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Category: Scholarships

  • Money Management

    Money Management

    Times are rough and life will throw you costly curve balls. You need to know how to manage your money and maximize your saving skills so you are ready for any financial emergencies you may have to face.

    If you’re receiving any kind of financial help, you may be thinking, “I don’t really need to worry, I have help if something were to happen”. The truth is these options may not always be there. Learning how to fend for yourself will make costly times a lot easier to handle and give you a rewarding sense of independence. So let’s get to it by prioritizing where your money goes:

    Housing and Rent
    Food
    Transportation
    Credit and Banking
    Utilities and Telephone
    Health Care
    Pets
    Recreation

    Housing and rent. If you’re working, a good way to budget yourself would be to split your paycheques up to make sure you’ll have your rent ready for the end of the month. If you get paid bi-weekly, every two weeks split your rent into two and save that amount from each pay. So if your rent is $500, save $250 per pay. This is a safe way of ensuring you are saving for rent and can also budget for other things during the month.

    Transportation. Take advantage of bus tickets and bus passes depending on the amount of traveling you do and try to be productive in your travels. If you drive, that applies to you too. Make a plan before you leave and go from point A to point B strategically to save gas. If you’re one of those good people who are always giving lifts to your friends, it’s okay to ask your friends to pitch in a bit of gas money from time to time. Give them the opportunity to be a good friend, too.

    Credit and banking. Bank fees aren’t too bad these days (especially if you are a student) – it’s your credit card you have to be frugal with. Having a credit card at such a young age is one of my biggest regrets. Ince you have got yourself into credit card debt, its really hard to get out. We are living in a material world and it is very tempting to go shopping and buy things we really don’t need and could very well live without. Try your best to be smart in these times. Credit cards are for emergencies only – you don’t want to have to use them unless you really need to.

    Health care. In Canada we are lucky that most things are covered by our government health plan. But some things may not be, such as dental appointments. Many post-secondary institutions offer health plans with your tuition to help cover these types of costs. If you are under a certain age, you may still be covered by the health plan your mom or dad has through their employer. Be sure to check into both of these options.

    Utilities and telephone. Be energy smart: if you don’t need a light on, turn it off. If you don’t need the water coming from the tap, turn it off. I admit I used to leave the water running while I brushed my teeth for three minutes. Once I stopped doing it, I saw a huge difference in my utility bill just from not running my water senselessly for six minutes a day. As for your cell phone, there are plenty of good plans out there – but also plenty of rubbish ones. Make sure whatever plan you’re choosing is really working for you and that you’re not paying any more than the amount you agreed to. If you are, it is time to change your plan or service provider.

    Pets. Dogs and cats are adorable, I know. We all see them and instantly want them. But if you’re in school and working, you usually don’t have time for them. They are costly and require their own food, medical attention, and grooming. Make sure you’re making the right decision for you AND your furry loved ones.

    I hope this has given you a bit of an eye-opening incentive to be smart with your spending so you can live a less stressful life and be ready for any sudden expenses that might come your way. Happy saving!

  • January Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    January Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    2013 is upon us and that means it is time to start your scholarship applications for the fall (or even summer!) semester. With exams, homework, volunteering and making time for family and friends, it can feel difficult to fit in scholarship applications. Not all applications require lengthy essays and hours of your time, so ensure you prioritize and fit scholarships into your educational plan. JobsPeopleDo is here to help you find a wide array of scholarships that are a perfect fit for you. After all, free money is the best money!

    1. Brain Tumor Survivor Education Award – For students aged 16-25 across Canada who have survived brain tumors. Amount: $5000. Deadline: May 17, 2013

    2. Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Entrance Scholarship – For Nova Scotia students who have demonstrated an interest in multiculturalism and human rights. Amount: $6000. Deadline: March 31, 2013

    3. RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program – For Aboriginal students across Canada. Amount: $4000 per academic year. Deadline: February 28, 2013

    4. Super Powers Scholarship – Open to all Canadian students entering post-secondary education. Amount: $250. Deadline: February 1, 2013

    5. TD My Responsible Financial Group – For students across Canada that are concerned about environmental issues. Amount: $3000. Deadline: January 18, 2013

    6. CollegeWeekLive Scholarship Giveaway – For students across Canada who register with College Week Live. Amount: $1000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

    7. Dick Martin Scholarship Award – For students across Canada who are enrolled in occupational health and safety course or program at accredited college or university in Canada, leading to an occupational health and safety certificate, diploma or degree. Amount: $3000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

