I like interesting stories and I like interesting houses. I also like to believe I tell the former and have the latter. (Don’t we all?) So, when a book titled “Authentic Interiors: Rooms That Tell Stories” (Gibbs Smith, March 2024) hit my radar, I thought, “Shazam! My worlds collide!”
I dove into the 224-page, picture-rich hardcover, then rang up the author, interior designer Philip Gorrivan, to see if I could divine the secret to designing rooms that tell not just stories, but our stories. (Face it. Despite what they say, a lot of designers tell their stories.)
In his introduction, Gorrivan cites the 20th-century designer David Hicks who said, “The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” The book then goes on to feature 14 client-inspired projects including the author’s own house.
“If you’re going to design your home, whether a grand house or a shoebox apartment, whatever the budget, make sure your interior space is an extension of who you are,” he said. “This, after all, is where you come home, sleep and live.”
Few would disagree. However, this is one of those easy-to-say, harder-to-do design maxims. In the wrong hands, the result could be ghastly. Some people’s stories just aren’t pretty. I turned to the pages for clues. For one couple — a screenwriter and newspaper editor — Gorrivan used posterized black-and-white images of famous faces. For a Brazilian couple’s New York apartment, he incorporated saturated tones from the tropical rain forest, painting walls in a lacquered emerald and incorporating fuchsia furnishings.
As with any author I interview, but especially this one, I was curious to learn the writer’s story. Where is he coming from? So, I asked Gorrivan, who has a house in Connecticut and an apartment in Manhattan, that and a few more questions:
Marni:Before we talk about other people’s stories, what’s yours? What was your early home like?
Philip: Because my parents had different interests, our house was a mix of antiques and modern furnishings. It was by no means “decorated.” We lived in Portland, Maine, where we had these long bleak winters. My family had this old farmhouse, which became a repository for family hand-me-downs and heirlooms. To amuse myself, I spent hours exploring all these pieces. I became visually tuned into furniture at a young age. I may have been the first 10-year-old to ask for a subscription to Architectural Digest.
Q: Interior design wasn’t your first career. When and why did you switch?
A: After college, I worked in sales, got married, had children and was working to pay the bills. When 9/11 hit, we were living in New York. It made me rethink everything. I decided then to do what I loved. I went to work for an interior design firm to learn the ropes, and after two years went out on my own. My break came when House & Gardens magazine asked me to design a room for a show home they were putting together. They had one room left, a 12-by-8-foot laundry room, the smallest room in the house. I made the most of it.
Q: Although your rooms tell your clients’ stories, you clearly have a signature look. How would you describe it?
A: I come from a love of textiles and fabrics, color and pattern. I like to align with great design firms of the 20th century to create a look I call classic modern, a mix of periods that speak to both the home and the homeowner.
Q: Color indeed! Not everyone can pull off Chinese red lacquered walls.
A: While I have a lot of respect for neutrals and earth tones, I especially like mixing in strong color. Color is powerful and transformative. The chapter titled “Reinvention,” for example, features a New York apartment we made over after the owner got divorced. He was living in the same place he’d shared with his ex-wife and wanted it to feel completely different. Painting the walls bright spring green felt like a new beginning.
Q:Beautiful interior design books cover coffee tables everywhere. Why another one? How is your book different?
A: The word “authentic” is in the title because it’s important to me. We see a lot of pastiche in the design world, where designers copy and paste the work of others. Authenticity is critical in any creative endeavor. I wanted to convey that and emphasize that a successful interior should speak to the architecture of the house or apartment, to the surrounding geography, and ultimately to the homeowner.
Q:What if the homeowner is a couple with different interests and tastes?
A: Every couple disagrees on looks. We negotiate. A successful home design includes elements that reflect all inhabitants, which ultimately makes the interior even more unique.
Q:What makes you cringe when you walk into some homes?
A: Furnishings that are totally out of scale. A sofa that is way too big or art that is too small can ruin a room.
Q:How can we inject our story into our homes, whether that reflects our professions, interests or heritage?
A: Think of what you love and want to surround yourself with: your children, your pets, your travels, your roots. It may not be your profession. Some clients don’t want any reminders of their work once they get home. And you’d be surprised how many want to decorate using the colors of their favorite sports team. Heritage also matters. I always want to know where my clients grew up.
Q:What do you want readers to take away?
A: Though the book is filled with pictures, I hope readers look at the words, too. I hope they read the different stories and see how stories can come alive in design. I hope they see how the best designs come from the inside out, and come away thinking, maybe I can do this, too?
Marni Jameson is the author of seven books including the newly released Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow, What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want.
“Authentic Interiors” by Philip Gorrivan (Gibbs Smith, March 2024, $45, 224 pages) “provides much to savor,” says Publishers Weekly. Photo courtesy Gibbs Smith. (Handout via Marni Jameson)
Have you ever been sitting around with your friends and heard everyone talking about something they have done that you haven’t? We’ve all experienced a certain level of embarrassment when we realize that the people around us have had some experience we missed out on. Well, don’t worry because today we will unveil the top twenty everyday things everybody has done… except YOU! That’s right: You may not have hiked mountains or traveled the world, but trust us—there are plenty of experiences and opportunities for growth out there that can easily spice up your life.
So get ready to explore some of the most fun things to do—from social media to common adventures! It’s time for an unforgettable journey through some amazing experiences.
1. Trick-Or-Treating as a Child
One user shared, “Gone trick-or-treating as a child. It was forbidden by my church, so my parents would shut out all of our lights, and my brother and I would sit up in his room and watch all the other kids walking around in their costumes. I have my own kids now, and we trick-or-treat, carve pumpkins, give out candy… the whole nine yards.”
Another user asked, “Do you dress up with your kids and get candy now??”
The OP answered, “I’ve dressed up a few times… one year, my kids were the perfect ages for us to dress as the Incredibles, and it was epic. I even cut/dyed my hair just like ElastiGirl because I was so excited. And yes, I know what wigs are, but it wasn’t that much of a stretch from what I had then.”
2. Snapping Your Fingers
One Redditor posted, “I can’t snap my fingers…”
Another user commented, “Now I’m really curious if it’s a physical situation that limits how your fingers move, or if people have been explaining the moves wrong… Can you fold your ring finger so that its fingertip sits roughly in the middle of the blob of muscle on the palm below the thumb?
“And can you kind of press that fingertip into that muscle to make that finger’s end joint flatten out roughly straight?
“Propping the 3rd finger against the thumb will create that small gap between the base of the thumb & ring finger’s fingertip. Can you aim your middle finger to fly to fill that gap — when the thumb abruptly slides out of the way and lets the ‘spring-loaded’ middle finger fly there?”
Another user commented, “Well, I just snapped for the first time in my 34 years of living!”
3. Breaking a Bone
One user shared, “Prob break a bone; it at least seems common since I’ve seen tons of people with broken bones in school (Brace, cast, crutch, etc.).”
Another user commented, “I never broke a bone til I was 41. I tripped, caught myself and broke my elbow.”
One added, “Well, that’s bizarre. Same exact thing. It was two years ago when I was 41. The first bone break was my elbow (radial head fracture) after slipping on ice and trying to catch myself. Best part? The term for that type of fall is a FOOSH (fall on outstretched hand). So, my wife erupted in laughter and decided to call me a footbag, which was the best way to ease my pain at the urgent care…”
5. Moving Out of Your Childhood Home
“Move out of my childhood home,” shared one user.
Another Redditor commented, “There was a guy in my neighbourhood growing up who was around 70. He lived in the same house he grew up in and still drove his first car, an old … pickup.
