My Knightlife

I just got back from a presentation by Peter Bielagus on financial management that was sponsored by KAT. I am soaking wet. It was down pouring outside. This is the third year in a row that we have brought Peter on to campus to present a discussion on personal financing and it is always a great success. We had 42 people in attendance tonight. The rain may have hindered some students from walking from their residence halls back to the student center, but those who were there benefited greatly.

He is different than many speakers that we often bring to campus. He presents topics that will affect every student in life after college. I first met him freshman year and since that presentation I have been affected in many ways. Once of his first pieces of advice was ways to check your credit score, increase your credit score, and make sure there are no mistakes on you’re your credit report. I went to www.annualcreditreport.com and received a credit score of 802. There were actual mistakes on my credit report. It stated I opened a mortgage account in October 2004. WHAT??? No way…so it was a great opportunity to fix those mistakes.

1. Don’t cancel credit cards.
2. Pay the minimum payment at least.
3. Don’t apply for credit cards for the free gift.
4. Pay off credit card debt.
5. Only borrowing what you need.

Have you ever had a personal budget? Theoretically, I have, but like Peter mentioned I never included to small items like Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Orbits, and much more. Budgets are created in LA LA land…Think about this next time you are planning your finances.

He then went on to explain an opportunity to earn up to $100 a year by simply enrolling in a U Promise account.  For a variety of places you shop you earn a percentage of what you charge. As you spend with the registered cards at Upromise’s vendor affiliates, small amounts of money keep getting swept into your account.  It is totally free and it is totally yours. 

FINANCIAL SUCCESS TIPS IN ALL OF 50 MINUTES…pretty sweet!

Filed under: KAT on January 22nd, 2008