Well I’m back in school and I’m loving it (no this is not a McDonald’s commercial)! I just love learning and I love it when my learning increases my earning potential. This photo is of the books I am using for my Java Programming course. I will be a certified Java Programmer after I finish the class and take the exam.

Are you wondering why I’m taking Java programming of all things? Welp, it’s for a couple of reasons. First because it’s the foundation class for the mobile application development course I’m going to be taking. Second, because it’s FREE!!! Yep, I said free. I’ll get to how that’s possible a little later. But first let me answer why I’m taking this class after I’ve published a book which should increase my earning potential.

I’m an IT Geek So I Say It Loud and Proud!

I love ideas, I love graphic design, and I love technology. I’m an IT (information technology) professional in real life so this is a perfect fit for me. I will be designing mobile applications (the kind you have on your smart phone) once I complete the course. Developing mobile apps will make me giddy with happiness because it combines all the things I love. Plus, I get to earn a pretty penny (or lots of pennies) on top of that.

The Earning Potential is Phenomenal

How much? Well let me put it this way; it is rumored that ESPN paid $100k to get their Fantasy Football app created. That is not chump change. The average app cost anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 to be developed. This is for a custom app. So for me, the earning potential runs in the six-figures if I develop apps for medium to large companies. If create my own apps the earning potential is greater because I get all the profits. Some app developers are earning millions…you remember Angry Birds don’t you?

How I Get to Go to School for Free

I am confident my education will pay off in huge dividends. The best part is I get to go to school for free. I bet you were waiting for that part. Well a few months ago I wrote about losing my job. I was out of work for a year and collecting unemployment. Each week I had to submit my report so I could get the check. One day I was on the DOL (department of labor) website and decided to look into training.

I called the office and got information about the WIA (Workforce Initiative Act) training programs. I was told I may be eligible for the program and to show up at the designated place at the designated time for an information session. I went and had to complete paperwork as well as turn in other information.

That was in June or July of this year. I was told it would be a while before I knew if I was accepted because funding had to come in from the State. Getting accepted into the program meant I could choose a school and the State would pay all expenses including books and certification exams. The point is to get people on unemployment back to work by upgrading their skills.

Back in School for a Short Time to Earn More Money for a Lifetime

Long story short….I got accepted into the program. I chose the school I wanted to attend and started more paperwork. The school I chose encourages their students to start their own business so they have a session to teach and provide entrepreneurial skills. So here I am, back in school for about a 4-6 weeks to learn Java programming and mobile app development. I will get my certification and begin a new career path that will net me more money as I continue to journey toward financial freedom.

The moral of the story? Never stop learning!

Are you back in school? Do you have a technical certificate or degree?

How do you plan to increase your earning potential in 2013 and beyond?

Credit by exam: the missing piece in the college puzzle helps students reduce expenses

If you are a 21st century student, you may be facing concerns over the rising cost of a college degree and the prospect of future college debt. You may be wondering, can I achieve my education goals and still find a way to contain costs? Meanwhile, President Obama is calling for increased degree completion as an element of workforce development.

For many college students, one solution may be a sleeping giant: credit by examination, a valid and cost-effective means of earning credit for college-level knowledge. For many years, the military has promoted credit-by-examination programs among service members pursuing higher education. For bright high school students taking advanced courses, related exams can help them get a head start on college credit. But college-level exams are widely available for any aspiring college student – not just for advanced high schoolers and military members.

Consider this: Based on a typical full-time academic year, the College Board’s data indicates that the cost for a three-credit, semester-long course at a four-year institution can range between $752 per credit at a public college and $2,730 per credit at private, nonprofit colleges. However, the cost of an examination covering the same subject area as a three-credit classroom course can cost as little as $95.

So what is credit by exam, and how do you earn it? Credit by exam measures your subject area knowledge gained through traditional classroom study, through independent study or on the job as part of your career and professional training. You can also use a variety of online academic resources to study for exams including high quality, university-level educational materials called open courseware. These subject matter tests are available through such programs as Excelsior College  Examinations (ECEs), UExcel, CLEP and DSST and, typically, each program offers corresponding study guides. The tests are administered at thousands of secure, proctored testing centers in the U.S. and around the world.

As a student consumer, it’s important to make sure the exam program you choose has been reviewed by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT), which provides course equivalency information to facilitate college credit award decisions. ACE CREDIT is an important stamp of approval for exams and coursework taken outside of traditional degree programs. In addition, you may also want to become familiar with the differences among test programs: ECEs, for instance, are the only exams developed and administered by an accredited college, and ECE results are reported as a letter grade on a college transcript.

“Higher education costs are front and center in our national education discussions, and independent study leading to credit-by-exam is a lesser-known way of helping to address this issue,” says Dr. Patrick Jones, vice provost at Excelsior College. “Students who meet the exam challenge can also advance more quickly through their chosen degree program.”

A student who decides to tackle four examinations – over several months, several years or during summers – can trim a semester or more from his or her college career. For long-term planning purposes, that’s the equivalent of thousands of dollars neither spent nor borrowed.  It’s also evidence of your personal discipline and academic independence.