“He was a cool old dude. He also told me his dog was the same one he had growing up, and I was little and susceptible, so it filled me with hope and joy about my dog. I think he underestimated my stupidity and felt terrible, so he told me the dog was different.”
6. Having a Messed up Nose
One user commented, “Had a nosebleed.”
Another user added, “Think I probably had your share.”
One Redditor said, “I’ve never had one either, and I have been punched in the nose a few times and nothing.”
7. Walking On Two Legs
“Walk on two legs. I walk just fine, but with a prosthesis,” one Redditor posted.
Another user commented, “Prosthesis etiquette question: Is it considered rude to compliment someone on a prosthesis with a neat design? I saw a guy with the coolest Spiderman-themed leg, but I had no idea whether it was okay to mention it.”
One user replied, “Amputee here. Most would be cool with that. If they have Spiderman on their leg, you’re probably fine. For those that it’s a sensitive subject, they will go to great lengths to hide their prosthesis.”
8. Rolling Your R’s
“Rolled my r’s,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “Dude, my 8-month-old daughter learned she could do it a few days ago and hasn’t stopped since. Instead of crying, we just get really long rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr cries.”
9. Breaking Bad Cycles
One user shared his story of resilience, “I grew up in a [drug] household. My dad. My sister’s. My brother. Their SOs and friends. My boyfriends later on. My sister’s kids. All methods are out all the time.
I was the only one with a job, trying to sleep and eat like an average person. It was crazy. My nephew in prison has asked me numerous times why I never did it. Dude, what? It’s not like they made it look good or fun. Jesus
“Edit to add: holy moly, guys! I didn’t realize this post would get so much attention! Thanks for the well wishes and the awards. I survived, and I’m doing great, given the circumstances. I can’t say the same for all the rest of the family. My sister and BIL did get clean, but unfortunately, two of my nephews did not. One is in prison, and one is off the grid, strung out on meth, living on the street pretending he is Rambo. But I’m proof the cycle can be broken. Thanks again for everything.”
10. Pooping Your Pants as an Adult
One Redditor posted, “[Crapped] my pants as an adult. I know it’s coming, and I consider myself privileged.”
One user shared, “As someone who [messes] their pants way more often than any adult should admit to, I find this comment hilarious. You have it coming in. ETA: Thanks for the award! Now I can say I have an award-winning story!”
One user added, “Broke my unbeaten run of not messing my big boy pants going through chemo. It’s ridiculous enough that you’ve just got to laugh. Funny, though, I mentioned it at work, and while all the guys present were willing to hold their hands up and admit to it happening to them at some point/share stories and have a laugh about it, even the usually stoic and serious guy who doesn’t open up was willing to, which was a surprise…
“All of the women present strongly denied having any experience of it. I don’t believe the numbers. I wonder if this trend of being willing to admit to it holds true as a split between the sexes across the board. Just one of those random occurrences that gives you pause for thought.”
11. Getting Stung by a Bee
“Gotten stung by a bee/wasp,” posted by one user.
Another commenter added, “Same here, still deathly afraid of them.”
One Redditor shared, “It’s nowhere near as bad as you learn as a kid unless you have an allergy. People grow up learning to fear them from kids, but it’s really super minor by adult standards. The initial sting of a wasp is a surprise, and then it’s just sore like a cross between a sunburn and a really big sore mosquito bite minus the itch.”
One replied, “It’s not so bad until you get stung for the first time on your bottom lip the day before your wedding from a bee that decided it was a good idea to climb down the straw sticking out of your tasty, tasty cocktail… Actually, I guess in the end, it was a plus… it was like 24 hours of lip filler for the bottom lip.”
12 Going Skinny Dipping
One user shared, “Skinny dip. And I’m over 60. So disappointed. Never had the opportunity.”
Another user commented, “There’s still time.”
13. Going to Prom
“Been to prom,” one Redditor shared.
Another user commented, “Me too. But it’s all good.”
One commenter shared, “Me too. Unlike what Pretty in Pink made me believe, I have no regrets, and I literally never think of it.”
14. Whistling
One user posted, “Whistled.”
Another user commented, “I have to inhale to whistle. Can’t exhale to do it.”
One Redditor added, “I’ve finally found my people.”
Another user replied, “As a fellow inhaler, I find I can whistle much higher notes than those who exhale. Losers.”
15. Getting Drunk
One user posted, “I’ve never been drunk.”
Another user confirmed, “Me neither. Didn’t discover my gluten allergy until after college. I have visual migraines (kind of like hallucinations during a bad trip) as part of my gluten reaction. I always thought I was a super lightweight—two sips of beer, and I’d feel awful and thought I was super drunk. Since then, I honestly just associate the taste so strongly with that reaction that I can hardly smell it without feeling repulsed. It also triggers my depression for bonus points. No, thank you.”
16. Flying
One Redditor shared, “Got on a plane.”
Another user replied, “I’ve gone up in a plane but have never landed in one, lol. The only time I ever got in a plane was when my boss paid for us all to do this ‘bonding’ thing, which turned out to be skydiving.”
17. Having Surgery
“I have never had surgery,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “I was doing pretty well on this until a couple of years ago when I needed surgery to keep my insides from becoming outsides. The surgery was way better than the recovery.”
One commenter added, “I’ve got you covered. I’ve had enough of them to balance the scales.”
18. Using a Dating App
One user posted, “Used a dating app.”
Another user replied, “Have been married for almost two decades. Based on all the hoops, it looks like heterosexual men are jumping through just to get a date on these apps; if I ever end up single, I guess I’m just staying single and celibate.”
One user disagreed and said, “It’s not as bad as many guys say. You just need to keep yourself clean and well-groomed and work on your knowledge of socializing. And if that doesn’t work, lower your standards. I’ve seen a lot of stories on Reddit where someone has a friend who can’t get a date, but their standards are way too high. It’s like going on a dating app and only tapping yes to the ones you find super attractive.
“Sure, you should be attracted to your partner, but many people focus on the flaws and have this image in their mind of this perfect, flawless partner that simply isn’t out there because we’re all human and have flaws.”
19. Paying Credit Card Interest
One user shared, “Paid a penny of credit card interest.”
Another user also added, “Same here. I was always taught credit cards are for building credit and getting points. Never actually treat them as buying something on credit.”
One commenter replied, “Same. I use my credit card a lot because I want that cash back, but it’s always paid off at the end of the month.”
20. Going On TikTok
One Redditor shared, “Been on Tiktok.”
Another added, “Never have and never will.”
One commenter replied, “Yeah, I am trying to leave half of the social media, not join more.”
Another user said, “I agree. I quit FB a couple of years ago. I’ve never had anything else. I’ve been on Reddit a lot the last couple of days. Maybe I’m getting lonely. lol.”
Do you have a common thing you haven’t done and would like to share? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
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Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
There seems to be an exorbitant number of young people posting all kinds of pictures and stories about their incredible (and expensive) travels online. And alongside that, most of us young people are struggling just to find affordable housing. So what gives? How is this generation of Americans both more broke than other generations, and also traveling so much? Well, we’re diving into some answers here, so keep reading!
1. It’s All on Credit
One user said, “I have a friend who takes 4 or 5 vacations annually. She and her husband are not wealthy by any means. I asked how they could possibly afford it (bc I was jealous), and she said it was all on credit. I stopped being jealous after that.”
It’s true: a lot of people use credit cards to travel and then make payments afterwards to catch up. Sure, you get cool experiences, but is it worth it to have standing debt that’s accruing interest at an exorbitant rate? Most of us would say no.