    8. StorageMart ScholarSmarts Scholarship – For students across Canada enrolled in post-secondary education in Canada or the US. Amount: $1000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

    9. Vale Undergraduate Scholarship – Open to women across Canada who are enrolled in an undergraduate engineering program. Amount: $10,000. Deadline: January 11, 2013

    10. Edgar Kerstan Memorial Scholarship – For students across Canada enrolled in post-secondary education. Amount: $3000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

  • Being Happy On a Budget

    Being Happy On a Budget

    Do you want to be rich or poor after you finish school? You might think the answer is obvious. Very few people actually choose to be poor. Being poor means constantly being careful about money and often giving up a lot of things you might want. It means living on a limited budget, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of fun.

    Most people have to live on a budget at some point in their lives. These days even highly educated people, who have traditionally earned high incomes, often have to survive on very low salaries in positions such as fast-food servers or cleaners. In difficult economic times, it can be hard to make enough money to pay the bills. In that case, how can you ever earn enough to have fun?

    Even on a tight budget, however, life doesn’t have to be bleak. With creativity and careful planning, you can still have fun even while watching your pennies. The most important thing when you design your budget is to remember what’s important to you and to plan around that. After you pay for the basics like housing, food, and clothes, you have to decide how to spend or save the money you have left.

    How you spend money depends on your situation and what you consider important. Living with your parents or with several roommates can help save a lot of rent money, or you can look after other people’s houses. If you live on your own, learning to like inexpensive foods like beans and lentils can help cut down on your grocery bills. Using coupons, looking for sales, and buying food in bulk can also help. If you find interesting recipes and know how to use spices, you can make good food without spending a lot of money. You can also allow yourself to have an occasional steak or restaurant meal to make it easier to stick to your budget.

    Entertainment can still be part of life on a budget. Instead of going to the movies on Friday evenings, you can spend time at a park or the zoo or attend a free cultural event like a concert. You can make gifts for people instead of buying them and you can turn a trip to the dollar store into a fun outing with friends. You can share your belongings with others and borrow from them, and maybe make new friends at the same time.

    Learning to live on a budget might even help you get a good job. Employers who are looking for people to manage budgets, for example, might be impressed if you know how to get the most out of a small amount of money. The leadership and cooperation skills you learn while living on a small amount of money might also be valuable. Even if that doesn’t work, you can still use the skills you’ve learned throughout the rest of your life.

    Living on a budget doesn’t have to mean the end of fun; it can be a beginning of something new and exciting. With creativity and determination, you can make a low income work for you.

  • Cash Advance Loans and Students – A Dangerous Mix

    Cash Advance Loans and Students – A Dangerous Mix

    Are you a college student wondering how online cash advance/payday loans fit into your finances? If you are a smart college student, then you will know online payday loans are only for emergencies. The payoff comes in just a few short weeks, so steady income is a must in order to pay it off without putting more damage into your finances.

    Here are five tips for college students who are looking to get their finances off on the right foot.

    1. Take your time getting new credit. For every creditor you apply with, there will be a mark left on your credit score. Hard inquiries to your credit done by potential creditors looking up your history will take a few points off your score for a year or two at a time. When your finances are just starting, this could bring you low really fast. Low credit scores will be denied. Too many creditors applying at once is also a warning sign for potential creditors that the applicant is desperate for cash. New creditors may take a different approach and offer incentives for the new debtor to spend more. A college student is an easy target for many marketing campaigns. Newcomers to finances are often attractive to reward programs which can trap the debtor into spending more than intended.

    2. Don’t spend your credit on frivolous things then leave yourself no room for emergency costs. Emergency costs do not need to be funded by online cash advance loans when you have room on your credit card to lighten the load. When you use and manage your credit account wisely, they are a great source of third party money to help you get by and build your credit at the same time. Make your payments on time and keep the balance below 30% whenever possible.

    3. If you are having trouble finding a creditor to approve you, you can fall back on being an authorized user on one of their accounts or have them be a co-signer to start you out on your own. The issue here is that your parents, or whomever you choose as your co-signer, will be responsible for any debt you accrue. They will also be privy to what you charge, when you charge it and where. This may not matter to some people but if you are one who may not be the best manager of money, it could be a sticky point in the relationship. If you are going to take this route, make it work for you so your credit will build into something helpful when you graduate.

