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Planning your next getaway? For many people, especially families with kids, amusement parks and adventure parks are high on the list of popular travel destinations. Whether it’s Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Point, or any number of other parks, you’re likely to have an amazing time twirling, swooping, spinning, and splashing through the rides.

Because many of the biggest amusement and adventure parks are very popular (and expensive), it can take a bit of planning if you want to maximize your fun given the crowds and costs you can encounter. That’s where some vacation strategy comes into play.

Here, you’ll learn the smart tricks and tips that can help you make epic memories when visiting adventure and amusement parks.

Best Times to Visit to Avoid Crowds

If you love big roller coasters, water rides, haunted houses, and other heart-pumping rides, you are not alone. Lots and lots of people head to the parks in a typical year. For instance, the most popular theme park of 2022, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, welcomed more than 17 million visitors.

This means that many of the most beloved adventure parks can get quite crowded. If you are trying to book summer travel, schedule a spring break vacation, or travel over a holiday weekend, expect that many other people are also trying to visit a theme park at those same popular times.

While there may never be a time when there aren’t any crowds at some of the larger amusement parks, traveling midweek or during the offseason may help you avoid some of the crowds.

5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Amusement Park Trip

Here are a few of top tips for getting the most out of your amusement park trip:

1. Go Early

One of the best budget-friendly travel tips is to get to the park early. In many parks, crowds tend to only get bigger as the day goes on. If you’re there right as the park opens, you may be able to minimize the lines for rides and do more during your time at the park. Starting your day early may help keep you out of the sun with lower overall temperatures.

2. Prioritize Your Top Rides First

Along those same lines, you’ll want to take a look at the top rides that are most important to you. Prioritize riding those early in the day; you will likely avoid the disappointment of showing up midafternoon and discovering an incredibly long wait.

Most amusement parks have one or two new or really popular rides that generate the biggest crowds. Or perhaps it’s a forever favorite, like Space Mountain at Disney or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Lines for these rides tend to only increase as the day goes by, so if you want to ride, make a beeline for those attractions.

3. Make Reservations for Meals

Many restaurants at large amusement and adventure parks work on a reservation system. That means that you can’t just show up to the restaurant at noon and expect a table. Instead, you could wind up wandering around in a hangry state, unable to find what you want to eat.

You might be able to make reservations through the park’s mobile app. Another option: You can often stop by the restaurant earlier in the day to make a reservation for when you want to eat.

4. Bring the Right Gear

It can be smart to bring the right gear when you go to a large amusement park. This could include things like sunscreen, water, umbrellas, and/or ponchos. It may be difficult, costly or impossible to get some of these essentials inside the park.

If you’re traveling with infants, toddlers or young children, you want to make sure that you have all the essentials for them as well. Check your park’s policy on strollers and other large bags to make sure you’re not turned away at the entrance.

On the topic of planning ahead: When booking a trip to a park, you may want to consider getting travel insurance to protect your investment in your vacation. You may be covered by credit card travel insurance or want to buy a separate premium.

5. Pace Yourself

While it can be tempting to turn your day at an amusement park into a marathon, it’s wise to be flexible about how long you spend at a park. If you get there when the park opens, don’t feel that you have to stay there the whole day. If you do, make sure that you take frequent breaks so you don’t wear yourself (or your family) out and can get hydrated and oriented, especially if you’ve been doing a lot of spinning rides.

If your schedule allows and your park permits it, consider leaving the park during the hottest part of the day, going back to your hotel to relax, and then returning for the evening. Many small kids really enjoy this kind of pace, with pool time or a nap in the afternoon.

How to Help Young Kids Have a Good Time

Amusement park trips can be wonderful for young kids…or something significantly less than that.

Recognize that many parks are loud, crowded, and have lots of exposure to the elements (sun, humidity, rain, etc.). Waiting in line isn’t easy for little ones, nor is walking from one end of a park to the other. All of this can lead to kids being hungry, tired, and cranky.

Some advice to make the most of your visit to a park:

•  It can be wise to prioritize the kids’ top choice in terms of rides. This should help minimize aimless wandering and disappointment over missing their favorite rides.

•  Make sure that you have snacks and drinks on hand for them. Take frequent breaks to rest and refresh. Bringing your own food can also be a way families can afford to travel.