Credit-by-exam programs can benefit colleges and universities as well. Traditional institutions facing overcrowding or faculty shortages can use credit by examination as a tool to retain students and assist them in degree completion. Ultimately, such out-of-the-box solutions can benefit you, the student, and the institutions committed to your success. Now more than ever, credit-by-exam programs are increasingly important alongside traditional and online course work as a valid means of demonstrating your college-level knowledge. (ARA)

Plenty of single moms (and new graduates) plan to go back to school to work toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. It’s a given that most of these same moms will be applying for financial aid and likely accepting student loans as part of the package. Here are a few facts and frequently asked questions about student loans that is valuable information whether you are a mom going back to school or a recent high school graduate.

Student loans have become a fact of life for college students in the United States today. Unfortunately, these loans can be confusing and most students do not understand them. Because of this, many students do not know what they are getting into when they take out their loans. A little basic knowledge can go a long way towards remedying this confusion.

What Are the Current Interest Rates for Student Loans? The APR for student loans varies based on the type of loan. Right now, a subsidized Stafford loan has a fixed interest rate of 3.4 percent per year. A unsubsidized Stafford loan has an interest rate of 6.8 percent per year. This rate is applicable to both undergraduate and graduate students. PLUS loans, which parents take out for students, have an interest rate of 6.8 percent.

The interest rate for private student loans is set by the lender and is determined by a student’s credit score, major, and other factors.

When Does the Interest Rate for Student Loans Change? The interest rate for all federal student loans changes on July 1 each year. The new rate is based on the rates received by the Treasury bills auctioned off in the last week of May. Occasionally, Congress will fix the interest rate for a few years.

What is the Difference Between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans? The federal government picks up the tab for the interest on subsidized loans while the student is in school. When a student takes out an unsubsidized loan, he or she is responsible for the interest from the time it is disbursed until it is paid off. While he or she is in school, the interest may be capitalized and added to the principal.

What is the Application Process? All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student’s school will then determine his or her eligibility for all federal student aid, including loans.

What About Repayment? Students begin repaying their loans six months after graduation. Each student should keep their loan burden as low as possible and try to pay it off quickly. There is no prepayment penalty for student loans.

Student loans are the reason many students are able to go to college, and it is a good thing they exist. But all students should learn the basics of these loans and know what to expect when they sign the contract.

Photo courtesy of Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Having a college degree is imperative in today’s competitive job market. Online universities are the most popular way that many people choose to further their education today. Programs offered by online universities are similar to those offered by traditional universities, and job opportunities increase for those with college degrees.

Convenience Is A Reason For Popularity Of Online Universities 

One reason cited that moms today choose online universities over traditional school settings is the convenience offered by completing coursework online. When children are small, Mom’s find it difficult to complete college level coursework. Studying online allows moms the flexibility to complete their work when it’s convenient.

When children are napping or otherwise occupied, moms can do as much course work as they’re able to do. Course work can be started and picked up again later if necessary depending on interruptions that occur in a busy household. The structure is much more relaxed when moms are able to take advantage of the programs offered by online universities.

Mom’s Can Earn A First Degree Or Post-Graduate Degree Online 

Online universities are tremendously popular for moms that wish to earn their degree, or continue education that was already started before they became moms. Attending a traditional school is practically out of the question for many moms because of issues like finding childcare, transportation, and other concerns. Earning a college degree at home in ones own time and at ones own pace is increasingly how moms are choosing to approach their education.

Sanford Brown is a popular online university offering many attractive career options for busy moms. Moms find that they can earn their degree from home more easily than in a traditional school. When moms choose to go back to work, they’re better prepared to successfully enter or re-enter the workforce if they’ve been able to earn an online degree.

Online Degrees Lead To A Brighter Employment Outlook 

The programs offered by online universities are very popular and many programs lead to degrees with bright employment outlooks and futures. Moms can study for careers in lucrative Medical, Business, Criminal Justice or many other challenging fields making this another big attraction of earning a degree through online universities.

Possessing a college degree gives prospective job applicants a definite advantage when searching for careers in today’s competitive job market. Earning that degree online is convenient for Mom’s and offers flexibility not available in traditional college settings.

The other day I got an acceptance letter in the mail for an MBA program. It was a surprise because I applied in the summer but decided against going because I just don’t want to add to my student loans. I am also not ready to commit to the time required to complete the program.

I love learning and being in school is always a pleasure for me. I know, I’m weird like that but the learning process and discovering new things just does it for me.

So I’m torn now. Should I start the program or not? How much time is it going to take away from my family? Will my kids feel neglected? A thousand questions to consider.

On the flip side, by getting my MBA I will have more business insight, more earning power and probably less hard work as a manager or director of some company.

Fortunately I have done a lot of preliminary thinking about what I would concentrate on. Who knew an MBA program had so many options? Fortunately I don’t have to worry about choosing a major or a college like I did in undergrad. The choices are endless.

The program I’ve been accepted into begins January 2, less than a month from now. What an interesting way to start the holiday season. I suppose I’m blessed to be in this position right?

I’m leaning heavily toward going but I have to look at my schedule and consider how I will juggle parenting, my clients, and class work.

