What do the Royal Wedding and Financial Aid Renewal Application have in common?

April 29th is an important day for two reasons: it is the deadline for the renewal financial aid application for Brandeis and the day of the Royal Wedding of William and Kate!

Assuming you already completed the CSS, the FAFSA and sent in your tax returns to IDOC, you can shift your focus to the Royal Ceremony! We at Savvy Student decided to take a peak on the estimated budget for the Wedding. Here is what we found out:

- The total estimated cost of the Royal Wedding: $32M
- The total estimated cost of the Chelsey Clinton Wedding: $3.3M
- The total estimated cost of an average US Wedding: $27, 000

- The Royal Wedding Cake: $80, 000 (4 semesters of Brandeis tuition and $134 per slice!)
- An average wedding cake: $ 540 and that is only $ 4 per slice (Cake slice in Upper Usdan $2.99)

- The Royal Wedding Bridal Dress: $ 434, 000
- An average wedding dress: $ 1, 099

So, who is really going to pay for this?

According to the official Royal Media briefing document: "The Royal Family, with a private contribution from the Middleton Family, will pay for all those aspects of the day that constitute the wedding (e.g. the Abbey service, flowers, dresses, carriage procession, reception and dinner). The Government and other bodies will pay for costs that are consequential to the wedding."

The flowers, the dress, the reception, then, will technically be financed by the families of the bride and the groom. However, the security for the big day, crowd control, clearing of the streets, etc. will be paid by British tax revenues.

The engagement ring is perhaps the only technically free (as it is inherited) part of the ceremony along with Kate's gorgeous smile, of course.

You can follow the Royal Wedding Live (for free) on the Royal YouTube Channel this Friday.
And if the wedding fever hits you, you can estimate the cost of weddings in your state here.


Happily-ever-after,
Savvy Student

References:

http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/
http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/2011/04/22/the-royal-wedding-budget-vs-the-average-american-wedding-budget/
http://bltwy.msnbc.msn.com/politics/the-cost-of-kate-and-williams-royal-wedding-9495.gallery

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Last Minute Tax Help

As the tax deadline approaches (MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011) and you feel the beads of sweat beginning to form just take a breath and try to relax. Although we, both SFS and Savvy Student are prohibited from providing tax advice, we can still give you tips on where to go for help. First and foremost your online best friend should be IRS.gov. Make sure to submit your materials on time, otherwise, if you owe money you risk facing fees.

Second and arguably as important- Make Copies! A good rule of thumb is to keep copies of your personal return on file for three to seven years. Copies are useful when you need to reference your returns for such things as the financial aid application process. Also, The IRS has three years from the date you file to audit your return, so it will be nice to have a record of your return if any bumps arise.

Our third tip is to make sure your return is complete - check the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/index.html to see what schedules and forms may be helpful or required for your return. These may include various versions of the 1040, a business or self-employment schedule, attachments, and W-2's. You can also answer many of your other questions using the sources on this page, and the student specific section can be found here: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/students/index.html.

Finally, you should also consider taking a trip to Bentley University in Waltham. Bentley students are offering free tax help to Waltham residents, and Brandeis students count! You can find more information in our Monday March 7, 2011 post and here.

Of course, if you need them, there are commercial tax-help products and services - but try the above first!

As always, let us know if you have any other information, tips, questions, or leads on Savvy services!

Sincerely,

Savvy-Student

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Ways to Conserve Energy and Save Money

With fuel prices expected to spike, incorporating simple energy conservation measures into your daily routine makes more sense than ever. Radical steps aren't necessary; when it comes to conservation, a little bit goes a long way.

At Home:

• When replacing appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Although these appliances cost a bit more, they use less energy.
  

• Compact fluorescent bulbs last more than six times longer than regular light bulbs, and can save you about $601 a year.

• Many plugged in gadgets, including TVs, DVD players, and Dustbusters, use energy even when they are turned off, and can account for five percent of your energy bill. No one is suggesting that you unplug everything before leaving for work every morning, but yanking a few plugs before going on vacation or away for an extended amount of time might not be a bad idea.

