Each week, the Students in the Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, with assistance from a group of respected business people, will answer your financial questions. What are some smart ways to use your tax refund? Invest the money you receive into some type of Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Whether you receive a small or large amount on your tax refund you can make a great investment by starting a retirement fund. Any money you can contribute to this account will earn interest over time, therefore making this a wise financial decision. Use this extra money to pay off some debt. By making a payment on debt you have, you will not only reduce the principle that you owe, but you will also lower the amount of interest that … Read entire article »

Each week, the Students in the Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, with assistance from a group of respected business people, will answer your financial questions. What are employers looking for when hiring college graduates? With graduation around the corner, this is an important question for all of us to review. Employers look for many things, but here are few that stand out. Education plus application is necessary in this competitive job market. Students who join career-related organizations, volunteer their time using skills that are applicable to their field and take on internship opportunities will be at a competitive advantage compared to those who only took the necessary courses to graduate. Having a global perspective is another important skill. As business turns more international, employers … Read entire article »

Each week, the Students in the Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, with assistance from a group of respected business people, will answer your financial questions. How can a college student best start preparing for the monetary needs of life after college? The first and foremost thing that you can do to prepare for this new experience is to save, save, save your money. Once you are out of college and working full time, you are probably going to be making more than enough money to support yourself. The key at this point is to put away as much money as you possibly can. A “rainy day fund” is always a good place to start. This is a separate fund designated to save between three and six months … Read entire article »