The Battalion Adulting 101 Special Edition by The Battalion

ADULTING

101

Things they don’t teach in school

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 || LETTER FROM THE STAFF BY LINDSEY GOLDEN

04 || ADULT MANNERISMS BY SHELBY MCVEY

05 || RESUMES BY CADE DRAUGHON

06 || NUTRITION BY KATEN ADAMS

07 || APPOINTMENT ANXIETY BY SHELBY MCVEY

08 || RELATIONSHIP ADVICE BY LINDSEY GOLDEN

09 || WORKPLACE CONFLICT BY RYAN FAULKNER

10 || ALCOHOL AWARENESS BY RYAN FAULKNER

Photo by Ronnie Mata

BUYING A VEHICLE || 11 BY TOMAS ROMO

401(K)S AND BUDGETING || 12 BY BENJAMIN FIGUEROA & PEYTON REED

CREDIT SCORES || 13 BY ELLIE PENA

ENTREPRENEURISM || 14 BY MACKENZIE FINCH

STUDENT LOANS || 15 BY BENJAMIN FIGUEROA

JOUR 303 STAFF Lindsey Golden Editor-in-Chief Mackenzie Finch, Assist. Editor-in-Chief Cori Eckert, Managing Editor - Design Katen Adams, Photo and Graphics Editor Ryan Faulkner, Copy Editor Shelby McVey, Social Media Editor Reporters & Contributors Benjamin Figueroa, Cade Draughon, Tomas Romo, Sidney Hinz, Ellie Pena, Peyton Reed

ADULTING 101: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

What does the Texas A&M W Foundation do?

Words of wisdom, encouragement from JOUR 303’s latest package By Lindsey Golden

hether you’re an incoming freshman or a graduating senior, everyone has come to the shocking realization: we’re adults. Maybe we thought that, by now, we’d have everything figured out. Instead, we are still cooking ramen packets six times a week. This package is dedicated to ensuring you

have the necessary tools and skills to navigate this “adulting” lifestyle, from what groceries to buy with a college budget to how to start a business. Being an adult is not easy, but we hope this package can give you some answers or insight into the difficult aspects of “adulting” not many people will talk to you about. The good news is that you are not in this alone. We are in this together. We will figure out, somehow, what it means to be an adult, or maybe we won’t, but this package sheds light on what being an adult is supposed to mean. Be in healthy relationships. Learn how to budget. Ultimately, take care of yourself.

Simply put, we build a brighter future for Texas A&M University, one relationship at a time. As a nonprofit organization and the primary academic fundraising institution for Texas A&M, we partner with former students, corporations and friends to help them create gifts for the university. Their philanthropic investments fund scholarships, support research and finance new facilities so that this special place we call Aggieland can change lives and the world for generations to come. Learn more at txamfoundation.com.

This package was produced by the JOUR 303 class in collaboration with The Battalion. Cover photo by Mackenzie Finch Photo by Ronnie Mata

ADULTING

Act like an adult (Even if you don’t feel like one)

By Shelby McVey

Making the transition from college to the working world can be a serious challenge. Professionalism oftentimes is expected but unspoken, making it difficult to navigate the do’s and don’ts of the adult world. Self-awareness, empathy and motivation are just some of the functions expected of adults that may reside under the radar, according to the New York Times. How someone carries themselves as an individual affects the way in which they navigate group and social interactions. For example, knowing how to read the room and hold an appropriate conversation affects how an individual is accepted in a group. Dinner table etiquette is just one example of how formal manners can go wrong, without realizing it. Texas A&M’s Graduate Business Career Services, managed through the Mays Business School, holds periodic formal dinners to teach students proper dining etiquette. Table manners, such as knowing to pass items to the right, what is an appropriate tip and simply how to sit at the table, are just some of the do’s and don’ts that Mays teaches interested students looking to navigate the business world. Nevertheless, having a good set of manners is the underlying common denominator in being a professional and functioning adult in society. Professionals are expected to chew with their mouths closed, be open to listen to others’ opinions that may differentiate from their own and learn to admit when they’ve made a mistake. According to HealthyPlace, all of these scenarios, and more, need to be practiced in order to help build self esteem, whether an individual recognizes them or not.