• Clean naturally. You can go green with natural cleaning products that won't harm the environment. To make furniture polish, mix two parts cooking oil with one part lemon, or use baking soda to scour pans. Cleaning a car, boat or bike this summer? Be sure to use a soap that is environmentally safe if the run off is going into the ground or water and use a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.

• Avoid saturating your lawn and garden with chemicals that seep into the groundwater. Create natural fertilizer with compost. Fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, nutshells, dead flowers, all add beneficial nutrients to the soil.

• Showers use less water than baths, meaning shorter showers can save lots of water and lots of cash.

Transportation:

• Educate yourself on ways to commute, check with your local community transportation representatives to see if your area offers buses, trains or even carpool listings. Brandeis students can check the public safety website for shuttle times here.

• According to the Consumer Federation of America, you can improve your mileage by more than 15 percent a year by cleaning your air filter, checking alignment, pumping up tires, and keeping to the speed limit.

• Avoid accelerating or braking unnecessarily quickly to save gas.

• Additionally, check your gas cap. Missing or broken caps allow gas to evaporate. About 150 million gallons of gasoline evaporate every year.

• Unloading 100 pounds of gear from your trunk can save four cents a gallon!

• You'll also reduce fuel consumption if you don't idle your car.There are many ways to be green. All you have to do is a little research and choose a few that are right for you.

Stay Green--literally,
Savvy Student

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Going Cultural for Less

Spring is a great time to explore Boston's cultural scene! And, Savvy Student wants to help get you there on a budget.

We hope you have had time to participate in most if not all of the events featured here at Brandeis, but as the weather warms up you might want to look into what Boston has to offer. Just hop onto the free Brandeis Cambridge/Boston shuttle and explore!

Here are some tips and facts for you:

• MFA is free for Brandeis students with Brandeis ID

• If you sign-up for the Boston Cultural Arts Club mailing list and receive updates on free and discounted events all year! (Boston Center for the Arts is one the frequent venues)
• Look for discounts on BosTix or stop by one of their box offices in Faneuil Hall or Copley Square.
• Many Broadway shows have national tours that frequently come through Boston area! Stay tuned!
• Check-out such popular venues as The Paradise Rock Club and The House of Blues for wonderful concerts
• Keep updated with recent Boston events here. The website keeps readers posted on events such as musicals, lectures, and parties
• Another fun idea is to go to a sports game. Check out ticket prices for the Red Sox, the Bruins, and the Celtics.
• Don't forget about the Aquarium or Science Center. You can visit with the penguins or take in an IMAX movie.
  

Enjoy the weather and Happy Spring!

Savvy Student

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Off-Campus Housing

We know many of you are now either crossing your fingers on the wait-list or trying your luck in search of an off-campus apartment. Savvy-student is here to help with the pros and cons to off-campus housing, tips for finding an apartment, as well as, advice for staying on-budget .

The obvious pros for on-campus housing are that it is convenient. There is no real commute time and nothing to worry about in terms of making rent or paying for utilities since it is all included with your semester bill.

However, that being said, for those of you looking to live off-campus or with a high lottery number you may need to search for alternative housing options with or without roommates.

Off-Campus: Pros and Cons

There are plenty of pros to living off-campus. To begin with, your housing choices are no longer limited by lottery numbers, meaning you can look at a diverse set of living arrangements (as long as they fit in your budget!). Further more, students living off campus can buy and prepare most of their own food-typically much cheaper than the Brandeis meal plan. Finally, a place off campus can be considered training wheels for future endeavors. It is a great time to learn how to budget and manage finances in a real world setting, as you will most likely have to search for an apartment, pay for utilities and shop for furniture.

It is also important to mention that your eligibility for financial aid will not change should you live off campus, as long as you're not living with your parents. If you're financial aid exceeds your semester charges on Sage then you are entitled to a refund check. Simply complete our Credit Release Form either online or in our office. However, please be aware that per Federal regulation refund checks issued for students with an account credit will be processed beginning 10 days before the start of classes, so be sure to plan your housing payments accordingly.