    4. Are you coming out of college and are finding your student loan debt to be financially draining? Don’t default on these loans. The federal government is not a creditor you want to have after your money. Before you miss a payment, look into finding a way to defer the starting date if you still have not gotten full-time work. Ask about reduced payments or changing your payment dates to better fit your pay cycle. If you have multiple loans, try to consolidate them for a lower monthly payment. Managing your money by making on time payments may best be done with automatic payments. Some people are not organized enough to make on time payments even when they have the cash in the bank.

    5. Look into your options, which include deferring payments for a short amount of time, making reduced payments, or re-configuring your current payment schedule. Also consider consolidating multiple loans into one new loan. This often results in a lower monthly payment. Have the loan amount directly withdrawn from your bank account so you never pay late.

    Cash advance loan lenders offer emergency cash for those times when there is no other place to turn. College students often do not have the income needed to support an approval. A responsible lender will not want loan to someone without a certain income. College students have it tough in the beginning but will have great financial success when managed correctly.

  • Earning An Academic Scholarship

    Earning An Academic Scholarship

    With rising costs of education, the competition for academic scholarships is increasing, too. Paying for your education through a scholarship you earn is an impressive way to study. You don’t need to be a “genius” in order to secure a scholarship for your education. All you need to do is search for sources and apply at the right times to the right places. There are numerous organizations that work to ensure that the people who actually deserve a chance, get it. However, if you’ve never applied for a scholarship before there’s a chance that you do not know where to begin. This article is meant to give you some tips that should make your basics clearer.

    •There are college scholarships and grants that could be anywhere between a few hundred dollars per semester to those that cover all your education expenses. If you manage to get a complete scholarship it would cover your boarding and tuition fees and even cover the costs of your books.

    •There are a few scholarships that are only available to selected schools. Before you take up admission in an educational institution, make sure that you check out the various kinds of scholarships as well as the different kinds of expenses they cover.

    •So as to increase the probability of being selected for a scholarship in the educational institution of your choice, and in the course you prefer, apply at all the places possible.

    •Use all sources of information. It is really important to find the right information at the right time. Use all search engines available to you!

    •Make sure you read the fine print before you sign up for anything. There are various kinds of assistance, including loans:
    1.Some student scholarships are merit based and may be totally free.
    2.Some scholarships need to be repaid without any interest accumulating on the principle amount.
    3.Some companies dole out merit based scholarships which are actually contractual in nature – these imply that you will work for these companies once you have finished your education. There may be a bond period specified, after which you are free to join other companies.

    College scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available from federal, provincial and private organizations for students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs and vocational and technical schools. There are also scholarships for high school seniors available for those just entering post-secondary education. There are even scholarships and grants available to students for primary and secondary education.

    Whatever reasons you may have to apply for a scholarship, whether it is to re-enter educational studies, to advance your career, to change careers, or to re-enter the work force, you have the right to apply for a scholarship. Some funding organizations may require you or your family to have moderate to low income or for you to have achieved a certain GPA. However, not all agencies require these standards to be met. Look into all of your options and find the perfect scholarship for you!

  • December Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    December Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Welcome to our listing of ten new scholarships for December! Be sure to check out the information for each one to see if you are eligible to apply.

    2013 is only one month away, which means many scholarships for the summer and fall 2013 academic years will begin accepting applications. It’s never too early to start working on your applications for scholarships next year! You work hard for your grades – now go out and get that free money!

    1 – AFOA and Potash Corp Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Award – For Aboriginal students in Grades 11 and 12. Amount of Award: $5,000. Application deadline: January 11, 2013.

    2 – Nova Scota Recycles Contest and Scholarship Program – For Nova Scotia students in Grade 12. Amount of Awards: $750-$5000. Application Deadline: February 8, 2013 (Earlybird deadline is December 14, 2012).

    3 – House of Commons Page Program – For students beginning their university or college studies in the National Capital Region. The page program involves working at the Hosue of Commons for 15 hours per week beginning in August 2013 (hours will be worked around university/college schedule). Amount of Award: $13,049 over the 12 month period of work, including a lump sum payment of $1200 at the end of your work placement. Application Deadline: December 20, 2012

    4 – Kin Canada Bursaries – 35 different awards for students across Canada. Amount of award: $1000. Application deadline: February 1, 2013

    5 – Explore Language Immersion and Bursary – Five week French immersion course for students across Canada. A bursary is also provided to cover all costs of the program. Amount of award: $2000. Application deadline: February 28, 2013.