•  Acquaint yourself with where bathrooms are as soon as you enter the park.

•  Explain height requirements to kids, and figure out beforehand which rides they can go on so you don’t wait in line and then get turned away.

•  Also, many kids go a little souvenir-crazy while at the parks. It can be wise to set a budget in advance and help them understand how much they have to spend and that once it’s gone, it’s gone! That may help them spend wisely on souvenirs they won’t regret buying.

Ways to Save Money on Your Theme Park Visit

While many large theme parks are quite expensive, there are a few ways that you can save money on your visit.

•  Look for discounted tickets, either through a big box store, online deal, or at a travel agency. You can also look at staying at a hotel that is affiliated with the park which may reduce or eliminate park admission fees; while these accommodations may be pricier than other rooms, the bonus free park access could wind up making it a way to be a frugal traveler.

•  Don’t forget to see if you can use credit card rewards to buy down the price of your trip.

•  Bring your own snacks to the parks, including drinks (avoid glass bottles as some parks don’t allow them inside). Bottled sodas and water can be $5 or more at some of the most popular parks.

•  Also know that many theme park restaurants and snack stops will give you a free cup of ice water upon request.

•  If you do eat at the parks, consider sharing a meal. Portions as well as the price tag can be hefty.

•  See if you can snag discounts with memberships like those at AAA or Costco. Those can sometimes lower everything from hotel prices to car rental costs.

Recommended: Ways to Save Money on a Disney World Vacation

The Takeaway

Many large amusement or adventure parks are magnets for family travel, but they can also be quite expensive and crowded. Consider traveling in the off-season, arriving at the park early, and taking frequent rest breaks throughout the day as a few strategies to maximize your enjoyment at the park. Also bring some key supplies (sunblock, water, snacks) before you hit the parks.

 

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FAQ

How do you beat the lines at an amusement park?

A couple of the best strategies to beat long lines at an amusement park: Travel during a less-crowded time of year, arrive at the park as early in the day as possible, and make sure to prioritize the most popular rides early in the day.

Are adventure park rides safe?

Many adventure park rides are regularly inspected, either by the park itself or certain independent or government inspectors. While amusement park ride injuries are rare, they do happen. You’ll want to do your own research to decide what parks and what rides you feel comfortable with.

What should I bring to a theme park?

Basics like water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate rain gear are good things to bring to a theme park. If you have young children, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the supplies that they will need as well.

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Photo credit: iStock/wundervisuals

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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It’s a win-win situation. When employers help employees become homeowners — even in small ways — workers may feel even more loyal to them. And employees who own their homes are far less likely to relocate and change jobs.

The reasons aren’t hard to figure out. Homeownership can be a major contributor to employees’ overall financial well-being, security, and stability, all of which can add to their productivity and satisfaction on the job. Employer-sponsored homeownership benefits also help build strong communities, and strong communities are almost always good for business.

The need for employer help may be greater now than ever. Stubbornly elevated home prices, the uptick in mortgage rates, low housing inventory, and the high overall cost of living have meant that it has been harder for employees, particularly workers under age 35, to afford to buy their own homes. For many first-time home-buyers, the only option is to move to a lower-priced housing market. If those employees can’t work fully remotely, they may simply switch jobs.

The widespread lack of affordable housing in many areas can also make it difficult for employers to attract and retain the best hires. According to data from Gallup, the cost of replacing an individual employee can range from half of to two times the employee’s salary.

The ultimate result? A huge challenge for HR professionals.

Offering home buying benefits can help. Numerous companies, understanding the link between homeownership and retention, have introduced homeownership benefits to help build a loyal, productive workforce that can further advance their business objectives.

Below are some of the ways employers can help their workforce become satisfied homeowners. After studying your workforce demographics and your budget, you may find inspiration among the various approaches below.

Homebuyer Education and Counseling

Knowledge is one of the most cost-effective benefits there is. Consider pairing up with area mortgage experts, financial counselors, and others to produce on-site or virtual information seminars on various homebuying topics. Banks, mortgage brokers, and real estate brokers in your area may be willing to offer free information sessions at your organization in hopes of generating clients. Or you may find one of the many homebuyer consultants available to help educate your workforce.