2. Debt and Nihilism
One Redditor shared, “Debt and nihilism. A lot of them kind of think the world is going down the crapper and their lives will only get worse from here on out, so might as well enjoy it.”
Another user replied, “Pretty much, honestly. I’m 26, a relatively s- job. Want to start a career, but that’ll require more school, which is fine. The [debt] will only set me back around a year, and I’ll make a bit more thereafter. Even after that, I won’t make enough to both afford a house and contribute a lot to retirement, though; I might as well get my money’s worth in life in my 20s and 30s while I’m still a beast physically (ski vacations, backpacking, running every event from 800 to ultras, hopefully after graduating more expensive stuff even like mountaineering, alpine touring).”
Ok, we understand this view a little better. It’s true, the world is changing rapidly and there’s a lot of joy to be found in traveling while you’re young, and strong enough to have the more intense adventures. But just proceed with caution, especially where credit cards are involved.
3. Rich Parents
“Rich parents,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “Definitely rich parents or running up credit card debt. I went to school for 8 years and ran up around 300k in [debt]. About a year or two after graduating, a classmate shared that he paid all of his student loans off. While I was funding everything with [debt], he was being heavily funded by his parents, so his [debt] was a fraction of what mine was, and he knocked it out fast.”
To be fair, if we had wealthy parents, we’d probably travel too. Probably the worst part about this one is that young people with wealthy parents are more often than not quite out of touch with the struggle middle-class people have to save up and travel. So, compassion might be the key here. That, and maybe keeping some of those gorgeous photos in a private chat instead of an Instagram feed.
4. Credit Cards
One user shared, “Credit cards are a [hecking] drug.”
Another user commented, “Yup I worked collections for too long, and I would see people barely make the minimum payment and then turn around and ask how much [they had] left to spend. Crazyyyyyyyyyyyy.”
One added, “When I was working in retail, I had an amicable ‘cash or card’ chat while ringing someone up when I said something like, ‘I’d just as soon use my card for everything and get the points.’
“The customer, 10+ years older than me and spending a couple hundred dollars, kind of scoffed and said, “Yeah, if you pay it off!”
“That’s not to knock anyone using credit cards to make ends meet. Still, it’s stuck with me because she was fully insinuating that it was unreasonable for anyone to pay off their balance reasonably regularly. Like, ma’am, are you sure you want to buy this dress?”
5. They Live With Their Parents
Generational living has been a feature of many cultures both across the glob and throughout history. In fact, Americans are more of an anomaly in this regard than we usually think. But taking the opportunity to live with your parents, especially if you have a healthy relationship with them, can set you up financially for more than just travel, although that’s certainly one motivation to practice generational living!
One Redditor commented, “They live with their parents.”
Another user replied, “My dad lived with his mom until he was 45. I live with my parents as well. No rent makes a huge difference.”
6. Hard Work or Rich Parents, Possibly Both
One Redditor added to the thread, “I work with a 24-year-old. After college, he got an entry-level job at our company (he was 22) and did really well. He probably makes $70K+, has a roommate and has no kids—plenty of extra money.
“My stepdaughter is 21, works part-time at a coffee shop, and her parents pay her rent, her tuition and most of her expenses. She also has plenty of extra money. So, either hard work or rich parents, possibly both.”
7. High-Income Jobs
While we’re in high school, most of us are told to follow our dreams. And it’s really life-changing to have a job you enjoy versus a job you tolerate or really dislike. But some of us have the talents and dreams that guide us towards higher paying jobs, and that’s a fact we all have to come to terms with. Somebody who loves math and dreams of engineering will probably make more than somebody who has a passion for children and teaching.
“Rich parents or high-income jobs,” one user stated.
Another Redditor replied, “High-income jobs really hit you differently when you don’t have any dependents too.”
8. Saving Up
“When I was a new grad, a bunch of my friends/acquaintances moved out and lived independently. Had the nicest clothes and went out to every event. I lived with my parents and saved. (Lucky enough that they didn’t need my help.)
“Well, I’m in my early 30s now. I have my own condo; it’s not the nicest car, but I’m happy with it. All my friends/acquaintances had to move back home because they couldn’t afford to live independently anymore.
“I don’t know their financial situation, but they always ask how I could afford it. My parents aren’t rich, but living with my parents after I graduated definitely is the reason I could eventually move out and buy my own place,” shared one online user.
9. Being an “Influencer”
It’s not a secret that much of what we see online, especially influencer content, is mostly illusion. There are private jets to rent as a photo set; you can go get your pictures and then fly a budget airline. All the appearance of being rich; none of the reality.
One user posted, “Where do you ‘see’ these people? Are these people you know or people you see on social media?
“Being an ‘influencer’ is a freelance entertainment job. These guys earn money by appearing to have perfect lives in every way. If they don’t provoke envy or aspiration, they aren’t making as much money as possible. Don’t let yourself be sold a bill of goods, okay? There’s a man, not a wizard, standing behind that curtain.”
10. Inheritance
Ok, it’s hard to fault people for inheriting money enough to travel. And some genuinely do. But that doesn’t make it any easier to follow along with their adventures while we work away in our offices.
One user posted, “Inheritance, trust fund babies, parents’ gifts.”
11. Work in a Tourist Attraction
Credit cards seem to be the biggest answer. Young people aren’t afraid of debt in the way many others are. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with putting trip expenses on a credit card if you know you can pay it off, there’s definitely a risk to traveling on credit too often. Your future self may not thank you.
One user shared, “I work in a tourist attraction. I’ve seen many 21-25-year-olds from the U.S. and other continents travelling here. A lot of them are in college! I’m the same age as them, and I wasn’t able to afford to go travelling or party while in college. Edit: I would like to note a majority of them are paying with credit too.”
12. There Are More Affordable Options if You Plan It Right
“Everyone else has covered the how, but I do want to mention how important it is to travel when you can. There’s no reason to make it lavish to get the benefit from it. There’s lots of more affordable options if you plan it right. Start with weekend road trips. I never left the country (USA) until I was 25, and now I’ve been to 16 countries (although some were for work trips). I try to take one proper vacation a year. Every other year, I do something more extravagant (that I have time to save up for), and the off years, I do something domestic.
“I think it’s the best gift you can give yourself to see how other people live and experience their culture. It expands your horizons and also helps you appreciate home,” one user added.
13. Making Money off Scams
One user shared, “A lot of people I’ve seen in their 20s are doing fraud. I don’t know in detail how they do it, but it’s something with CPNs and people’s social security. I’ve seen people with all these designer bags and designer clothes and going on all these trips. Yet they work in a warehouse or a low-paying job. They are, without a doubt, scamming. Also, I know a lot of women deal with men who are willing to spend money on them. I have friends who will get flown out by men they are dating. These men also seem to be doing illegal activities. Trust me, a lot of people out here are not living right. They are risking their freedom for a fake lavish lifestyle.”
14. Selling Themselves Online
One user commented that most likely, lots of influencers have switched to having paid subscribers to their accounts. And while it’s not exactly easy money for just anyone, a lot of people are succeeding at drawing in people who are willing to pay for their content. It takes a pretty high comfort level with posting yourself online for others’ viewing pleasure, but those who have the guts and the success will probably have the ability to travel on that money too.
15. They Know Someone Who Works for an Airline
“People give others gift cards and airline points and know people who work in airlines. So, if you know someone who works for an airline, you can [often] get a $100 guaranteed ticket for a flight. Or buddy pass is free! Also, work in an airline that gives you free seating when empty seats are available. Also, parents sell their homes to their kids for $80K, and the home value is $500K plus.