What would you do?

I had an amazing weekend! I went to visit my parents and see the young people in their church get in front of a large group of people to give a speech. These young men are only twelve years old, but they were courageous enough to stand in front of an audience and share a message of hope and the power the youth have to change the world.

Later I got to hang out with some really great people at a costume party and watch the kids have fun playing games. We had a bonfire (sorry no marshmallows this time), lots of laughs and good food.

I returned home early to attend the Annual Challenge to Change Brunch benefiting Chayil (pronounced Ky-ill). Chayil is an Atlanta Women’s Transformation Program that helps women who have experienced domestic violence and are now moving out of a shelter into the real world on their own.

Chayil bridges the gap through providing 24-hour counseling, financial education, and self-esteem coaching. Women who leave an abusive relationship often do not have a place to turn, no resources, and no one to really understand what they are going through.

The brunch was a celebration of the work Chayil does and recognition for community leaders who support the organization and makes a difference in other ways.

Among the recipients of the Challenge to Change award was Jasmine Guy. Yes, the Jasmine Guy, she played the socialite southern belle Whitney Gilbert and kept us in stitches laughing at her antics and southern drawl on A Different World.

For those of you who have never seen that show, it was a spinoff from The Cosby Show.

Ms. Guy has gone on to many other projects in music, dance, and theater productions.

She is an Atlanta native and advocate for change. She was gracious and spoke on the need for a change of mind.

Without a mindset change, a woman that lives in a world of abuse and violence can never hope to really be set free. How often do we hear about women who go back to their abusers? It’s mostly because they do not believe they can make it on their own or their abuser has wounded their mind so much they believe he (or she) actually loves her.

A mental shift cannot happen in a toxic environment. Programs like Chayil makes a way for women to permanently change not just their location, but their minds as well. This powerful shift gives them hope.

Ms. Guy is so right about a need to change your mindset. Even if we are not in an violently abusive situation, it’s important to recognize when we are mentally bound by other types of abuse. It could be verbal, mental, sexual, or financial abuse. They are no better, and no less harmful than physical abuse.

Another thing to remember is abusive relationships are not just from a significant other. It can be from friends (you know, those frenemies you have), family members (that aunt who is always badgering you or just out right mean), a manager, and even a church leader.

The face of abuse comes in many shapes and sizes so we have to recognize when it’s happening to us.

Three sure signs you are being abused are:

1. Put downs meant to demean you
2. Name Calling
3. Using manipulation, guilt, and shame to get you to do something you don’t want to do

If this is happening to you, it’s up to you to stop it. It may seem scary at first, but it is necessary to stay safe both physically and emotionally. No one has a right to abuse you. We teach our kids safety so it’s time we learned how to keep ourselves safe too. This is called learning boundaries.

Here are a few books I read to break the cycle of abuse in my own life:

Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life
Codependent No More

How can you tell when you are being abused? What are the signs? Why do you let it happen? What can you do to stop it?

When: November 5, 2011

Where: Smyrna Conference Center in Smyrna, GA (in the Atlanta Metro area)

Why: Because you are a smart woman and smart women get educated about money.

Here are a few more details:

Worth It! The Money Conference for Women will provide reliable Money Management, Investing, Career, Entrepreneur, Savings, Credit and Retirement Planning Strategies for exactly where you are in your Financial Life. This Conference is designed to address the unique challenges women face in a safe and fun environment.

Going to this conference is worth it, just like the names says. I know the organizer, Andrea Amir, and she knows her stuff. She’s put this conference together to women in the Atlanta area the opportunity to hear great speakers and network with other smart, savvy women.

Even if you don’t live in Atlanta you are still invited to come.

Click here to ==>>> REGISTER

Here is a bit more about what is planned:

Worth It! The Money Conference for Women will provide reliable Money Management, Investing, Career, Entrepreneur, Savings, Credit and Retirement Planning Strategies for exactly where you are in your Financial Life. This Conference is designed to address the unique challenges women face in a safe and fun environment.

Join us for:

Fantastic Keynote Speakers
Over 9 Different Sessions to choose from
Straight Talk from Real Experts
Catered Lunch and Surprise Snack
Swag galore filled bag with financial resources and other goodies
Door Prizes and Sponsor Giveaways
Access to Financial Resources

Here is a Sampling of some of our 9 educational sessions

* Minding Your Money Matters
*So You Want to Be An Entrepreneur?
*Earn Your Worth! Secrets to A Successful Career and Salary
*The Emotional Side of Money
*How Do I Get Out Of Debt?
and many many more

Should you attend?

– Are you living paycheck to paycheck and can’t even think about saving for retirement?
-Do you think it’s not worth bothering to save small amounts of money?
-Do you believe you can put off saving, investing for your future because you have plenty of time?
-Are you stalling because you are not sure what to do?
-Do you know how to make your dreams a reality? Owning a house? Starting a business?
-Are your spending habits out of control putting you into debt? *Do you wonder what your retirement years will look like?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then Worth It! The Money Conference for Women is for you! Please join us in learning how to plan, recover and look forward to your future with financial health.

To register ==>> CLICK HERE