These programs can provide interested employees with the basics on the local market, different types of mortgages and their rates, mortgage insurance, down payment assistance, legal issues related to homeownership , foreclosure prevention, and much more. And an informed employee can avoid the financially costly mistakes that can so often be part of real estate purchases.

Recommended: How Homeownership Can Help Build Generational Wealth

Credit Counseling

A good credit score is key to qualifying for a mortgage with favorable rates. Employer-sponsored credit counseling can help employees learn how to check their credit scores and, if necessary, take steps to improve them. Consider partnering with a respected credit counseling firm to conduct in-house or virtual workshops or allowing employees time off to attend approved credit counseling seminars outside the workplace.

Recommended: Supporting the Financial Well-Being of Newly Hired Recent Graduates

Down Payment Assistance Programs

With home prices as high as they are in many markets throughout the U.S., saving up a down payment of 10 percent to 20 percent or more can be a barrier to homeownership for many workers.

Employers can help in two ways. They can offer direct financial assistance. This usually entails paying a percentage of an employee’s down payment with a dollar amount maximum.

Employers can also help employees access government-sponsored grants and low-interest loans designed to help first-time homebuyers cover down payments and/or closing costs. Your state’s housing finance agency and your local housing authority likely have first-time homebuyer programs. Many offer qualifying buyers grants that don’t have to be paid back. Others have low or no-interest loans that often don’t have to be paid back until the house is sold or refinanced. As a rule, these programs aren’t broadly advertised, so employers who help workers find and apply for such assistance can play an important role in securing these funds.

Help Finding and Paying Real Estate Professionals

Consider partnering with a local bank or mortgage broker to help employees find home financing. In return for the potential mortgage clients, you may be able to negotiate lower closing costs and fees for your employees that your firm also might or might not help subsidize.

A partnership between your firm and local realtors can provide workers with special help in the house-hunting process. And a relationship with local real estate lawyers or access to your own firm’s legal expertise can help lower legal fees associated with home buying for your employees.

Professional relocation services can help with home buying when an employee moves from one area of the country to another. However, with the rise of remote work, this is increasingly less common.

Important Extras

There are lots of small but important and cost-effective gestures employers can make when employees are finishing up with the home buying experience. Extra days off (with pay) for closing and moving, for instance, can reduce stress and produce goodwill.

When the deal is done, it’s a nice gesture to acknowledge the new homeowner with a card or housewarming gift. Be sure to remind your employees that you or your expert partners can help answer any follow-up questions that come with homeownership.

You’ll also want to make sure that learning to manage mortgage payments and home ownership is part of your employees’ overall financial well-being picture. Your wellness programs may be able to help with budgeting for home improvements, maintenance, insurance, and other costs your employees may not have anticipated with home ownership.

The Takeaway

Employers can’t be the only resource employees turn to when it comes to buying a home. But a company that has a workforce full of employees of home buying age may find that it can fill an important need and, in the process, help keep its workforce steady, loyal, productive, and satisfied.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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In the spring of 2022, nearly 18 million students attended American colleges and universities.

As exciting as this phase of life can be, experiencing some level of homesickness during the home-to-college transition is common. As a parent, you may feel a sense of responsibility when it comes to helping your now-adult child get over their homesickness. And there could be a reason for concern, since studies have shown that emotional or mental distress in college students can impact academic performance.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways parents can help their child adjust to being away from home (perhaps for the first time) and get the most out of their college experience. Read on to learn some simple ways you can help your child feel less homesick at college.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for Parents

Strategies to Help Your Child Cope with Homesickness

Watching your child experience homesickness from afar can be challenging. It may be tempting to rush to the rescue, but it is also important that your child find their footing on campus. These tips and ideas may be helpful as you support your child as they navigate homesickness and life on-campus.

Acknowledging the Situation

It can be comforting to know that you’re not the only one struggling with a given situation. So as a parent, it might be helpful to share with your child how common homesickness is among first-year students. Providing comfort and reassurance that they are not alone and that in time, their feelings of homesickness will pass, can go a long way.

Keeping In Touch

As you and your child adjust to your new dynamic, you may need to find new ways to keep in touch. Keep in mind that while your child is adjusting to on-campus life, you don’t want to be overbearing. Try setting up a weekly video chat or sending over fun updates from home in a text message. Remember to give your child the space they need to find their footing at school.

