Some Gifts for Students Deliver
Surprising Savings

In the current economic situation, families are reassessing their priorities, taking advantage of money-saving resources, and making more careful spending decisions to protect their investments. Polls report that families still want their children to go to college, but are seeking more financial aid or looking for lower-cost alternatives.

The best gift you can give your student is a Career Vision Advantage Package. Students who have an accurate awareness of their talents and have selected a college major make better decisions about school and course selection, have a clear advantage in graduating on time and stepping into a career path that will be satisfying. (See our gift suggestions for you at the end of this article.) Your Holiday Gift Certificate comes ready for giving in a special portfolio embossed in gold. We also include two copies of our award-winning parent guide, Getting Started: Talking with Your Child About Career Choices - one to keep, and one to share.

If you have a child headed to college in the next few years here are five more tips to stretch your investment:

1. College tours have become an increasingly large expenditure. Take advantage of online virtual tours, look more closely at local colleges, network with alumni groups, and geographically cluster well-planned visits.

2. At $200 a book, textbooks can run the college tab up unexpectedly, and the ability to recapture the value through book buyback arrangements is waning. In addition to Barnes and Noble and Amazon, check out websites such as CheapestTextbook.com or BigWords.com to compare prices. Consider the viability of digital e-textbooks for your needs at CourseSmart.com.
   
   

3. Distance learning, remote courses, and community college credits, if transferrable, can save you time on campus. The more credits you accumulate toward your degree while living at home, the less time and boarding costs on campus. Be sure to understand articulation agreements by major.
   
   

4. Many high school students have saved time and money by AP (Advanced Placement) testing or earning dual credit for college courses taught in their school. If this is for you, it can be a wise investment.
   
   

5. There are scholarship dollars that go untapped every year. Take the time to scout out these opportunities and complete the applications. Several smaller amounts can add up to make a big difference.

Big Kids Deserve Gifts, Too
Thought we forgot about you? Many adults or recent grads find themselves considering career changes. If no one has picked up on your repeated hints, take advantage of our Holiday Gift Certificate and treat yourself to a comprehensive career assessment and planning package. Career change takes preparation and identifying the direction that will be best for you is the first step toward more rewarding work.

© Copyright 2008, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

Direction. Decisions. Satisfaction.