for the chance to win a $25 American Express gift card to stock up on cold/flu supplies.

Fifteen winners will be randomly selected on September 18, 2015. AND AS A BONUS… if the SayAhh! Facebook Page reaches 1,500 FAN LIKES by the time the giveaway ends, we’ll prize a $200 American Express gift card to an additional (1) Grand Prize Winner!

Now through 11/1/15 get free shipping on your purchase of SayAhh! Sore Throat Home Exam Aid online. Plus, Save $1.00 on your purchase with my special promo code: mom420 . Purchase online at http://sayahh.com/purchase.html. Remember to like SayAhh! on Facebook for more sore throat tips and information!

How about you? What do you have in your medicine cabinet for sore throats? Would you add this new product to it?

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

The post When to Go to the Doctor for a Sore Throat first appeared on True Aim.

Have you ever paused a second to look at one of your children and noticed how much bigger they have grown? Or maybe they wake up and they look like they have grown an inch over night! It’s alarming just how fast it happens.

My daughter is turning 8 soon. She’s in that awkward stage where all of her clothes are too short, not to mention the 2 front teeth she’s missing.

I had to do some shopping before her pants looked like shorts and her dresses looked like shirts.

Modesty is important to our family and I can always find something appropriate AND modern at Carter’s. Plus, the price is very reasonable for the quality. That’s why I was so excited to hear that Carter’s has added a new size 8 to their line. They also added shoes up to size 3! Now I can still shop at Carter’s for all my children.

We found so many colorful styles for the new fall season; my daughter wanted to get them all. It was easy for her to pick out her own outfits because they all coordinated.

I didn’t have to say no to much because everything in the store was 40% off. They also had door busters for essentials like t-shirts, shorts and leggings.

Grab this coupon below for even more savings! Get 20% off your purchase of $40 or more. You can shop online, but in-store you’ll also get $10 cash back on every $50 you spend! Hurry! This coupon ends today! 8/14/15

Visit Carters.com today to shop for their new sizes, fresh styles and great deals on clothes for your all your children! Follow them on Facebook to get style suggestions and special offers.

What’s your favorite children’s clothing brand? Where do you shop for your kids?

The post Children’s Modest Fashion: Fall Shopping at Carters first appeared on True Aim.

The kitchen is where most of the waste we create happens. These 15 recycling hacks can help you save money and reduce your waste by making something new out of things you were going to throw away.

I grew up in Oregon where recycling was part of the everyday routine. We always did it. When I moved, it was a lot harder to do because of the special rules and separate facilities. No glass, no plastic bags, and on and on. So, I had to get a little creative.

That’s why I was so excited to see the new Energizer EcoAdvanced batteries at Walmart. It is the first battery on the market to use recycled batteries/materials and is Energizer’s longest lasting alkaline ever!

It makes it easy to reduce, recycle and reuse everyday without even thinking about it. Learn more about this new technology at BringingInnovation.net.

15 Ways to Reuse Your Trash in the Kitchen

I love making new things out of something old or that you are just going to throw away. That’s why these ideas are genius because they don’t just help you reuse things, they make your life better, more organized, more convenient!

Glass

1. Store spices in baby food jars. They are easier to measure out of and you can easily make labels for them with dot stickers or paint the lids with chalk paint.

2. Buy bulk spices which are cheaper and store them in larger glass jars like mason jars.

3. You can also use small jars to help you peel lots of garlic easily.

4. Mason Jars can be used with your blender. Just fill it with whatever you want blended and screw the blade right on the jar for individual sized drinks, small portions of dip, even baby food.

5. You could get really fancy and rent a glass cutter to make drinking glasses out of empty glass bottles and vases out of wine bottles. Maybe go in with a friend or the neighbors and do everyone’s glass all at once.

Plastic Bottles

6. Milk jugs can be turned into so many things. How about a watering can for the kids or maybe a scoop for pet food?

7. Make a sprinkler out of a 2 liter of soda. The kids will love it in the summer time!

8. Cut plastic water bottles in half and use the top to seal open bags of food and snacks.

9. Cut out a hole in the side and fill with birdseed for an easy bird feeder.

10. All sorts of planters can be made with all different shapes and sizes of plastic bottles; hanging planters, outdoor, and indoor.

Misc. Trash

11. Save those containers from yogurt, sour cream, and others. You can easily remove the label with some nail polish remover or peanut butter and wash them out to store food or anything else.

12. Speaking of containers, cans from coffee or nuts are great to store odds and ends in.

13. I like to reuse peanut butter jars for extra craft supplies. The clear plastic helps me see exactly what I have.

14. If I had a dime for every pair of rubber gloves I went through, well I wouldn’t be rich, but I go through a lot. Now, I turn those into big rubber bands.

A photo posted by Janine LaTulippe (@trueaimedu) on Aug 29, 2014 at 3:56pm PDT

15. Plastic bags are the worst! Save those for craft projects. You can make so many things by turning them into yarn and weaving them into bags, mats, even a jump rope.

Is there anything that you reuse in the kitchen? Share with #BringingInnovation, I’d love to hear about it!

The post 15 Recycling Hacks for the Kitchen: Make Old Things New first appeared on True Aim.

What do fans, plastic, motion sensors, laptops and shopping have in common?  Right!  They can save you money on your energy bill this winter.  I’ve got 5 easy and low cost ways to get it done that you might not have thought about.

One of the easiest ways to save money is to reduce the utility bills.  If you live in an area that gets very cold these tips are for you!

5 Easy Ways to Save on Energy this Winter

1. Run Your Ceiling Fan

This might sound counter productive, but running your ceiling fan in reverse can cut your heating costs by 10%!  Most fans have a handy switch and will change the direction from counter clockwise to clockwise.  This pushes the hot air that rises back down into the living space.

2. Turn it Down

If you haven’t already, turn down your water heater to 120 degrees or lower.  This saves you up to 10%, and can also save your children from accidental scalding.  Save even more by covering your water heater with an insulating blanket and increasing its efficiency.

What else can you turn down?  Your thermostat!  Buy some long johns for the family and wear a cozy sweater.  Drink some hot cocoa!    You can save 1% for every degree you lower it.

3.  Drafts are a Drag

They’ll lose up to 30% of your energy!  Stop them with draft guards, weatherstip tape and blackout curtains.  To prevent drafts through windows, use a plastic insulation kit that creates an invisible barrier to help your home hold heat in.

You can even use decor to keep your home draft free.  Sew your own decorative draft snake that goes at the foot of the door.  How about buying some hay bales to put on the outside of your home by the foundation to insulate, keep your floors warmer and create a country look?

4.  Turn it Off

It seems like common sense, but many people forget to turn off the lights when they’re not using them.  And make sure you’re using CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) for efficiency.  Both of these things will save you a significant amount.  Better yet, install motion sensors for lights in outdoor areas and the garage.  Besides saving energy, they also increase security.

There’s something more that you should turn off every night.  You’re probably on it right now.  It’s your computer.  While you’re sleeping, your computer is costing you about $90 a year!

5.  Shop!

I bet you never thought you could save big by shopping for your energy provider!  Head over to ChooseEnergy.com, type in your zip code and find an energy solution that fits your budget from the best suppliers out there.  You could save up to 25 percent by switching and they’ll make the switch for you!

It takes less than 10 minutes to find solutions that fit your needs, including information on solar power.  So, make sure you stop by ChooseEnergy.com to do a little energy shopping this year.

How do you save money on energy during the winter?

The post 5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Energy this Winter first appeared on True Aim.