Sending a Care Package

When packing for college, adding a few items that bring the comfort of home could be helpful if your child starts feeling tinges of homesickness. Things like a favorite book, a blanket, or stuffed animal could be just the thing when homesickness creeps in.

Sending over a care package with some of their favorite cookies, candies, or snacks and a photo of a fun memory can provide a touch of home too.

Encouraging Your Child to Get Help if They Need It

If your homesick college student seems like they may benefit from professional help, you might encourage them to visit their campus counseling center. Many colleges also offer mental health services and counseling on campus, often at little to no cost.

If there are fees involved, they may be covered (at least partially) by health insurance. If your child is no longer on a family medical plan, it’s likely you’ve enrolled them in a college health insurance plan, which is often rolled into costs of tuition, room, and board.

💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Helping Your Child Find a New Familiar

It’s probably not the best idea for parents to visit their child every weekend — though it may be hard to control yourself if your child’s university is easily accessible. As lovely as it is that you’re a familiar face, it might be more helpful for your child to find a new familiar.

Instead, you might encourage your child to find ways to make their not-yet-so-familiar home feel more known. If your college student loves coffee, they might want to find a local shop they can visit frequently — turning it into their own personal hang-out spot.

If they’re into museums, discovering the best ones nearby could help them feel more grounded in their new environment.

Getting Involved on Campus

When someone is feeling down, it can be tempting to stay indoors and wallow in those feelings. Getting involved on campus can help students build community and connect with their peers. Colleges have lots of clubs and extracurriculars that can help students find like-minded individuals.

If committing to a club feels like too much, your child might connect with peers in a more casual way, from making friends in class or meeting new people during a dorm hall function.

Developing Healthy Routines

Physical health and mental health go hand in hand, so if your homesick college student is making less-than-healthy choices during this tough transition period, you might encourage them to make some changes in their routine.

This might look like starting their day with a walk to the campus coffee shop or finding a weekly exercise class. Creating a schedule and finding new, healthy routines can give your student something to look forward to.

Recommended: What Percentage of Parents Pay for College?

Developing a Plan to Pay for College

In addition to homesickness, paying for college can be an added layer of stress, for both parents and students. If your child is worried about money or constantly working at a job to help cover costs (rather than acclimating to college), you might want to look into additional sources of funding, such as scholarships and grants and/or student loans.

It’s important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, since this is required for a student or parent to qualify for any federal funds or loans.

For some students, federal student loans and other sources of aid may be enough to fund their college education. If it’s not, parents also have the option of taking out loans, such as the federal PLUS loan or a private student loan. You might also consider cosigning a private student loan for your child.

When comparing federal vs. private student loans, keep in mind that private student loans aren’t required to offer the same borrower protections, like deferment options or income-driven repayment plans, as federal student loans. For this reason, you generally want to look at private student loans only after you’ve exhausted federal loan and aid options.

💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

The Takeaway

The transition to college life can be stressful for students, as well as their parents. Being in an unfamiliar environment, while trying to balance classes and making new friends can lead to feelings of apprehension, anxiety, and homesickness. As a parent, providing support from a distance can include things like sending a care package, checking in with a video call once a week, and encouraging your child to get involved in extracurricular activities.

Hopefully, in time, your child will settle into their life on campus — finding a new normal. If money worries are adding to your child’s (or your own) college stress, it can also be a good idea to explore funding options you or they might qualify for. Once the financial side of college is taken care of, your child will be free to focus solely on assimilating into campus life and fully embracing this exciting time in their life.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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So, you’ve decided to move. Be it for a new job, a fresh start, or just for an adventure in an exciting new locale, moving can be a great way to kick off change in your life.

But before you start assembling boxes, folding clothes, and bubble wrapping your most prized possessions, there are a few key steps — some financial and some practical — you might want to take to ensure a seamless transition. Here’s a moving checklist that can help you get from your old home to your new place with relative ease.

3 Months Before the Move

Pick a Date and Make a Moving Budget

Pick a Day to Move

Assuming your new place is ready to go and you’ve already discussed the move with your current landlord (or have sold your current home), a good first step is to decide on a moving day.

The least expensive times to move are typically during the week. Moving companies will often offer better rates on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday because they aren’t typically as busy as on weekends.