“They take out a second mortgage on the house to live it up in their 20’s and slowly roll into their 30s and, by 40’s, divorced and in Debt. Also, Credit card points from people to buy airline tickets and travel expenses. They also have their parents credit cards and order ride shares with accounts of their parents that have corporate accounts credit cards on them. Females are more likely to have Dad’s credit cards for emergencies and Guys more likely to have [Mommy’s] credit cards that stepdad or birth dad pays for. Also, they have credit card debt that they file Chapter 7 on, and parents most likely pay the vehicle/ rental payments. Now, they use their parents’ vehicles to make money doing rideshare/or gig work while their parents pay the rent/ and the vehicle they pay bills. Parents paid for the college! Things I have learned about from people doing rideshare and people I have met in life,” posted one user.
What do you think of the statements listed above? Share your thoughts down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
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By all accounts, Heather McKay was doing what a savvy traveler should: planning well in advance, debating hotels versus vacation rentals and comparing final prices (including those sneaky hidden travel fees).
But one stray click online led to a very costly mistake.
McKay accidentally booked a nonrefundable rate at a hotel in London for a two-and-a-half months-long stay almost a year out. The total was 7,140 British pounds. Her credit card showed the charge as about $9,200.
A simple mistake to remedy, right? Wrong. Her recourse for a refund was limited because she booked a nonrefundable rate through an online travel agency (OTA). These websites, such as Booking.com, Priceline and Expedia, make it easy to check availability and prices across travel providers, but getting a refund can be difficult if customers need to cancel or change their plans.
How it happened
Back in August, McKay was looking into housing options for her 21-year-old daughter, who was thinking of doing an internship in London for in the summer of 2024. She was considering the possibility of having her daughter stay in a hotel for two months.
“I was like, ‘I really want you to have some type of special experience after college, so let’s look at the feasibility,’” McKay says.
She logged in to her Booking.com account, found a small, studio-style hotel called the TiTiwangsa One Paddington and set arbitrary dates for two months in 2024. She had no intention of booking the room, but she needed to click through the flow to see the final price, with taxes and fees included.
This drawn-out booking flow is prone to accidents and is a tactic used by some online travel agencies, airlines and hotels to get customers to spend more money. It’s called “drip pricing,” a practice where they do not show all mandatory fees until the very end of the booking process. As recently as August, the attorney general of Texas filed a lawsuit against Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com, for omitting mandatory fees from initial room rates.
McKay says she was confused when the website showed her the total in British pounds instead of U.S. dollars, and she tried different options to see if it would show the conversion. Before she knew it, she’d booked the hotel stay.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god, how did I just book that?’” McKay says, adding that she never selects nonrefundable rates at hotels.
Leaving the refund up to the hotel owner
Just minutes after the accidental booking, McKay immediately canceled the reservation online and called Booking.com’s customer service team, hoping they could reverse the charge. They said they would explain what happened to the hotel’s owner and encouraged her to dispute the charge with her credit card company, which she did.
But neither Booking.com nor the credit card company resolved the accidental charge. In emails from Booking.com, a customer service representative told McKay the hotel’s owner refused to offer a refund or even a travel voucher.
Sage Hunter, a representative for Booking.com, confirmed with NerdWallet that the refund was solely up to the hotel’s discretion because McKay had booked a nonrefundable rate.
“The onus to provide a refund rests with the hotel and not the online travel agency in this situation,” Dennis Schaal, founding editor of Skift, a travel industry news site, said. “That’s because the online travel agency is merely the middleman, facilitating the reservation on behalf of the hotel.”
He explained that Booking.com receives a commission from the hotel, usually about 10% to 25%, so the online travel agency wouldn’t have the full amount to refund.
McKay escalated the issue at Booking.com, but says she still hasn’t been offered even a partial refund from the OTA. She even called the hotel in the U.K. to try to plead her case directly. The credit card company also refused to approve the chargeback.
By the time October rolled around, it was becoming clear that McKay was not going to get a refund. She even asked if TiTiwangsa One Paddington would reinstate her stay, thinking it would be better to get something in return for her $9,200. The hotel refused once again. TiTiwangsa One Paddington did not respond to requests for comment for this story.
Hiding behind the intermediary
McKay was furious with the London hotel, which in her mind, was taking her money without providing any services.
However, hotels have the upper hand in these customer disputes when an OTA is involved. In Booking.com’s Terms of Service, it says the customer enters into a contractual agreement directly with the service provider (the hotel, in this case) and the customer agrees to the service provider’s cancellation policies.
McKay got a better-than-normal scenario in that Booking.com did try to mediate with the hotel.
“We’ve tried numerous times [to reach the hotel]. We’ve contacted them via phone, email and right now, it’s really in the partner’s court to provide that refund,” Hunter says. “It was truly a simple mistake and that’s something we’ve been advocating for on our end.”
She says the hotel has gone completely silent. Neither Booking.com nor McKay has been able to get in touch with the hotel recently. The TiTiwangsa One Paddington is still open for reservations on Booking.com, though.
Refunds on reservations made on third-party travel booking sites can get especially complicated because of the number of parties involved. In some cases, online travel agencies will point customers seeking a refund to the airlines or hotels to resolve issues themselves. And other times the airlines or hotels will push the responsibility back on the third-party booking site, leaving customers caught in the middle.
Fighting for legislation
McKay wants better consumer protections for accidental bookings like hers. There’s already a federal rule that helps prevent this with flight reservations. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must allow customers to get a full refund if they cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking and the ticket was purchased at least seven days before departure.
But your flight must be booked directly with the airline for the federal rule to protect you, as flights booked on third-party sites are exempt from the policy. And nothing of the kind exists for hotel bookings.
There has been some progress, though, on hotel fee transparency. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden announced plans to crack down on “junk fees” like hotel resort fees, and Congress is considering legislation that would require hotels and online travel agencies to disclose fees upfront, instead of making customers click through several pages to see the final price.
In fact, McKay says she shared her story with senators and attorney generals, urging them to support the current legislation and sue third-party travel booking sites. If those requirements around fee transparency already existed, McKay could have avoided this entire debacle when she was researching prices.
“Everybody makes mistakes, and it’s not something that needs to be this costly,” McKay says. “I thought we had better consumer protections.”
Until travel companies make changes, customers need to be extra vigilant about cancellation policies when booking hotels online. Booking directly with the hotel, instead of through an OTA, has some advantages. There are less likely to be errors in your reservation, you might be able to earn hotel points or elite status, and getting a refund might be easier.
Schaal recommends booking refundable hotel rates whenever possible. It might cost more money upfront, but it saves travelers the hassle and gives them the opportunity to rebook if they find a better deal later.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
The question of whether parents should pay for their children’s college education is a complex and multifaceted issue. It involves not only financial issues (namely, can you afford to?) but also ethical and personal considerations. While many parents aspire to pay 100% of their children’s college expenses to allow them to graduate debt-free, others feel that it’s important for kids to have some skin in the game.
If you’re weighing this issue, you’ll want to consider both the reasons for and against paying for your kid’s college education. Here’s a closer look at both sides of the argument.
Why Parents Pay for College
Some parents feel it’s their duty to cover the cost of their child’s college education. Here’s a look at some arguments in support of that viewpoint. 💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.
Giving Your Child a Head Start
The average student borrows over $30,000 to pursue a bachelor’s degree, according to the Education Data Initiative. That’s no small sum. Students who graduate debt-free generally have a leg-up on achieving their professional and financial goals. They can consider taking a job based on their career aspirations, rather than the one that pays the most. They also have the freedom to put all of their financial resources into other goals, such as building an emergency fund or buying a home.