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SPEAK WITH INTENTION

LOOK EVERYONE IN THE EYE USE A FIRM HANDSHAKE

Photo by Mackenzie Finch

Provided by Business Insider, there are six steps young professionals can take to succeed in the adult world.

Here is a list of appropriate adult mannerisms that should be practiced in the real world, according to Business Insider:

• Respond to others in a rational manner. Know how to hold calm conversations, especially when facing opposition. • Be open for discussion and listen actively to the conversation. • Know when to say “no.” • Find something in common with everyone. This gives the chance to make friends in any kind of environment. • Look everyone in the eye when talking to them or listening to their point of view. This shows a mutual respect and understanding. • Ask for help. Although “adulting” is about knowing how to be independent, it’s totally okay to not know what to do.

Whether an individual recognizes some of these beneficial skills within the list or not, being a true adult falls back on being able to take full responsibility for actions and being able to successfully function within society.

ADULTING After graduating college, the job search begins. In order to get the best job, it’s important to be prepared to showcase talents and abilities that will draw in employers. A resume is the easiest and most important way to showcase experience, accomplishments, assets and skills. A resume should be used to help an individual secure an interview and be a vital tool in showing the employer that they are the right fit for the job. “There is no prescriptive way that a resume should look, but it should include information about your education, work experience, or organizations you have been a part of outside of school,” Bradley Matthews, associate director of liberal arts career services and federal employment, said. According to the Texas A&M Career Center, an effective resume includes an objective statement, an education section, an experience section and skills section, along with things such as leadership activities, honors and awards and research experiences. An objective statement is a short summary of what kind of work is being sought out, along with a summary of the purpose and goals the job-seeker hopes to achieve. A resume should include education institutions, a graduation date, major and GPA. “Highlighting projects that you have done in upper-level classwork is beneficial because it shows your employers what knowledge you have learned through your courses,” Matthews said. Work experience should also be listed giving the company name, title of the position held, time worked there and a short description of what the responsibilities were. Once an interview has been landed, an important skill to know is negotiating a salary, which according to the Career Center, can make an interviewee thousands of extra dollars per year. In order to know how much money to ask for, research must be done on the typical pay for the desired position. Salary calculators and cost of living calculators can give a realistic range of how much should be asked for. “Salary negotiation can be anxiety inducing, especially if it’s your first time,” Matthews said. “Students always ask me if it’s worth it, and I always tell them that they should take advantage of it if they feel like they could get a better offer.” A job seeker should go into the interview knowing their worth and have an idea of the lowest amount they would take and stick to it. After stating their case, they should make it known they are thankful for the interview and determine if the offer is right for them.

Know your worth in the job search How to write a resume and negotiate salary By Cade Draughon

Photo by Katen Adams

Writing a good resume is an essential skill to landing a desired job, and knowing how to negotiate a salary can improve chances for long-term success.

ADULTING

Fast lifestyle, quick food Making healthy meals on a college budget

By Katen Adams

It is common for college students to prioritize other aspects of their lives instead of healthy eating habits, leading them to pull into the closest drive-through and order fast food. Meghan Windham, a registered dietitian for Texas A&M, guides students wanting to learn more about their food choices. The foundation of a person’s eating style is built in the college-age range, so establishing healthy behaviors is important, Windham said. When there is a lack of kitchen space because of roommates or dorms, paired with an inability to visit the grocery store, often due to budgets, Windham said she recommends frozen or canned fruits and vegetables because they are reasonably priced and have longer shelf lives, according to eatright. Canned meats such as tuna, chicken and salmon are atypical options that are overlooked, Windham said. “We often think that canned products are not healthy, [or that] we shouldn’t be consuming them. That is far from the truth,” Windham said. “There’s a lot of great nutrition in our canned fruit and vegetables, they are very budget-friendly [and] they take up very little space.” Windham suggests a chicken quesadilla that includes:

• • • • • • •

Canned Chicken (drained) Canned black beans (rinsed and drained) Canned corn (drained) Whole grain or corn tortillas Shredded cheese Taco seasoning Any additional items like guacamole

Meal prepping is a cost-effective option for college students. Instead of cooking one piece of chicken, cook the full package and use it throughout the week for different meals such as chicken pasta or a sandwich, Windham said.