You might also want to try to schedule your move in the morning. This is helpful during the summer, since temperatures aren’t as hot. Also, if you aren’t moving far, an early move will give you a good portion of the day to start getting settled in your new home.

Choose a Moving Company

Once you’ve picked the day, it’s time to pick the mover. You might start your search by asking people you know who have recently moved for recommendations. You can also check out the reviews online and send out a few quote requests to local movers. It can be a good idea to interview and get estimates from at least three movers before making a choice.

Create a Budget

Moving can be costly, and movers may be one of your biggest expenses. The average per-hour cost for a local move is $25 to $50 per mover, per hour. So if you use a two-person team for four hours, it can run at least $200 to $400, just for labor. You may also have to pay for transportation fees, materials, and gas.

For a long-distance move, costs go up considerably. You may need to factor gas, tolls, and lodging if the trip is more than one day, along with additional fees for drivers. All told, a long-distance move can run anywhere from $600 to $10,000 (or more), depending on the moving company you choose, the distance, and the size and amount of your belongings.

When you create your moving budget, you’ll want to factor in other moving costs, which may include:

•  Any penalties you might incur for leaving a lease early

•  Ending a phone, cable, or internet package early

•  Any and all repairs you need to make for your new home

•  Transportation cost to get to your new place

•  Any additional items you need to buy for your new place

Recommended: Things to Budget for After Buying a Home

Inform the Important People in Your Life

Now might be the time to share the news of your move. Your friends and family may already know, but don’t forget to tell other important people about your departure schedule, such as your children’s school and your employer. That way they have plenty of time to make any necessary arrangements.

You may also want to contact a few government agencies. For example, the U.S. Postal Service recommends setting up mail forwarding about two weeks in advance of a move. The service may be in place in as few as three days, but it’s smart to have some wiggle room.

If you’re moving to a new state, you may also want to set up an appointment at your new state’s department of motor vehicles, as you may be required to get a new driver’s license or register your vehicle in that state. And, if you’re moving during election season, reach out to your new area’s voter registration office to ensure you’re all set up to cast your ballot.

1 Month Before the Move

Evaluate Your Belongings and Declutter

Walkthrough

You might want to do a walkthrough of your current home and look at each and every item you own. Then grab two sticky note pads with different colors, one to represent the things you want to keep and one to represent the things that must go. Every single item should get a sticky note.

Start Selling

Instead of simply throwing away the things you no longer want, you could try to sell them online. After all, your trash could certainly be another person’s treasure. And this way you could have a few dollars in your pocket to spend on buying new things for your new home.

Donate Unwanted, but Still Usable, Items

If you’d prefer to donate some or all of your gently used but no-longer-needed possessions, you may want to reach out to The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, a local thrift store, or a nearby homeless shelter to arrange for a pickup or delivery.

Recommended: 23 Easy Ideas to Pay It Forward

Call Your Cable, Internet, and Utility Providers

Now might be a good time to call your current cable, internet, and utility providers to let them know when you will be cutting off service. You’ll also want to reach out to providers that service your new home to set up services. That way, you’ll have electricity, WiFi, and everything you need up and running as soon as you get there.

Cancel Other Subscription Services

If you belong to a gym, community supported agriculture (CSA), or any other local group or subscription service, you’ll want to be sure to cancel your membership so you don’t continue to get charged after you move.

Three Weeks to One Week Before the Move

Collect Boxes and Start Packing

Collect Boxes

As the moving date gets closer, it’s time to acquire boxes. You can buy them or, to save money, start hunting down free boxes. Good sources include local restaurants, liquor stores, coffee shops, and supermarkets. Simply call or stop in and ask what days they typically get deliveries and if you can come to take the used boxes off their hands. Then, over the week or so, stop in and collect as many boxes as you can.

Buy the Moving Supplies You Need

You’ll also need to pick up some other items for packing, including heavy-duty packing tape, a marker for labeling things, and bubble wrap for fragile items. If you’re not hiring a moving company, you might consider renting a dolly, which can make moving heavy items much easier, plus furniture pads to protect your belongings from scratches and dings. Sheets and towels can also be used to protect furniture and as padding inside of boxes.

Start Packing

At this point, it’s probably safe to start packing the things you aren’t currently using — out of season clothes, most of your dishes, extra blankets, towels, framed photos, and decorations. You’ll want to leave out the essentials so you’re not looking through boxes to find things you use on a daily basis.