    6 – Youth In Motion – Top 20 Under 20 Program – Open to Canadian students under the age of 20 who have demonstrated significant amounts of innovation, leadership and achievements in their life, school, community, province or country. Amount of award: No set financial reward. Prize is based on networking opportunities, free trip to Toronto and media recognition as a youth leader. Application deadline: Spring 2013.

    7 – Encana Community Scholarship – Awarded to a Grade 12 student entering post-secondary studies in an oil and gas industry-related field. Amount of award: $2500 for each year of your degree. Application deadline: May 2, 2013

    8 – Scholarship of the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers – Awarded to a Grade 12 student living with vision loss in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island. Amount of award: $2000. Application deadline: April 30, 2013.

    9 – ECO Canada Newalta Aboriginal Environmental Scholarship – Three awards available to Aboriginal students across Canada who have shown leadership in their communities in the areas of environmental protection, resource management, or environmental sustainability. Amount of award: $2500. Application deadline: May 14, 2013.

    10 – The Colonel Douglas H. Gunter Award – Open to all senior students across Canada who will be graduating from high school in Spring 2013. Five awards available. Amount of award: $1000. Application deadline: April 15, 2013.

  • Myth: I Don’t Need Money – My Parents Pay For Everything!

    Myth: I Don’t Need Money – My Parents Pay For Everything!

    Many young students might think that having their parents pay for their school tuition, shelter, transportation, food, clothing, hygiene products, entertainment and anything else would provide them with enough money to survive university. But this is a myth! The reality is that money is more than something that is used to purchase the things you want and need. Making money is more than just having money in your pocket, it is building your path to independence and self-sufficiency. Making your own money on top of whatever amount your parents are giving you is a great way of creating independence for yourself. This is hugely important because when you are not dependent on others for every aspect of your material survival, you can feel empowered and able to make your own choices. Having the feeling that you control your own life and are not dependent on your parents will inevitably allow you to see your life more clearly and to see exactly how your own decisions affect your life.

    Working is valuable for gaining money and for experience that can be used in different areas of your life. When you work you are taking on responsibility and people are depending on you to do the job. Having people depend on you instead of constantly depending on others is empowering and reinforces your independence. Additionally, building your work experience looks great on a resume and will help you later in life when looking for a job and for getting through your day-to-day life tasks that inevitably require some taking on of responsibility.

    Having your own money also allows you to have a little fun and minimize the guilt you feel when you spend the money your parents give you. If you want to go on a trip to Wonderland with your friends, get your nails done or even buy some new shoes, having your own source of income will allow you to make these little trips and purchases that make life worthwhile. When you have your own money, you are more in charge of the direction that your life will take. Overall, money enables you to be independent and to make choices better suited to you than you would if you were dependent on your parents.

  • A Five Year Degree – The Financial Benefit

    A Five Year Degree – The Financial Benefit

    Many people believe that gaining a degree should take four years. Most programs at colleges and universities are designed as four year programs, often with students moving together in cohorts, or with higher level classes being offered only in alternating years. This is a system that is overdue to change, as there are several advantages to taking an extra year for studies.

    The first benefit is financial. Colleges and universities are expensive, and even with bursaries, scholarships and grants, it can be hard to make ends meet. By spreading the fees over five years, they become slightly more manageable, though the resulting extra year of living expenses must be weighed. As well, taking fewer classes per year allows for availability for a part time job, so that students may graduate with less of a debt load.

    Another benefit is a little more breathing room in the schedule, more time to focus on each class and not face quite as much pressure. Moving to a five year schedule, students can go from five classes a term to four or even take fewer during the school year and do some over the summer, at the school or through an online university. This allows for a better life balance, with more time for other activities, be they work, fitness, social or simply having more time to study for the classes one is taking. If the program is one that makes use of cohorts, it may be impossible to spread the education out in the final years of school, but this model still works for most students.

    So why not investigate the possibility of stretching your degree out to five years? You may find that it is the perfect circumstance for you! You’ll save money and reduce your stress level.

  • Athletic Scholarships and You

    Athletic Scholarships and You

    The road to college for ordinary senior high school students commonly includes the dreams of big scholarships to top universities. This is particularly true in the opening years of senior high school, just before the reality of grades and athletic competition emerges as a reality. The unfortunate fact is that typical athletic scholarships are a lot more challenging to earn than ever before. Particularly to ones top choice school with some of the most popular athletic teams.

