Prospective MK Teachers Money management while in college
Reduce College/University Costs
Graduating from some Christian colleges/universities with a bachelors degree and then obtaining a teaching credential from a state department of education can cost as much as $125K ($125,000). If you are just beginning college, please consider the total cost of your education in light of your desire to go to the mission field as an MK teacher. Considerations include:
1. Consider several Christian colleges/universities since education costs vary considerably.
2. Consider attending a Christian college/university that has a "debt forgiveness" program for full time missionary work after graduation.
3. Consider enrolling in a state college/university in your own state.
4. Consider attending a junior college in your own state for your first two years or so and then transferring to a four year college/university, either secular or Christian.
5. Go to the following web sites and become educated (read carefully and fully understand what is said and claimed):
http://www.financialaidservices.org/
http://www.thecollegetrap.com/aboutfais.htm
http://www.nfcc.org http://www.costeffectivecollege.com/FAIShome.htm
http://www.crown.org/Library/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=126
http://www.daveramsey.com/press-release/press_release_021610040543/
Look around for similar web sites. Please read carefully and understand what is being said, promised, and determine their agenda, up front and hidden.
6. Some colleges get a "kick-back" from some education loan companies. Beware of a "push" towards one particular loan company, especially if you are a young college student, and in particular if your are an MK just off the boat to the US. Ask the financial aids person whether or not the university gets a kick back from certain loan companies. Be a wise and questioning college loan consumer.
7. Credit card trouble. Cut up and throw away your credit cards! And yes this sounds contradictory to the American way of life where living in credit card debt is standard. Adopt the life style of a missionary and live only with what you have to spend at the moment. Please understand that in a few years you will want to go to the mission field and that in those intervening years it is possible for you to accumulate debts to the degree that they will keep you from going to the mission field. If you are serious about going to the mission field after graduation, please consider minimizing your debt through living frugally (e.g. cutting out pizza on Friday night, not having the latest cell phone, MP 3 player, or computer). Choices made during your college years can affect future plans and service for the Lord. We know students who are seriously-oriented prospective missionaries that in their pursuit of learning to live independently they equip their apartment with hand-me-downs and stuff from Good-Will.