Helping Your Child Stay in School
When you send your child off to college, you likely expect them to emerge with a bachelor’s degree. But recent research shows that only 62% of college students graduate within six years. Among those who leave school, a significant number cite financial reasons for their decision. Taking the college bill off your child’s plate may help them stick to the program.
Allowing Your Child to Focus
Getting a job can help your child cover some of their tuition costs, but if they have to work too many hours, it can make it difficult for them to focus on their studies. Paying for their education can give them a better chance of getting good grades and possibly qualifying for academic scholarships. They may even be able to take on a bigger course load every semester and graduate early.
Why Parents Don’t Pay for College
While many parents believe they should pay for college, others feel that students should be responsible for investing in their own education. Here’s a look at some reasons why parents shouldn’t pay for college.
It Could Threaten Your Retirement
If you can afford to save for a healthy retirement and pay for college, you’re in good shape. But if you feel like you have to choose between the two, paying for college and not saving for retirement could force you to work longer or leave the workforce with less money than you might need.
There are many different types of student loans available for college, but there’s no such thing as retirement loans to help you get by.
It Builds Responsibility and Accountability
Having your child contribute to their education through part-time jobs and loans can help foster a sense of responsibility and ownership. They may value their education all the more — and work as hard as they can — knowing how much this opportunity costs.
It’s a Good Teaching Moment
Helping your child figure out their college financing and teaching them good financial habits now can help them continue those habits after they graduate. If you cover everything for them, they may have a difficult time transitioning to life after college and may end up coming back to you for help.
How Parents Paying for College Can Get Financing
If you’re interested in footing some or all of the bill for your child’s college education, you have a few different funding options. Here’s a closer look.
Savings
One way to help students pay for college is to put some money aside each month in a 529 plan. Even if your child is already in high school, you can still open a 529 plan and take advantage of the federal (and sometimes state) tax benefits. Money in a 529 account grows tax-deferred and withdrawals are tax-free when used for eligible educational expenses. Any amount saved for college will reduce your child’s future student loan debt.
Parent PLUS Loans
The U.S. Department of Education offers PLUS Loans for parents that you can qualify for as long as you don’t have an adverse credit history. Parent PLUS Loans give you access to certain benefits, including the option to defer repayment while your child is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after your child graduates. However, these loans also charge relatively high interest rates and upfront loan fees.
Recommended: Should You or Your Child Take Out a Loan for College?
Private Student Loans
If you have excellent credit and a strong, steady income (and your child doesn’t get enough federal aid), you may want to explore getting a student loan for parents with a private lender. Typically, you can get prequalified with a soft credit check with many lenders online to see what rate you qualify for and compare it to other lenders and Parent PLUS Loan 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.
Financing Options for Your Child
If you’ve decided that you can’t or don’t want to fully pay for your child’s college education, here are some ways that your child can get the funding they need.
Grants and Scholarships
By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®), your child will automatically be considered for many federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships. Scholarships are also available through private organizations and companies. To apply for these, your student will likely need to fill out a separate application for each one. To find more “free money” for school, your student may want to use an online scholarship search tool.
Part-Time Job
One good way to pay for school, especially if your child has a full or partial scholarship lined up, is to work part-time while in school. This can help pay for living expenses, books, or possibly even tuition. Working full-time during the summers can help to pay for the next year’s worth of expenses.
Student Loans
College students have a choice between federal and private student loans. In general, federal loans are better-suited for undergraduate students because they don’t require a credit check, have relatively low-interest rates, and offer access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. Your child can apply for federal student loans by completing the FAFSA.
If federal student loans aren’t enough to cover your child’s full cost of attendance, however, private student loans may be another option. Just keep in mind that you may need to co-sign the loan application to help them get approved.
Carefully Consider All Your Options
There’s no right or wrong answer to the question of whether parents should pay for their child’s college education. It’s important to carefully consider both the benefits and drawbacks, as well as how much you can realistically afford to put towards your child’s college expenses.
The good news is that a school’s “sticker price” (published cost of attendance) often isn’t what you actually pay, since it doesn’t account for financial aid or scholarships that your child may receive. The actual amount students and/or parents need to pay is typically much lower than the published price. Students and parents can also tap federal and private student loans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[cd_ tax] 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.
Graduating college is a big deal. The time you spent in school has likely taught you a lot about the subjects you studied, being organized and meeting deadlines, and life in general. Once you have your degree, you’ll put those skills to good use as you embark on your career and independent life. No more dining hall, no more dorms…it’s time to launch adult life and figure out how to make your own way.
To help you deal with some of the basics (like a job and banking), read on. You’ll find valuable tips to help you through the first steps of post-grad life.
Life After College
Congrats on your degree! Now, on to the next challenge after graduating college. It’s time to tackle adulting, which can include such things as getting set up in your new living situation, finding your favorite brunch spot, and making new friends if your college pals have scattered to different places.
In addition, there are some major daily-life tasks to wrangle:
• Finding and holding a job
• Taking control of your health and your health insurance
• Keeping your brain active, which may lead to more studies
• Managing your money.
Read on to get some helpful advice on these last four topics (you can probably find the best brunch spot in your new neighborhood without too much help). 💡 Quick Tip: Enjoy no hidden fees and special member benefits when you refinance student loans with SoFi.
Getting to Work
Hopefully you enjoyed a few weeks off post-grad to travel or kick back and relax after four years of hard work. But what to do after college for many people is find work.
When you’re ready to begin your job search, it can be a lot to process. Chances are, it’s time to focus on taking steps towards building your career.
First off, don’t let job searching stress you out. New grads are in luck. Unemployment is low, and the labor market is strong. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies expected to hire almost 4% more class of 2023 grads than they did from the previous class.
Not sure where to look for work or what you should be earning? Research, network, and research some more.
• Your school’s career services office may provide job leads, and its alumni office may be able to network you with people in your field who can share insights.
• Search for jobs online. There are many job boards, such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, to access.
• Put out the word among friends, families, past internship supervisors, and others.
• To gain intel on starting salaries, try an online salary calculator. You provide some basic info like your location and experience, and their tool tells you what the average salary for your desired role is. While this tool can only provide an estimate, it may help you determine if you should try to negotiate for a higher salary when you receive a job offer.
Taking Your Health into Your Own Hands
As part of learning how to navigate life on your own, make sure you take the reins of your healthcare. Mom and Dad likely aren’t scheduling those biannual dental checkups for you anymore.
Whether you’re still on your parent’s policy or are buying your own health insurance, getting more familiar with the resources your healthcare plan provides is never a bad idea.
It can help you stay on top of scheduling check ups, dental cleanings, and eye exams. You may also need to learn the ropes of finding in-network doctors as you move to a new place or get your own policy.
And you might want to start saving for any unexpected medical or dental bills that may arise. Having an emergency fund at the ready can be an important step to financial wellness in this new chapter of your life.
Speaking of wellness: You may feel swamped by post-grad life, but it’s such an important time to prioritize your well-being. It might be helpful to make time to go to the gym each week, meditate, cook healthy meals, and get a good night’s sleep. Getting into good health habits is an excellent adulting accomplishment. 💡 Quick Tip: Refinancing could be a great choice for working graduates who have higher-interest graduate PLUS loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and/or private loans.