Cooked poultry or meat can last up to four days in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer, according to FoodSafety.gov. In the college-aged range, there is an overconsumption of fast food and underconsumption of fruits and vegetables that can cause an imbalanced diet, Windham said. High caloric intake has been associated with fast food as well as increased fat and sodium, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.

• Help Guide offers tips for picking healthier options while pressed for time in the fast-food driveway: • Sodas are loaded with calories, and replacing this option with zero-calorie drinks helps with intake • Choose lean grilled meats instead of breaded or fried items • Trade fat for fiber and protein. Replace a bacon topping with less fat and calories, like tomatoes.

Photo by Katen Adams

Because of its lengthened shelftime and storage options, canned foods are often preferred over fresh vegetables.

“It’s not that fast food is bad,” Windham said. “I think there’s a lot of calories and [poor] nutrition that goes into some of those meals, depending on where we choose them.” A&M’s Student Health Services hosts guided grocery store tours where students have the opportunity to learn about label reading, marketing facts and how to make informed choices to know exactly what they are buying, Windham said. “The world we live in is very fast-paced and it’s here and now,” Windham said. “Moderation is key, [when] enjoying all foods.”

Graphic by Katen Adams

ADULTING

Combatting healthcare appointment anxiety Making healthcare appointments does not need to be stressful

By Shelby McVey

Picking up the phone and making a medical appointment can be anxiety-inducing for anyone with little experience or for those doing it for the first time. However, only 3% of the population is actually afraid of doctors, and the rest is actually linked to fear of the unknown. This fear causes individuals to procrastinate making important appointments, Elizabeth Matchett, licensed counselor, said. “Individuals could be anxious when making an appointment [because] they are afraid to talk to the person on the other end of the phone, whether that person is in a bad mood or it could be that the caller doesn’t want to bother the person making the appointment,” Matchett said. Planning beforehand can help both those making the appointment and the medical staff, Matchett said. Having all available information organized before the call helps reduce the anxiety callers may feel by having some control over the phone call. “I would suggest having a script written out for those that just can’t relay the information over the phone without being anxious,” Matchett said. “Date of birth, address, phone number, what is the problem, insurance information.” With the development of online check-in and appointment set-up, those with a fear of picking up the phone have the opportunity to bypass the person on the other end of the line and reduce the amount of time it takes to

actually make the appointment. Making an appointment over the phone, on average, takes around eight minutes, according to healthleaders. In comparison, utilizing online appointment scheduling only takes about a minute for users to navigate. Most local doctor’s offices, like the Brazos Valley Women’s Center, offer an online patient portal and app where all available patient information can be found after their first appointment and any future appointments can be scheduled. In the cases where online scheduling isn’t available, here is a checklist of steps Matchett suggests callers utilize to get them through the phone call:

• Be prepared with multiple days and times that are convenient. • Have information already written down, or have a script written and rehearsed. • Stay focused on the reason for the phone call.

If worse comes to worst, have someone in a close proximity aid in the phone call in case more information is needed by the person on the other end making the appointment.

Graphic by Shelby McVey

Here is a list of well-known scheduling apps and websites where users can schedule appointments, immunizations and pharmacy needs:

TELEDOC.COM SHS.TAMU.EDU UTPHYSICIANS.COM

BSWHEALTH.COM WALGREENS CVS PHARMACY

ADULTING

Relationship

red flags

How to spot toxic behaviors from romantic partners By Lindsey Golden & Mackenzie Finch

Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is abuse or aggression that encompasses physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, pyschological aggression and other forms of abuse that occur in a romantic relationship, according to the Center for Diease Control and Prevention, or CDC. IPV is common, and 43 million women and 38 million men have reported they have experienced psychological aggression from a partner. Abuse, disrespect or controlling behaviors can be signs of a non-beneficial relationship, Annmarie MacNamara, assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Science at Texas A&M and licensed psychologist, said. It can be harder to see red flags when in a toxic relationship, according to Healthline. Feeling drained or unhappy after hanging out with someone’s significant other could be an indicator that something is wrong in a relationship, Jor-El Caraballo, relationship therapist, said. “If you feel that the relationship is … taking energy rather than giving you energy, does not make you feel good about who you are… or doesn’t allow you to be who you want to be, those might all be indications that something needs to change,” MacNamara said. Signs of a toxic relationship can include name-calling and put-downs, gaslighting -- an action which makes a person question their feelings, intuition and stability -physical violence, diminished self-worth and more, according to Healthline. “Sometimes [we] prefer what we’re used to over everything else … we gravitate toward it because it feels more secure,” MacNamara said. “[We] also [might] be scared of being alone.” After noticing the signs of a non-beneficial relationship, Kristen Fuller, M.D., recommends:

• • • • •

Graphic by Katen Adams

Seeking help Expressing feelings Making a decision on if staying in or leaving a relationship Prioritizing environments of positivity Sticking with decisions, once decided, to leave a person

ADULTING

Avoiding workplace conflict Communication key to success

By Ryan Faulkner

Conflict is inevitable, as it has been for centuries. But in today’s climate, conflict has found a new battlefield on which it can wage war: the workplace. Even if working virtually from home, people are forced to communicate with their bosses, peers and subordinates on a daily basis, James Kevin Barge, Ph.D., said. “The ability to manage conflict is really key to working in a multicultural workplace,” Barge said. “If we cannot manage conflict in those kinds of arenas, it’s going to be very difficult for us to be successful both as individuals and also for the organization.” Because of this guaranteed existence of conflict in a work environment, Barge said finding a way to manage it is essential to anyone’s success in the future. The professor, a staple in Texas A&M’s Department of Communication within the College of Liberal Arts, said conflict can actually act as a beneficial opportunity to better an organization’s productivity and success. “Conflict, in many regards, is unavoidable, and it shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as negative,” Barge said. “Conflict can be very productive, so it may be possible to avoid conflict, but it’s more likely we will engage in conflict at some point in our organizational lives.” One common workplace conflict that often arises is miscommunication through technology. How each person communicates via email, text or phone call, among other methods, is entirely dependent on how they were taught to share information, Barge said. While one party may be strict and emphasize specificity, another could rely on abbreviations and emoji, which can muddle the transfer of messaging between the two. Barge said conflict management in the workplace requires that all parties involved adhere to a set of three “principles,” or guiding values fundamental to successful resolution:

• Curiosity • Brainstorming • Evaluation Curiosity This principle is about a person’s willingness to learn more about other parties in a conflict. The inability to be actively curious throughout a conflict can often lead to someone’s perception or stance being one-sided or close-minded, which can be detrimental to reaching a resolution, Barge said. “Focus on what is motivating them, what their core values are and what their beliefs are that are driving this particular conflict,” Barge said. “If we can understand their underlying motivations, it’s more likely to create wise agreements based on shared and different interests in creative ways.”

Graphic by Ryan Faulkner

Brainstorming Once there is a mutual understanding between two parties in a conflict, a greater emphasis is placed on brainstorming solutions. During this process, any number of plans can be proposed, as it becomes a matter of quantity over quality, Barge said. “It’s about trying to invent options that meet my interests and your interests at the same time,” Barge said. Evaluation The ability to evaluate different proposals from the brainstorming stage is what eventually leads to conflict resolution, Barge said. Once all possibilities are “on the table,” the parties can evaluate each potential solution and determine its feasibility. Doing so properly requires a laid-out set of factors and a mutual agreement of how important each aspect of a solution is. “If you manage the conversation in a particular way, you may be able to come to a resolution,” Barge said. “That’s where you have to have a conversation with the person you’re in conflict with about what the appropriate criteria are.” So, managing conflict is not only a good skill to have, but is also vital to finding success in any field in which communication with others is required. This is one of the most important strengths a college-aged student can develop before entering the workforce, Barge said. “The ability to manage conflict is really key to working in a multicultural workplace,” Barge said. “If we cannot manage conflict in those kinds of arenas, it’s going to be very difficult for us to be successful both as individuals and also for the organization.”

