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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Fun Freebies and Samples

Sample Stuff  

This site is just great fun.  Freebies, samples, even links to opinion and surveys sights where you can rack up points that add up to cash rebates. 

One of the cutest elements of this site is that the owner posts photos of all the samples she has received free of charge on a page called "Freebies I've Received."    The editorial staff is a group of about five people who just love writing about frugality, coupons and saving money.  It's a keeper!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Student Loan Repayment Option from the National Health Service Corps

Thanksgiving dinner can be about more than just the turkey and shrimp-stuffed merliton!  A casual conversation with friends who are still repaying college student loans pointed to this great resource about student loan replayment help for up to $50,000 in debt. 

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) designated funds to help repay up to $50,000 in student loans to primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists and behavioral and mental health providers.  They must serve two-years in a health professional shortage area (HPSA) designated by the US Department of Health and Human Services.   Even better, the loan repayment help is free from taxes.

The average student loan debt burden in 2009, according to the Institute for College Access and Success, is $24,000, although average student loan debt for physicians exceeds $150,000.*


An easy-to-use map for finding these HPSA job opportunities is available and the directions are in simple English.  (thank you!)  Nice to know that if your future employer is not one of the previously designated  agencies, if they are located in a HPSA, their human resources office can still apply to have your loans considered for repayment.  

WARNING:  Be sure and either read this complete overview of the National Health Service Student Loan Repayment program and/or call their help desk with questions at 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910) Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays) 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.   Congress can move to repeal ARRA benefits at anytime, so please make the phone call first just to ensure that this act's provisions are still in effect and are being funded.      

Something else to be thankful for this year! 

*Student loan debt figures for physicians taken from the American Medical Association website November 2010 and sourced AAMC 2009 Graduation Questionnaire.  AAMC stands for Association of American Colleges of Medicine 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

SmartyPig Savings Pay 1.75%

SmartyPig Widget: "Check out my SmartyPig goals."

Have you used the SmartyPig website yet to save money toward a goal? 

I'm trying out SmartyPig now because I need new carpeting and have had no inspiration toward saving for it.  My household savings account in INGDirect was depleted down to $500 by roof and air conditioner repairs this year.  There isn't any money left over for the fun stuff, such as a new refrigerator, washer/dryer, carpeting.  Carpeting is top of my list! 

Smarty Pig is FDIC insured and the savings account work like any other online direct bank savings.  But
Smarty-Pig gives a great interest rate now, 1.75%.  Also, you can redeem for account a gift card at retailers, such as Lowe's and get additional cash back.

Have you saved for any goals using SmartyPig?

Other popular savings posts:

Save on Bounty Paper Towels
Lending Club Update