Page 2 - TL April Extra 2017

2TT • FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017 EXTRA ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
preparing for the financial future}
CASH
after college
Money-management tips for recent grads
Millions of students graduate from colleges and universities each year. Upon earning their degrees, many students shift their financial focus from paying tuition to repaying their
card account, and make payments on time, pay- ing the balance in full whenever possible.
▶ Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans
New grads may not be thinking about retire- ment, but the earlier adults begin saving for retirement, the more money they will have avail- able to them when they do stop working. Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) accounts.
▶ Pay off debt
Pay off high-interest debt first. Explore consol- idation when repaying student loans, and exam- ine options regarding income-based repayment, which ties monthly payment amounts to income levels rather than total debt.
“Be a responsible borrower,” Tubbs said. “If you have taken out student loans to fund your education, know who handles those loans. Stay in contact with those companies. They can offer help if you get in a bind with payments,
Recent graduates must take money management seriously to secure their financial futures.
but only if you stay in touch with them.”
The future is just beginning for new graduates, and making smart financial choices is a large
part of the years ahead.
student loans.
Student Loan Hero, a loan consolidation and management company, states that Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in student-loan debt. The average member of the class of 2016 can expect to have $37,172 in student-loan debt up- on graduation. That’s an increase of 6 percent from 2015.
Student loan debt is not the only financial hurdle college graduates face upon graduation. Graduates need to learn how to make their money go far and start thinking about investing in the future — even though many graduates earn entry-level salaries upon graduating. The following tips can help grads manage their mon- ey and take control of their personal finances.
▶ Save a portion of your paycheck
Newfound freedom may tempt grads to go on spending sprees or indulge in a few too many luxuries. Budgeting, which includes sav- ing a portion of your paycheck for the pro- verbial rainy day, can set up a nest egg that will come in handy when unforeseen expenses pop up. Grads who plan to move back in with their parents can save even more. Grads can also set up automatic contributions to savings accounts so they are not tempted to spend
money lingering in their checking accounts. Henderson State University in Arkadelphia offers its students access to the CashCourse, which provides online personal finance tools to help students manage their money. In addition, students who receive federal student loans are required to have counseling at the beginning and end of their education journeys. Henderson State also provides access to educational tools from the Arkansas Student Loan Association. The university has coursework offered through the School of Business focused on personal financial management that is available for all majors. Every freshman also has to complete a course called Henderson Seminar. One of the units in that course is focused on money man-
agement, budgeting and credit cards.
“We want our students to understand what they’re taking on when they get a loan or credit during their college careers,” said Alexandra Tubbs, director of Financial Aid. “They’ll be more responsible as adults with money man-
agement if we help them learn now.”
▶ Establish credit
Grads should begin establishing credit profiles as soon as possible. Open a low-interest credit
— Courtesy of Metro Creative, with contributions by Cody Graves, special sections writer
ARTS
Dance, drama, music and art will be on display June 1 as Henderson State University kicks off the Wildwood Park for the Arts college show- case series with the Celebration of the Arts.
“Performing and visual arts are compelling teachers of culture and history, bringing humanity together on a platform of mutual understanding,” said Jennifer Boyett, vice president of University Advancement.“The arts are essential to the mis- sion of Henderson State University — encour- aging scholarly and creative activities in a caring, personal atmosphere that reflects the universi- ty’s motto for over a century —The School with a Heart.”
The Celebration of the Arts will begin with an ar t-show reception in the Nor th and South lobbies. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while perusing the art gallery, or ven- ture outside for a walk in the Asian Woodland Garden. Following the reception, dance and dra- ma will be in the spotlight on the Cabe Festival Theatre stage. Live music in the Pavilion will round out the night.
Open to the public at no charge, the Celebra- tion of the Arts will attract guests from through-
out central Arkansas, including arts enthusiasts, alumni and prospective students. It is also gives students attending the Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts a preview of the performing and fine-art programs at Henderson State.
To register for the Celebration of the Arts or for more information, visit hsu.edu/celebration.
SPONSORSHIPS
Henderson State is accepting sponsorships for the Celebration of the Arts. For more information or to request a sponsorship packet, contact Beth Taggard, annual fund and special-events coordinator, at 870-230-5344 or taggare@hsu.edu.
ADVERTISING FEATURES
Henderson State University
1100 Henderson St. • Arkadelphia • 870-246-5000 • www.hsu.edu
College of the Ouachitas
One College Circle • Malvern • 501-337-5000 • 800-337-0266 • www.coto.edu
OVERVIEW
Founded in 1969, College of the Ouachitas offers some of the region’s best professional and technical programs. The college boasts top-quality faculty, caring staff, diversified programs and well-equipped classrooms.
ACADEMICS
As a comprehensive two-year college, COTO offers educational pathways for everyone. A variety of options are available to choose from, such as health sciences/nursing, general education, business, cosmetology, criminal justice, mechatronics, industrial robotics and electrical/plumbing apprenticeships, to name a few. The college’s general-education courses, including its Honors College, can launch
students toward earning a high-quality bachelor’s degree. This program is a smart choice for savvy students who want to stretch scholarship dollars, family funds and/or financial-aid assistance. The college also offers high school alternatives through the Ouachita Career Center at the Malvern campus, including automotive, cosmetology, criminal justice, medical office, pre-engineering, pre-mechatronics, construction technology and welding programs. College of the Ouachitas at Sheridan, located at 1409 S. Rock St., allows the college to better serve the residents of Grant County. The college’s Adult Education Program is available in Grant, Clark and Hot Spring counties, offering exceptional service to the students and the community.
Celebration of the Arts
featuring
STUDENT & FACULTY ART | THEATRE | DANCE | MUSIC
THURSDAY
JUNE 1
6 TO 9 P.M.
FREE ADMISSION
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS AT: HSU.EDU/CELEBRATION