Q&A: Are their things to avoid when applying for University?

I was surfing a forum and noticed an interesting topic. Some had asked, "Are their things to avoid when applying for university?"

A poster simply replied, "Yes, bad grammar."

Editor's Note: On vacation until Tuesday, April 14 - in the meantime, I will be working on my photography so there will hopefully be some original pictures on my blog for a change. I might get my chimps to post something Saturday, we'll see. Have a good Easter weekend.

Exam-ing Urgency

Spring always reminds me one thing: exams. You must be hating me right now if you're in school, but trust me, I'm going somewhere with this for your benefit. I still remember spending countless nights cramming for a semester's worth of material. Don't worry though, I'm going to try and change your mindset.

I knew this guy who drove from Mississauga to Coburg (140 km) on a full bladder. When he finally got to the washroom, well you can imagine.. The process of cramming for and writing an exam is like going to the washroom after holding your full bladder for way too long. The key is to remember how good it feels when it's done..

Good luck on your exams!

My Contribution to Society

I want to share with you the student debt clock by Debt 101. You can check out here...
It's currently at 13 billion dollars, do you know how much of it is mine? It's nice to know that I contributed to society without lifting a finger.


Editor's Note: Sorry for not posting for the past couple of days. I have been sick; congrats to all those who wish for me to be sick, you win.

Is my Degree Worthless? (Part II)

This is the second of a two-part series on your education and money.

Article of interest: Is your degree worth $1 million -- or worthless?

"Some degrees are a step back. Thinking of a master's degree in a liberal arts or social sciences field? Let's hope you're in it for the love of learning, because on average there doesn't seem to be any financial payoff."

Thanks for the heads up. I really wish someone had told me sooner (I apologize to my friends who are still doing their MA, keep fighting the good fight). I mean, I'm all for learning, but a man's gotta eat (well) and live (in a huge ass house).

For those of you who are still planning your life though, you have been warned.

University, a Financial Choice (Part I)

I know quite a few people who are applying for university this year. Let me begin with a piece of friendly advice, choose a financially sensible location. If you're unconvinced, just spend two minutes playing around with the OSAP Repayment Calculator and enter the following

Estimated total expected debt on graduation: $30,000 (7500 x 4) (I know that seems a lot right now, but it should be that much in four years)

Click "Calculate Monthly Payment" and voila. Assuming your prime interest rate is 6% (fat chance), you will be paying $393 per month after graduation FOR NINE AND A HALF YEARS.

Trust me, that's a lot of coin. Let me show you what 400 bucks a month for 9.5 years can buy you...


That's right - it's like buying the A3 you never drove. Did I mention that it's fully paid and loaded?

Note 1: Part II to come...