ADULTING

Eat, drink, be merry

10 you’re mixing it with,” Heiar said. “So if you are in a state where marijuana is legal, everyone would respond to that drug differently. “It’s not really a one-size-fits-all thing, so you would want to be aware that if you’re now combining two different drugs. You could have reactions that aren’t what you’re hoping for.”

Substance abuse: Warnings and recovery When is drinking beyond someone’s control? The National Institute of Mental Health defines a Substance Use Disorder, or SUD, as a mental disorder characterized by a person’s “inability to control their use of substances.” Development of SUD because of alcohol dependency is a real possibility of which many people are not aware, said Heiar. Over 14.5 million Americans suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder in 2019. For an otherwise-functional adult in the workforce, SUD can derail their personal and professional life. Missing work, not submitting projects, causing relationship issues or experiencing withdrawal symptoms are examples, Heiar said. “There’s different signs that people can look out for, but in a nutshell, anytime alcohol is inBy Ryan Faulkner terfering with somebody’s daily quality of life, that’s a red flag,” Heiar said. “Substance use disorder, if left untreated, could lead to addiction, and anybody can become addicted to a substance.” The intensity of SUD can vary, and some people may find themselves more or less able to overcome the disorder on their own, Heiar said. “Depending on how far along someone is, some people may be able to set limits for themselves. They can start cutting back and say, ‘OK, I’m only going to have two drinks tonight Nearly 2,000 college-aged Americans die each year from alcohol-related causes. and then that’s it,’” Heiar said. “But for others, it might be more difficult, and they may need This number is unacceptable to Sarah Beth Heiar, health promotion coordinator for Texas to seek help, like Counseling and Psychological Services.” A&M’s Offices of the Dean of Student Life.

Safety first when it comes to alcohol consumption

Legal consumption: Is this OK? Beginning at age 21, anyone can purchase alcohol in all 50 U.S. states. This personal milestone roughly aligns with when college students are getting ready to graduate and enter the workforce. Proximity to alcohol — at least in certain settings — is a near-guarantee. Knowing when and how it’s safe and appropriate to drink keeps alcohol from becoming a matter of life or death. Blood alcohol content, or BAC, is both a medical and legal classification used to determine someone’s level of intoxication, Heiar explained. Based on the grams of alcohol in someone’s system for every 100 milliliters of blood, the person’s weight and the gender assigned at birth are the biggest influences on their BAC, Heiar said. Across the nation, a BAC of 0.08% is considered legally intoxicated. In Texas, a person with this level is no longer allowed to drive. Consuming alcohol is only considered to be safe when under this threshold, Heiar said. “Past that point is where the negative effects of alcohol start kicking in, so that’s where we lose our ability to concentrate, we become a little bit more sluggish and our reaction times are a lot lower,” Heiar said. Other laws do provide exceptions, depending on location. In Texas, parents can supply minors with alcohol so long as they are the minor’s legal guardian. Other rules vary by state.

Editor’s note: As of presstime, recreational marijuana use is not legal in Texas. The information in the article on this drug was not provided as an endorsement, but rather as a disclaimer acknowledging its use in other states. Further, legal marijuana use in another state can still have negative repercussions if a drug test is failed in Texas.

Safety first: “Harm reduction” It’s important to take steps to reduce bad outcomes to increase personal safety when alcohol is involved, a measure Heiar defined as “harm reduction.”

• • • • • •

Eat at least 30 minutes before drinking alcohol Alternate alcoholic beverages with water Order drinks with ice in them Find an “accountability buddy” Only bring a limited amount of money to bars Limit drinking to weekends or social settings only

Part of the harm reduction process, Heiar said, is recognizing that alcohol itself is a drug. Mixing alcohol with other controlled substances increases negative side effects of either the alcohol or drug that may not exist when used alone. Recreational marijuana use — which is not legal in Texas — can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, breathing issues, cognitive malfunctions and anxiety when mixed with drinking alcohol. “The thing about alcohol is that it is a type of drug, and you want to be really careful what

Photo by Katen Adams

Legal consumption and harm reduction process crucial precautions necessary to avoid substance abuse.