Recommended: How to Move Across the Country

1 Week Before the Move

Tie Up Any Loose Ends

Finalize Important Details

By now, you’ve likely already canceled your local services, subscriptions and memberships, but there will likely still be a few loose ends to tie up. Think about how you can make the transition into your new life as seamless as possible. For example, do you need to switch banks? If you have a pet, you may want to select a vet in your new neighborhood in case your pet needs care soon after you move.

Confirm Bookings

You’ll have a lot of things to do before moving, but it’s important to take some time to double check all of your bookings. Confirm when your movers are coming, what time your flights are booked (if applicable), and that you’ve arranged for your new utilities to turn on. There are a lot of moving parts that come with a move, so it’s easy to get booking details mixed up or to let things fall through the cracks.

1 Day Before the Move

Pack Your Final Belongings and Say Goodbye

Pack Up

Pack up any of the remaining items you’ve left out for day-to-day living and make sure all your boxes and suitcases are ready to go for the move.

Create a Folder of Important Documents

Have a folder ready for the move that includes your old lease (if you’re renting), along with the new signed lease, the contract for the movers, and all receipts from the move.

Say Goodbye — Your Way

Consider ordering your favorite local takeout, having friends over for a farewell drink, and giving thanks to everything this home has provided for you. It deserves it.

Move-In Day Checklist

Embrace a Blank Slate

Make Sure Everything Arrived

On move-in day, you’ll want to focus on finalizing your move. There will be plenty of time later to rearrange furniture and to organize your new walk-in closet. Instead, you may want to concentrate on making sure all of your belongings made it from your old home to your new one, so you can start fresh tomorrow without making a trip back to grab that last box you forgot.

Clean Up

As tempting as it can be to start unpacking right away, this can be a great time to give your new home a deep clean. Once you unpack, it won’t be so easy to clean the inside of every cabinet and to vacuum every inch of carpet. This may not be one of the most fun things to do when moving, but it can be a good way to make your new house more homey.

Recommended: 32 Inexpensive Ways to Refresh Your Home Room by Room

Unpacking Checklist

Unpack and Get To Know Your New Home

Unpack

Now that the hustle and bustle of the move is over, you can focus on unpacking and taking your time to find the right spots for all of your belongings. Unpacking in the reverse order of how you packed allows you to access your most-needed belongings first.

Think Ahead

While you’re unpacking, you’ll get a lot more familiar with your new home and all of its needs. Keep a pen and paper at hand so you can create a post-moving to-do list. Take note of any repairs you want to make now and create a maintenance checklist you can refer back to in the future.

The Takeaway

Moving can be stressful, but you avoid ever feeling completely overwhelmed by making a moving checklist well ahead of your move date, then tackling each project one at a time.

Moving can also be costly, so you may also want to make a plan for how you’ll pay for your move well in advance. This gives you time to save up what you’ll need or, if necessary, explore financing options. You may be able to get an unsecured personal loan to cover the cost of a move. Sometimes referred to a moving or relocation loan, this type of financing typically comes with fixed rates and set repayment terms, and rates tend to be much lower than credit cards.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Whether you are eligible for the federal work-study program, which provides jobs for students with financial need, depends on if you meet base eligibility requirements to receive financial aid. It also depends on if your school participates in the program (not all schools do). Read on for more information about the program and how to qualify.

What Is Work-Study?

The federal work-study program allows students with financial need to secure part-time employment to help them to earn extra money to pay for education expenses. Work-study encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of academic study. The program is administered by participating schools, so you can check with your school’s financial aid office to find out if the school participates.

Jobs are available both on and off campus. If you work on campus, you will likely work for your school. If you work off campus, your job might be with a private nonprofit organization or a public agency and the work will likely be focused on the public interest. Or, you might work with a private, for-profit business in a job that is relevant to your course of study.

💡 Quick Tip: When shopping for a private student loan lender, look for benefits that help lower your monthly payment.

Who Is Eligible for Work-Study?

Several factors determine a student’s work-study program eligibility, including their family’s income and their enrollment status. The school’s financial aid budget will also factor into a student’s overall financial aid award.

Not all schools participate in the federal work-study program. There are about 3,400 schools participating in the program.

