Money & Finance
The Zenie Foundation believes effective adults possess core values, self-awareness, a commitment to learning and financial responsibility. We define financial responsibility as being financially self-sufficient and adopting responsible lifestyles consistent with financial means. Here are not only useful tools we have created to assist, but also other recommended sources to review.
College Affordability Toolkit (Zenie Foundation)
The result of listening to our students over the years and putting together an exercise to help you make smart, informed decisions about your future. This tool should not be used exclusively in your decision making, nor does it provide any financial advice. The Toolkit is designed to provide a snapshot of your financial situation and the potential impact of your college and career choices. It allows you to test a variety of scenarios and "estimate" the impact. We recommend you save various scenarios to compare. Please note: best displayed on laptop or desktop computer. This workbook is currently available as an Excel document. Numbers and Google Sheets versions are in development.
How to Get a Break on College Tuition: Just Ask (WSJ, Spotify podcast, 7.06.20)
This is a helpful podcast by WSJ's Josh Mitchell. It is a good reminder to negotiate with your college about your tuition and costs, particularly during this time with the COVID pandemic. As an effective adult, don't forget that it never hurts to ask and this will assist you make the best financial decisions.
Student Loan and Salary Calculator (FAME, Finance Authority of Maine, 2021)
Take a look at what your estimated salary could be by profession and calculate how many years may be needed to repay a loan. These are important steps to best plan your future.
Student Loan Repayment Calendar (Nerd Wallet, 2021)
GradSense A helpful website for ZF students to find financial education tips.
How to Make Your Money Last All Semester Long (Fool.com, 2.6.20)
Responsible money habits are required during your time in college and in the future for you to be an effective adult. Take a look at these 5 tips that help you manage your finances so you can focus more on your day.
Post-Graduation
10+ Student Loan Forgiveness Programs That Discharge Loans (Anna Helhoski, Nerd Wallet, 4.9.21)
To ensure you are making the best loan options, consider these ways that you could qualify for loan forgiveness.
Tips for College Graduates Making Their First Loan Payments (Ann Carrns, New York Times, 11.1.19)
Paying back loans can be overwhelming, but there may be ways to make the payments more manageable. ZF students can be better prepared by empowering yourself with knowledge.
The result of listening to our students over the years and putting together an exercise to help you make smart, informed decisions about your future. This tool should not be used exclusively in your decision making, nor does it provide any financial advice. The Toolkit is designed to provide a snapshot of your financial situation and the potential impact of your college and career choices. It allows you to test a variety of scenarios and "estimate" the impact. We recommend you save various scenarios to compare. Please note: best displayed on laptop or desktop computer. This workbook is currently available as an Excel document. Numbers and Google Sheets versions are in development.
How to Get a Break on College Tuition: Just Ask (WSJ, Spotify podcast, 7.06.20)
This is a helpful podcast by WSJ's Josh Mitchell. It is a good reminder to negotiate with your college about your tuition and costs, particularly during this time with the COVID pandemic. As an effective adult, don't forget that it never hurts to ask and this will assist you make the best financial decisions.
Student Loan and Salary Calculator (FAME, Finance Authority of Maine, 2021)
Take a look at what your estimated salary could be by profession and calculate how many years may be needed to repay a loan. These are important steps to best plan your future.
Student Loan Repayment Calendar (Nerd Wallet, 2021)
GradSense A helpful website for ZF students to find financial education tips.
How to Make Your Money Last All Semester Long (Fool.com, 2.6.20)
Responsible money habits are required during your time in college and in the future for you to be an effective adult. Take a look at these 5 tips that help you manage your finances so you can focus more on your day.
Post-Graduation
10+ Student Loan Forgiveness Programs That Discharge Loans (Anna Helhoski, Nerd Wallet, 4.9.21)
To ensure you are making the best loan options, consider these ways that you could qualify for loan forgiveness.
Tips for College Graduates Making Their First Loan Payments (Ann Carrns, New York Times, 11.1.19)
Paying back loans can be overwhelming, but there may be ways to make the payments more manageable. ZF students can be better prepared by empowering yourself with knowledge.