Continuing Your Learning
It’s normal after college to need a little break from learning. For the first time in your life, there is no one telling you what to read or what classes you have to take. But once the dust has settled and you’ve had a rest from hitting the books, you might try to prioritize learning. Not only does it keep your brain sharp, it can also help boost your career.
For example, you could consider obtaining a professional license related to your career or industry. According to the most recent intel from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24% of workers have some sort of professional license or certification. Having one may give you a competitive boost at work or while job searching. You can go the extra mile to develop more skills needed in your career through an online class or professional conference.
What’s more, additional learning and training could lead to a profitable side hustle or gig work. For instance, you might be able to pick up extra cash during tax season supporting professional tax preparers.
Learning-wise, not all of what you do after graduation has to go towards career advancement, of course. Take that cool history of film class at your local community college. Join a book club or just load up your bookshelf with books you’re dying to read. Exploring your passions can help you feel motivated, fulfilled, and inspired. Now is the time in your life to open doors, not close them.
Recommended: What Should I Do After My Master’s Degree?
Getting Your Finances Organized
Once you graduate from college and join the working world, it’s likely time to look at whether your current banking partner suits your needs.
It can be a wise move to look for a bank that offers a good interest rate on your deposits, convenient access, and tools that help you track your money in a quick and convenient way.
As you organize your money (and don’t forget to start that emergency fund mentioned above), you may realize that one expense that may really be bringing you down is your student loan debt payments.
The average federal student loan debt is currently $37,338, according to the Education Data Initiative. Is student loan debt weighing you down? There are a few strategies you can use to help pay off your student loan debt quicker. You might start your journey to a student loan-free life by creating a monthly budget that can help you get out of debt.
• To create a budget that can assist with paying off debt, you could start by gathering all of your bills and recent receipts. Review exactly what you need to spend on necessary living expenses (rent, food, health insurance, minimum debt payments), how much you are spending on the wants in life (travel, entertainment, clothing), and how much you can save or put toward additional debt payment.
• There are different budgeting methods, and it’s a good idea to spend a bit of time finding the one that works for you. For instance, you might like the 50/30/20 budget rule, which says to allocate 50% of your take-home pay to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and extra debt payoff.
Whichever technique you choose, do compare the cost of your living expenses to your paystubs to see how much you can afford to pay towards debt each month. Creating a budget can help you not only pay off your debt, but avoid accumulating more debt in the future.
Recommended: Which Debt to Pay Off First: Student Loan or Credit Card?
The Takeaway
Once you have your monthly budget under control, you might be considering refinancing your student loans as part of how you navigate life post-college. You may be able to lower your interest rate, lower your monthly payments by extending your repayment term, or release a co-signer from a previous loan.
Do note that lengthening your repayment term can increase the interest you’ll pay throughout the life of your loan.
Refinancing comes with many benefits, but keep in mind that you lose federal benefits and protections when you refinance federal loans with a private lender. But if you are not planning on taking advantage of these benefits, refinancing might be for you.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
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.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
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.
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.
College graduates who have been bit by the travel bug but don’t have the funds to see the world might still have the opportunity to travel by working abroad after college. Living and working in a new country may have its challenges, but the experience may also transform graduates in ways that are likely to be impressive to future employers.
The Pros and Cons of Working Abroad
Though it can be an enjoyable experience, working abroad can also have challenges. Considering both the pros and cons is recommended before making this life-changing decision.
Pro: Making Money While Traveling
Working abroad allows graduates to start their career while also having the opportunity to travel. This can be a popular post-graduation choice for students who want to travel but don’t have the funds. Moving to a new country generally makes it easier to truly explore and get to know a country better.
Traveling to nearby countries may be easy, as well. Instead of visiting a single country during a one-week vacation, traveling workers might be able to experience multiple countries and cultures.
Recommended: Ways to Be a Frugal Traveler
Pro: Learning the Language
Living abroad gives people a great opportunity to learn a new language or sharpen their skills in one they already speak. Every situation, from ordering breakfast to figuring out transportation, will give recent grads an opportunity to improve their language skills. The ability to speak more than one language might also open more doors in the job market. Being multilingual has become an increasingly desired skill, and learning a language while abroad could pay off in the future.
Con: Culture Shock
Unfamiliar surroundings. A different culture. Moving to a new country means making adjustments. People will communicate differently, eat differently, work differently. Every part of life will be new, which can be both exciting and stressful. Adjustment to life in a new place may be experienced in a range of stages, beginning with excitement and enthusiasm, with maybe some frustration in the middle, to feeling at home in new surroundings and building relationships.
Con: Language Barrier
Dealing with a language barrier can be stressful and scary. Not only can a language barrier make daily activities difficult, it can also make building relationships slow-going. This can feel isolating for people who don’t understand the local language.
Finding Jobs
Finding an international job isn’t all that different from finding one here in the states. Recent grads might consider looking on well-known job search sites or those specific to finding opportunities in other countries. Some overseas job opportunities might be found on websites for international humanitarian organizations, travel magazines, or even the United Nations.
Requirements to Work Abroad
Getting a passport or travel visa and an employment visa are important parts of preparing to work in a foreign country. Most countries grant specific work visas to international workers, but the requirements and processes for getting the visa will vary by country.
It’s also important to know whether or not fluency in the language is required. People who are not fluent in a language other than English and do not want to learn before moving may want to consider countries where English is the official language.
Employment Abroad
Graduates who like to think long term may want to consider applying for jobs with global companies that have positions in multiple countries, including the United States. This may open up opportunities to move back to the U.S. in the future.
One popular choice for working abroad is teaching English. A teaching degree may or may not be required, so make sure to check the requirements in the country you are considering.
Another popular option is to look for seasonal work, such as jobs in the tourism industry. This can include working at a ski resort, a hostel, or bartending at a local restaurant. People who enjoy caring for children might be interested in working as an au pair, which typically includes room and board in addition to a salary.
Other Post-Graduation Decisions
Finding a job isn’t the only task that begins after graduation. Once a student graduates, drops below half-time enrollment, or withdraws from school, the task of paying back student loans begins. Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Federal Family Education Loan borrowers have a six-month grace period before they’re required to start making payments. Students who took out a Perkins loan have a nine-month grace period.
Refinancing student loans into one new loan may offer borrowers a lower interest rate or different terms than their existing loans. Both federal and private student loans can be refinanced, but when federal student loans are refinanced by a private lender, the borrower loses federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs, deferment, and forbearance.
The Takeaway
Whether your future employment is in the U.S. or in a foreign country, there are many options to consider. Pros of working abroad after college include gaining new work and life experiences, learning a new language, and making money while traveling. Cons of working abroad include experiencing culture shock and language barriers, and possibly missing out on events back at home.
However, no matter where your future employment takes you, if you have a student loan, repayment will follow.
If refinancing a student loan is something you’re considering, SoFi has options that may work for your situation. Saving money is simple with SoFi’s online application process, low fixed or variable rates, and flexible terms.
See if you pre-qualify for student loan refinancing with SoFi.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
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.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
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.
When students take a gap year, they typically take a semester or year off between high school and college in order to take advantage of experiential learning. While extraordinary opportunities may be awaiting you, you may struggle to think of ways to pay for the experience.
If that’s the case, there are options that may help you pay for your gap year — beyond funding the costs out of pocket. Continue reading for more information on options you may want to consider should you find yourself in need of help funding your non-classroom experience.
Gap Year, Explained
First of all, what is a gap year and why do people take them?
Students may choose to take a semester or year off with the goal of getting a break from academics and prior to diving into postsecondary education. Students may choose to complete an internship, travel, study on their own, volunteer, or pursue other interests. Some students choose to pursue a gap year with the intention of discovering what it is that they want to major in or the career path they’d like to pursue.