ADULTING

From car lot to parking spot Tips and options for purchasing and maintaining a vehicle

By Tomas Romo

Purchasing a vehicle is one of the first stages of adulthood. When buying from a dealership, the car can be new, used or leased. These options are offered to make purchasing a car more affordable, and most dealerships include vehicle maintenance and upkeep in the price for the vehicle. Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s best to look at a budget calculator, which calculates the price of the car payment, insurance rate, gas, maintenance and registration, according to nerdwallet.com. When purchasing a vehicle, the consumer has the option to buy or lease a new vehicle. According to the Texas A&M Money Education Center, the option to buy is often a better decision. When purchasing a car, there are no mileage restrictions and no additional financing costs after loan payments are met. Leasing, on the other hand, limits the drivers and the distances they can travel. The driver is forced to pay extra for dents or dings in the car and is left empty-handed once the lease term ends. There are multiple car-buying mistakes to avoid; the first is being unprepared. Going over the price of the vehicle the buyer wants and the timing on when to purchase are key to feeling prepared, according to NerdWallet.com. Most dealerships load up vehicles with profit-boosters that aren’t essential to the vehicle. These hidden charges can be waived by asking for the out-the-door price, which is the total cash price of the vehicle, empowering the buyer to tell the dealer what is wanted and needed according to NerdWallet.com Vehicle upkeep ensures the vehicle will be safe and dependable. After purchasing a new car, these tips can help to ensure the longevity of the vehicle:

• Checking engine oil • Maintaining air pressure in the tires • Washing the car

Auto body stores and dealerships offer inspections for the vehicle’s battery, engine, diagnostics, fuel, ignition and emissions, to help ensure the safety of the motor vehicle, according to consumerreports.org.

FIGURE OUT PRICE RANGE USE A BUDGET CALCULATOR Photos by Lindsey Golden

Checking engine oil, maintaining proper tire pressure and using high-quality gasoline help improve vehicle longevity and safety.

PRIORITIZE SAFETY

ADULTING

What is a 401(k)? By Benjamin Figueroa

Planning for retirement is likely one of the last things on a college student’s mind. While students should not feel guilty for not investing their money while they are in college, Nick Kilmer, assistant director of Texas A&M Money Education Center in the Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid , said students should be aware about what their options are before they graduate and join the workforce. One of the main benefits of having a 401(k) is company matching, if it is offered, according to Investopedia. Q: What is a 401(k)? A: A 401(k) is an opportunity as a full-time employee to take part of your paycheck each month and, rather than take it home, contribute it to a retirement account. A 401(k) is like a bucket that the company keeps and oversees money for an employee, Kilmer said. Q: What is ‘matching’? A: The company will often match what the employee puts in, so if I put in $5 they put in $5 that is the best rate of return you can find for the most part, Kilmer said. They may say an employee can put in up to 4% of their salary each year and they will match it dollar for dollar up to 4%. Q: Can money be withdrawn from a 401(k) account in an emergency? A: There are extenuating circumstances under which withdrawals can be made from a traditional 401(k) such as medical expenses, burial or funeral costs. These are called a hardship withdrawal, Kilmer said. Q: At what age can distributions begin? A: Money can’t be withdrawn from a 401(k) until the employee turns 59 ½. It can be taken out early, but there will be a 10% penalty, plus taxes have to be paid for that amount, Kilmer said. Q: Can the contribution amount be changed? A: Typically yes, but it is best to check with the specific company to establish a new contribution amount, and how frequently that amount can change, Kilmer said.

Photos by Shelby McVey

Texas A&M’s Money Education Center offers courses and other programs to teach students about budgeting and money management.