    This doesn’t suggest that a young competitor has to shelve the hope of obtaining a scholarship, but it most certainly means that they should expand the range of appropriate universities and have some tuition back-up plans just in case they only obtain partial help. It’s equally crucial to recognize that several of the sports are much more competitive than others. Scholarship choices are still created by individuals and in that case marketing and salesmanship is still essential at the same time. Unless the youthful competitor is an absolute rising superstar, they will need to relate a compelling tale about their abilities and make an aggressive case for the style of scholarship they prefer. Here’s an excellent rule to follow – if your young athlete is presently being sought by scouts from multiple colleges and universities, you have very little to fret about. In all other instances you will have to advertise and present a convincing account about your rising star.

    Step one is acquiring information and carrying out research on the programs you’re interested in. Each and every university will have varied scholastic requirements. No amount of athletic skill will completely rise above a failing academic record. You really should become familiar with the coaching staff at each university or college and start reaching out to these people with e-mails and letters. You want them to become accustomed to your youngster’s name and maturing skill. You will need to create highlight reels and profile pages using an on-line company.

    The process of getting sports scholarships is no longer only about be the superstar high school athlete. There are many alternate techniques and success in applying for scholarships now includes a component that is almost like image management. Undoubtedly some athletic capability will be called for, but know-how of exactly what is available and the ability to promote yourself is essentially just as essential.

    If one understands that it might be necessary to put together a portfolio of scholarships and accolades to offset university fees, then the field of possibility instantly broadens. There are a host of smaller awards based upon athletic and scholarly requirements. As a matter of fact, some might not even require that the student play the sport on the official university team, which would really surprise most inbound freshman.

    Finally, historically underprivileged minorities or females might also have resources obtainable in exclusive scholarship categories. Again this falls in the category of blending a selection of awards to balance out as much tuition as feasible. However, one thing is apparent across the board – that each student will have to present themselves in the best possible light. The presentation, marketing and telling of an interesting story about your youthful student is almost of equivalent significance to the actual performance during the course of high school.

  • November Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    November Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Welcome to our listing of ten new scholarships for November! Be sure to check out the information for each one to see if you are eligible to apply. It’s never too early to start working on your applications for scholarships next year! You work hard for your grades – now go out and get that free money!

    1. Terry Fox Humanitarian Award – National scholarship program. Amount: Up to $7,000 per year for a maximum of 4 years. Application deadline: February 1, 2013.

    2. University of Toronto National Scholarship Program – National scholarship program. Amount: $35,000 – $50,000 plus incidental fees for 4 years. Application deadline: November 9, 2012.

    3. The Leonard Foundation Financial Assistance Program – National scholarship program. Amount: $1,000. Application deadline: March 15, 2013. NOTE: Your application must be submitted on your behalf by a nominator. See website for details.

    4. D&R Sobey Atlantic Scholarship – Regional scholarship program – must be a student from Atlantic Canada enrolled in the Queen’s University Commerce program. Amount: $68,000. Application deadline: December 1, 2012.

    5. Toyota Earth Day Scholarship – National scholarship program for students who demonstrate leadership in environmental issues. Amount: $5,000. Application deadline: February 15, 2013.

    6. Monsanto Fund Opportunity Scholarship – Regional scholarship program for students from rural communities. Amount: $1,500. Application Deadline: May 25, 2013.

    7. Assumption Foundation Scholarship – National scholarship program for students enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution and who have an average of 70% or above. Amount: $1,500. Application Deadline: April 30, 2013.

    8. Burger King Scholars Program – National scholarship program for students graduating from Grade 12 this year. Amount: Between $1,000 and $50,000, depending on the scholarship stream applied for. Application deadline: January 10, 2013. NOTE: Applications can only be submitted online. The online form does not become active until November 15, 2012.

    9. MADD Youth Services Bursary – National scholarship program for students who have lost an immediate family member to an impaired driver. Amount: $2,000. Application deadline: May 31, 2013.

    10. Schulich Leaders – National scholarship program for students who have been nominated and accepted as the Schulich Leader for their school. NOTE: You must first be nominated as a Schulich Leader via their website no later than February 5, 2013. Once accepted, the scholarship application for all Schulich Leaders commences. Amount: $60,000. Scholarship application deadline: March 31, 2013.