Many students report a developed self- and cultural awareness, increased independence, and confidence after taking a gap year.
Students may choose to apply to colleges and universities during their senior year (and let colleges know of their plans to take a gap year), during their gap year or after they’ve completed their gap year. Waiting until later often gives them the advantage of being able to report on what they’ve learned during their time away from academics.
In some instances, a gap year may also be something for a student to do after college or in-between college and post-graduate study.
Planning Out Your Gap Year
It’s important to plan out your gap year ahead of time so you have a plan for how you’ll spend your time. It can be easy to waste time when you break from a traditional schedule. Having a plan ensures that you’ll have a better chance of achieving your goals — you might even curb expenses as well.
It may be helpful to break your plan down into measurable goals. For example, if you plan to travel, write down where you’d like to be on specific dates so you don’t miss any of your intended milestones. It’s also a good idea to budget for your gap year ahead of time so you know how much it will cost and the amount you’ll need per week or month to live on.
Options for Financing Your Gap Year
You can always finance your gap year with cash you or your parents have saved or with money from a well-meaning grandparent. However, not everyone has cash bankrolling their gap year. Let’s take a look at a few ways you may want to consider financing your gap year.
Gap Year Scholarship or Grant
A private entity may offer you a gap year grant or scholarship. A scholarship is free money that you don’t have to pay back that can come from a wide variety of entities, including clubs, organizations, foundations, charities, businesses, the government and individuals. It’s possible to find scholarships specifically for gap years, particularly for students who want to volunteer, improve certain skills, volunteer, develop a talent, or complete another type of experiential learning.
Grants are also a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. Grants may also help you fund your gap year without having to repay the money. However, it’s important to check into the fine print on both college grants and scholarships to ensure that you fit the criteria. (Some scholarships and grants require you to get college credit in order to qualify.)
529 Account or College Savings
If you or your parents have college savings set aside in a brokerage account, savings or checking account, or a certificate of deposit (CD), you may want to use this money to pay for gap year expenses.
A 529 plan is an investment account that offers investment opportunities and tax advantages when used to pay for qualified education expenses. You may take withdrawals from a 529 plan to pay for qualified educational expenses for tuition, room, board, fees, books, equipment for classes, and other supplies at an accredited institution. If you meet these requirements, you won’t pay federal income tax.
However, if you spend the money on an expense that doesn’t qualify as a higher education cost (such as your plane ticket to go overseas). Be careful when using your 529 savings unless you’re attending a specific program through an accredited institution.
Find a Paid Internship or Part-Time Job
Obtaining a paid internship or part-time job can help you float some or all of the expenses of a gap year. For example, if you plan to spend your year volunteering at soup kitchens throughout a major city, a part-time job may help you pay for transportation to get there and also other living expenses. On the other hand, if you intend to use your gap year to gain work experience to discover your career goals, a paid internship may help you take care of all of your living expenses.
Recommended: Jobs to Help Pay for School Expenses
Apply for Financial Aid
Financial aid can refer to a wide range of types of money to pay for credits at college or career school.
Some gap year programs offer college credit, so you may be able to apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA can give you access to grants, federal student loans, and other opportunities.
While you may have never had any intention of taking college credit during a gap year (you may feel that it defeats the purpose of a gap year!) but taking a college-credit class or two as part of your experience or doing a credit-based gap year program may help cover some of your costs.
Personal Loans
Taking out a personal loan involves borrowing money from a bank, online lender, or credit union that you repay in fixed installments. Personal loans are not backed by collateral, which also means they are called unsecured loans. (Secured loans, on the other hand, are backed by collateral, such as a house.) Personal loans often carry higher interest rates than some other types of loans. It may be difficult for someone to get a personal loan without a cosigner if they don’t have a long history of building credit.
It’s a good idea to be careful about taking out a personal loan due to these higher interest rates and having to bring a cosigner on board. That cosigner could end up paying for your loan if you default on the loan and ultimately, it could affect both of your credit scores.
Using Private Student Loans to Finance Gap Year
Private student loans are student loans that come from a bank, credit union, or other private lender. You probably cannot use private student loans to finance your time off from school if you plan to backpack across Europe, but if you do take a few classes as part of a gap year program, you may be able to use private loans to cover your costs. Check with lenders about their requirements before you apply and whether or not a particular program will qualify.
The Takeaway
A gap year can help “gappers” explore career goals, develop confidence, volunteer, and more. If you’re thinking carefully about a gap year, you also might be worried about the cost of taking that time off. Consider putting together a list of costs, goals, and plans so you can make sure that your gap year goes off without a hitch. From there, you can start planning how you’ll cover your expenses during your time away from the classroom.
Finally, don’t forget that you can always put together a combination of sources of funding. For example, you can pay for your gap year with a combination of scholarships, money saved, and internship money.
3 Student Loan Tips
Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.
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.
It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.
SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no fees.
FAQ
How much should I budget for a gap year?
The amount you should budget for a gap year depends on your personal circumstances. It also depends on what you plan to do. Living at home with your parents and volunteering in your community will likely cost less than hopping on a plane and spending a year abroad. No matter what your plan, it’s best to get an estimate of your expenses ahead of time and then use that as a basis for your budget throughout your gap year.
How can I get funding for a gap year?
There are many ways to get funding for a gap year. Depending on your situation and circumstances, you may consider tapping into scholarships, grants, a 529 account, college savings, through a paid internship or part-time job, financial aid, personal loans or private student loans. There’s no single way to fund your gap year, and you may also want to consider a combination of different sources to pay for it.
How long should a gap year be?
A gap year can be any length of time, but they typically last between two weeks and one year.
Photo credit: iStock/Pekic
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
I (Mark Ferguson) will hold 4 in-person masterminds in Colorado in 2024. I love doing these because it gives people from all over the country a chance to meet, learn about each other’s business, give advice, get advice, and think outside the box. I attended a mastermind like this a few years ago and loved how much it helped my business and helped me to think bigger and consider things I have never thought of. It is easy to get stuck in your business and stuck in your ways if it is only you trying to figure everything out.
Register your Mastermind seat >>
Who is Mark Ferguson?
I will be the first to tell you that I am not for everyone. I hold these events because I feel I can offer value to people well above and beyond the cost. The people who I can help the most are go-getters, are willing to take some risks, want more than the status quo out of life, and are open-minded to new ideas.
I started in real estate in 2002 after college, where I obtained a business finance degree. I started very small painting houses, doing landscaping, and running errands for my dad who was an agent and flipped houses once in a while. Eventually, I got my real estate license, started helping with the flipping business, and still made very little money. My life changed when I took control, started cold calling banks to get foreclosure listings and started my own career. I then bought rental properties, always making sure to get awesome deals. Eventually, I built up the flipping business, bought out my dad, started my own office, and began to buy commercial and multifamily real estate. In the last few years, I started buying businesses that came with the real estate like a liquor store, laundromat, car wash, and more. Through all of this, I documented my journey through social media, YouTube, and my blog Investfourmore.com. At these masterminds I am willing to talk about anything and everything that I have done, do, or plan to do.
When are the mastermind events?
I have had a couple of these masterminds in the past but this year I wanted to go bigger and better by scheduling them well ahead of time and giving people multiple dates to attend. All of these will be held in my office Blue Steel Real Estate in Greeley Colorado. We will also be taking trips to see some of my projects (rentals, files, businesses) so I can show you exactly what I do and why. We may also look at a property for sale to show you what I look for in a deal and why.