Living off campus does entail some difficulties too. First among them is transportation. Students with cars will face the increased costs of gas and maintenance. Those without cars will have to plan around shuttle schedules or the increased time of walking or biking to campus. Make sure you factor these changes into your decision to live off campus.

Moreover, off-campus housing requires greater independence and budgeting on behalf of students. Depending on where you choose to live, off-campus housing can be more or less expensive than on-campus. Nonetheless, students off-campus must be responsible enough to pay rent on time, keep utility bills in check, and still have enough money left over for food and transportation.

Finding a Living Space

For students who choose to make the leap off-campus, finding a place to live can often be the most difficult step. Begin by asking your friends! Often times you may be surprised to find that a friend of a friend is looking for a roommate or will be leaving his or her apartment in the fall. Personal connections can open doors (literally)!

There are several resources at your fingertips to help you in your apartment search. You may first consider looking at classifieds on my.brandeis.edu. These listings are posted by Brandeis students, meaning they can connect you with housing that is student-friendly and near campus.

Check craigslist.com or local newspapers. These listings aren't specifically directed towards Brandeis students, but can give you many leads for off-campus living spaces. No matter how daunting the apartment search appears, your hard work will certainly pay off when you have a space all your own!

Budgeting Off-Campus

Savvy Student has tips for making sure you can live successfully off campus while still living within your means.

It can be very helpful to set a strict budget accounting for all your daily expenses. If you do live off campus you may be required to purchase renter's insurance, and if you decide to get pets be aware that there are additional expenses included with your furry friends. Remember to set aside money for entertainment, such as dinner with friends and be sure to set aside money for your savings!

Regarding food expenses, consider the following tips:

• Further, consider becoming a member of a warehouse store, such as Sam's Club or Costco. If you're living with roommates, buying food in bulk can save lots of money in the long run.


• Plan your grocery lists before you're at the store!


• Cut coupons and remember to actually use them!


• Keep in mind whether the food you're purchasing is perishable. Produce isn't worth a penny if it rots before you can eat it!


• To avoid paying on-campus food prices, remember to bring food with you to campus.

Savvy Student and the Office of Student Financial Services are always here to guide you through these processes, so don't hesitate to contact our office (in person or via email, facebook, or blog) if you have any questions!

Savvy Student

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Money Mistakes and Drugstore Mark-Ups

Even though it's the start of spring it doesn't feel or look like it outside. So much for stating the obvious right? If you, like us, wish to avoid going outside then please read on because we have a couple of good distractions for you...

In our daily hunt for money tips we have come across two good articles for you.

According to "Today Money", children learn about money habits and spending from their parents, and in most cases they are learning all the wrong lessons. Personal finance expert, David Bach believes the number one mistake parents make is not saying "no", even when it means spending beyond their set budget or financial means. The lesson in this behavior is that savings is not important, but instant gratification is and budgets are "out" while spending beyond your means is "in", which all lead to an unhealthy financial portfolio. To see other financial mistakes people make read the complete article here.

Today Money also featured an article on mark-ups at the drugstore. Experts indicate that if you are walking into a pharmacy to purchase over the counter medicine or hair accessories, etc you may be paying double or even triple the wholesale cost. Check out the article here to see a list of items to watch out for.

And, for what it's worth Happy Spring!!!

Savvy Student

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St. Patrick's Day Fun!

Erin go Braugh!

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day we would like to share a few "green" tips with you because in Boston there is no better place to celebrate. With plenty of free events to check out this weekend. Some retailers may even have special coupons and deals, so get with the luck O' the Irish and start saving $$$.

Since we are facing a storm free weekend (woohoo), why not go outside and check out the Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade? It will be on Sunday at 1:00 - more info is available here along with other cultural events: http://gonewengland.about.com/cs/bostonattractions/a/aastpatboston.htm

Why not go see Boston's very own Irish band - The Dropkick Murphys. They are playing this weekend at the House of Blues.

If you want to celebrate on the more traditional side, try making corned beef and cabbage or Irish Soda Bread referred to as Bannock. In one word- YUM! Find recipes online such as allrecipes.com.

May the luck of the Irish be with you all day!

Happy St. Paddy's Day,

Savvy Student

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