Recommended: 3 Summer Jobs Ideas for College Students

How Do Students Apply for Work-Study?

To apply for work-study, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As you fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need to indicate that you would like to be considered for work-study. Selecting this option, however, doesn’t automatically mean that you will receive work-study as part of your financial aid package. A student’s work-study allotment will depend on a few factors, including when they apply, their level of financial need, and the school’s funding level.

If you’re interested in receiving work-study, you may want to file your FAFSA as early as possible, since aid is often determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you receive work-study, your allocation will be included as a part of your financial aid award. You’re not obligated to accept it. For many students, however, it makes sense to participate in the work-study program, especially if it means lessening the financial burden of attending school and taking out fewer student loans.

After being awarded work-study, you may still have to apply for and secure your own employment — not every school will assign a job at the same time as they offer the financial aid award.

While an aid award may list a specific amount for work-study, that doesn’t mean the student will receive the entire amount, either. Students may still need to find a job that allows them to work enough hours to earn that much money.

If you receive a work-study allocation as part of your financial aid package and are able to secure a job that meets the program requirements, you will earn at least the federal minimum wage (if not more, depending on the state’s minimum wage). Money will generally be earned in a standard paycheck — and universities must pay students monthly at the very least.

Since tuition bills are usually due at the beginning of the semester, work-study funds typically aren’t applied directly to tuition bills. Students can use their own discretion to decide what to use their work-study funds for — some may want to pay for things like living expenses, books, or transportation costs.

💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

Is Work-Study Income Taxed?

The money earned through the work-study program will be subject to state and federal income taxes. However, if you are concerned that earning money through the work-study program will affect your eligibility for other types of financial aid in future years, you can cross that stressor off your list.

One perk of the work-study program is that earnings won’t count toward income totals when filling out the FAFSA form. Earnings through the program are backed off the FAFSA, so they shouldn’t jeopardize any future financial aid awards.

When filing the FAFSA every year, you’ll want to clearly indicate continued interest in receiving work-study as part of the financial aid package. Students are not guaranteed work-study each year.

How Do I Find a Work-Study Job?

Some schools may match work-study students with a job. In other cases, students may have to apply for and secure employment on their own. Many work-study jobs can be found on campus, and a lot of schools have online portals where students can look for and apply to work-study jobs.

Jobs that may qualify for the work-study program include research assistantships, teaching assistant positions, and administrative duties in a campus office. Off-campus work-study jobs, such as community service jobs or tutoring, may be available through nonprofit organizations and businesses located in the area.

What Can I Do If I Don’t Qualify for Work-Study?

Students who don’t qualify for work-study may want to consider other options to earn some extra money.

One option could be to get a part-time job that isn’t part of the work-study program. College towns usually have plenty of coffee shops and restaurants that are looking for part-time or seasonal employees. Managers or owners may be willing to work with student-employees to build their work schedule around classes.

Those who aren’t interested in formal employment could try something more flexible, like babysitting. The work is often in the evening, and you might have a bit of time to do some homework or assigned reading after you’ve put the kids to bed.

Another idea is to pick up a side hustle, perhaps related to your major. For example someone studying journalism or writing could try sending out a few pitches for freelance writing assignments. A graphic designer could take on a few side projects.

A side hustle allows students to pick something that fits with their skills and time. This way, there’s still plenty of time to focus on schoolwork.

Just keep in mind that any money earned outside of the work-study program will be reflected as income when filing the FAFSA the following year and could affect eligibility for aid.

Managing Finances After Graduation

After graduating, you will, ideally, be in a better financial position than you were as a student taking out loans. Depending on your earning potential and credit history, it may be possible to lower your interest rate by refinancing your student loans with a private lender. Just keep in mind that when you refinance federal loans, they lose eligibility for federal repayment programs and protections like deferment and forbearance.

Some private lenders, however, may offer some protections to their borrowers, such as unemployment protection, which allows borrowers to temporarily pause payments if they lose their jobs.

If refinancing doesn’t make sense right when you graduate, you might consider it once you’re on more solid financial footing.

The Takeaway

The federal work-study program offers part-time employment to students who qualify. Eligibility for the program is determined by a variety of factors, including your family’s income and your enrollment status. When you apply for aid may also impact whether or not you are awarded work-study, as it is often given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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