Here are the dates:
Winter 2024: January 8th and 9th
Spring 2024: April 22nd and 23rd
Summer 2024: July 22nd and 23rd
Fall 2024: October 21st and 22nd
Register your Mastermind seat >>
How intense are these events?
When I hold a mastermind it is 2 days packed full of information and interaction. You will not just be interacting with me but with other people in the group who are real estate investors or business owners as well. We spend all day talking with each other, visiting properties, visiting my staff, and going over each other’s business so that we can all help each other do better. I also give specific training on finding deals, finding financing, and repairing and maintaining properties.
Are these serious or fun events?
I am very serious about business but I am also very laid back and know that being mad or blaming others won’t fix my problems. I am also a fan of laughing and having fun. We pack a lot of information into these events, but we also have some fun, mostly making fun of myself. These events come with meals, and time to relax as well. You don’t have to worry about offending me or making me mad because that is virtually impossible.
What is the agenda for the mastermind?
The heart of the mastermind is going over each person’s current business and plans. We will dedicate a large chunk of time to brainstorming ideas, sharing experiences, and offering support and ideas to each other. We will also take a field trip to a few of my projects including flips I am working on, businesses I own and run like the laundromats or liquor store (maybe something else if I buy something new), and some rental properties (commercial, multifamily or residential). There will also be scheduled dinners and if anyone wants a house or garage tour that is in the books as well.
Are there any discounts for the mastermind?
If you want to bring a spouse or business partner I do offer a discount for the second person as long as they are sharing the same business plan. If you want to attend multiple events there is also a discount available. Please just email me below.
How do I learn more and sign up?
Learn more and register your Mastermind seat here >>
Donations
For each ticket sold, I will donate $500 to charity. I have picked out my charity and it is Get the Facts Out Organization which helps develop and recruit students to become teachers. I am on the board of this nonprofit and it is making a massive impact on the teaching industry. The world and the US need more teachers, especially STEM teachers and this group is doing a great job tackling this growing problem.
Have questions?
Check out the registration page at investfourmore.com/mastermind.
If you have questions about the discounts mentioned or any of the details, you can also contact me here.
When you’re in college, you likely want to choose a major that will lead to a successful and enjoyable career. If you’re a business marketing major, you may wonder whether the education you’re getting now will pay off in terms of the type of job you’ll qualify for after you graduate, and what you can earn.
Here’s a look at what you can expect as a marketing major — both during college and after you graduate.
What Does a Marketing Major Learn?
As a marketing major, you will learn various aspects and strategies for promoting a company or product, creating brand awareness, and building relationships with customers.
You may study marketing tools like social media, content marketing, and advertising, as well as public relations, sales, marketing strategy, and consumer behavior.
Once you complete your degree, you should have a thorough understanding of how to employ these tools and tactics in the real world on behalf of your employer. 💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.
Who Is It Good For?
If you’re still trying to determine the best college major and are considering marketing, here’s some insight into the type of person who might thrive in a marketing career.
If you’re curious about how brands connect with customers and find yourself analyzing ads in magazines and on television, you might be a natural marketer. Marketers are typically creative and good communicators; you’ll need that ingenuity to come up with innovative marketing campaigns to compete with others in a given industry.
Depending on the job you get after college, you may work with a team on campaigns, or you may be solely in charge of doing multiple different tasks on your own. Ideally, you’ll be excited and confident about sharing your ideas for projects.
If you’ve got an analytical mind, so much the better. You’ll be able to analyze data to better understand what types of marketing efforts are working to reach your audience and which aren’t.
Recommended: 20 of the Most Popular College Majors
Why Consider Marketing?
Marketing isn’t a trendy or even industry-specific career; it’s one that every brand on earth needs. As a result, there will likely always be careers in marketing. Because marketing is what propels a company to sell products or services, it has a return on investment, and that means that companies are willing to also invest in smart marketing professionals.
Everywhere you look, there’s marketing, from the product placement in your favorite television show to the daily Instagram posts from influencers that offer “sponsored content.” Being a part of this exciting field gives you the opportunity to shape how consumers connect with brands.
Recommended: How Do You Change Your Major?
What Jobs Can a Marketing Major Get?
So you’ve majored in marketing and now you want to know your career options. What does a marketing major do after graduating? And what professional goals can you set down the road, once you’ve had more experience?
Entry-Level Marketing Jobs
Depending on your specific interest in marketing, there are several paths you could take after graduation.
If you enjoy working with advertising, you could get work as a media buyer, who is in charge of purchasing ads, both digital and print, to achieve marketing goals. Average annual salaries can be as high as $80,195.
If you enjoy dabbling in different aspects of marketing, you could be a marketing coordinator. You might be a part of planning and launching marketing campaigns and events, managing email marketing, and writing content for different platforms. The national average annual salary is $51,283.
If you lit up in your public relations coursework, a public relations assistant might be a good first job. You’ll be tasked with creating press releases and pitch letters, and connecting with the media to get interviews and media coverage for your brand. Salaries vary, but the average is around $42,642 a year.
Recommended: Return on Education for Bachelor’s Degrees
Marketing Jobs for More Experienced Professionals
Once you have a bit of experience in your entry-level marketing job, you may be eligible for a promotion or could qualify for a more advanced role with a different company like the following ones.
A public relations manager has approximately six to eight years of experience working in PR. In addition to building relationships with journalists and influencers and securing media coverage for a brand, this role may also hire and manage other PR roles as well as writers and designers. The average salary for this role is around $62,810.
A marketing director could be a good goal after you build experience as a marketing coordinator and have five to 10 years of marketing experience. This role is involved in the planning of marketing activities, building a budget, and forecasting sales. You may oversee a marketing team, including internal staff and freelancers. The average salary for this position is approximately $141,490, but can vary widely.
Another option once you have one to five years of experience, specifically in sales, is as a sales manager. This role analyzes sales data to shape sales and pricing strategy and may train or manage sales staff. The average salary for a sales manager is $107,500.
Launching Your Own Marketing Business
You’re not limited to working for someone else in your marketing career; many professionals get experience under their belt by working for companies of all sizes, then decide to open their own business. That could be a one-person content marketing business run out of your home or a PR firm with office space and staff.
Starting your own business gives you the flexibility of working when you want, and to choose exactly the marketing, advertising, or PR services you want to specialize in. It does, however, require plenty of hard work and dedication: without the stability of a regular paycheck, you aren’t guaranteed to make a certain amount of money.
Recommended: Ca$h Course: A Student’s Guide to Money
What Can a Marketing Major Earn?
Understandably, you want some reassurance that what you’ll make in your career after graduating will help you quickly pay off any student debt and help you become financially successful.
Generally, students can expect to make the least right after graduating, since they’ll have little to no work experience. Salary expectations for entry-level marketing positions can vary based on factors like where you live and the industry you want to work in. Some companies may offer hiring bonuses or commission on top of that salary.
As you build experience, your salary will generally increase. Again, this will depend on your specific experience and accomplishments as well as the industry and company you work for. 💡 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.
The Takeaway
Only you know whether marketing is a field that you will thrive in and enjoy being a part of, but suffice it to say that there is an opportunity to learn a wide range of marketing skills and career advancement potential if you’re willing to put in the work to climb that corporate ladder.
Of course, as a student, you’re still a long way from earning a sizable salary, and coming up with enough funds to cover the high cost of college can be challenging. Fortunately, no matter what you’re thinking about majoring in, you have a range of funding options, including grants, scholarships, federal work-study programs, and both federal and private student loans.
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.
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.
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.
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.