Make it make cents Don’t throw your budget away at Northgate

By Peyton Reed College is a time of freedom, learning and opportunity. It’s also a time of great stress for most students. Not simply because of grades, jobs or an increasingly complex social atmosphere, but also because of the financial strain of students being on their own for the first time. One in three college students reported losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and nearly a third of students at four-year colleges worried about food running out before getting the money needed to buy more, the New York Times reported in March. While some states are now introducing personal finance classes to their high school curriculums, many college students find themselves alone and completely unprepared financially. Texas A&M’s Money Education Center wants to change this. By offering free advice and teaching students how to budget their money wisely, the center is doing what it can to help students become financially independent, Nick Kilmer, A&M instructor and assistant director, Money Education Center, said. “We as a state, as a nation, have not equipped you — that’s on us,” Kilmer said. “That’s why we’ve got the center; that’s why

we created the course. A&M cares, and so we’re trying to do that.” Kilmer teaches Foundations of Money Education, AGLS 235, which he said covers a broad range of topics related to financial awareness and planning. “They’re going to learn anything we would teach them at the center, in fact a lot more because we get them for 20-plus hours,” Kilmer said. “We talk about, ‘what is financial wellbeing,’ and then the rest of the class is about how to get there.” The course is available to all undergraduate students at A&M, regardless of major, and counts as a social and behavioral sciences core elective. Very few universities have a Money Education Center, and even fewer offer a course dedicated to financial literacy, Kilmer said. “The only reason this course exists is because of the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program,” Kilmer said. “You have to have academic backing to create a course. Four years ago we partnered with them and I said, ‘Let’s build a course.’ Now, we’ve had 1,600 students take the course.” Although the course fills quickly, Kilmer said that he does his best to make room for any senior that wants a spot in his class.

There are several resources available for those who want to become financially prepared for graduation aside from those offered by A&M. The Federal Student Aid website lays out a few specific ways to budget during students’ time in college, including overestimating expenses, underestimating income and setting savings checkpoints to boost emergency funds. As a freshman, Kilmer said students should start budgeting, and that the Money Education Center will help them so that they know where their money is coming from and where it’s going. “If you’re a sophomore, start building your credit,” Kilmer said. “That’s going to save you thousands and thousands of dollars in the long run.” Juniors and seniors preparing to graduate should know who they borrowed student loans from, how much they owe and what their required monthly payment would be. “Those are all things we can help you with,” Kilmer said. College can be a difficult time financially, but with the help of the Money Education Center, students are leaving Aggieland more prepared than ever to take on the world.

ADULTING

Give yourself some credit The good, the bad and the excellent

By Ellie Pena

Credit, for a lot of people, can be a monster under the bed — a back-of-mind fear that is always right around the corner. In simplest terms, credit itself is any type of loan that attaches to someone’s name and is a form of money transaction that allows people to make payments at a later date on something they purchase now. There are various steps a college student can take to establish and maintain a good relationship with credit, David Roach, advisor, Texas A&M Money Education Center, said. “Having a transaction on your card each month, letting it run a bill and paying your bill off on time … in full — those two things make up 65% of your credit score,” Roach said. College students should aim for a credit or “FICO score” of 750, Roach said. A FICO score is a three-digit number associated with someone’s credit history that indicates a person’s likeness to pay loans back to potential lenders, according to MyFico.com “I think understanding how it works better equips you to be more successful and accomplish those financial goals a little bit quicker,” Roach said. One of the biggest challenges Roach said he sees is current students and adults not understanding the world of credit. “I kind of consider credit a sort of game, and really just figuring out how to play the game [is important],” Roach said, “If you know the rules and understand the parameters that they’re asking of you and how to manage your credit effectively, then it can be a tool to help you accomplish your long-term financial goals.” Understanding this topic is especially important because of how wide-spread the struggles of credit can be, Roach said. “About a third of American households are struggling with credit card debt, and that average balance, depending on what statistics you look at, is somewhere between $7,000-10,000,” Roach said. The amount of Americans affected by credit card debt shows the normalcy and overall danger of credit card debt. The amount also shows the importance in money education and learning more about how to establish and keep good credit for the future. The Money Education Center is a resource at Texas A&M designed to help students educate themselves and succeed financially now and in the future.

AIM FOR A 750 CREDIT SCORE

PAY BILLS IN FULL AND ON TIME

Graphic by Katen Adams

ESTABLISH CREDIT EARLY

ADULTING

Getting down to business Six steps to success as an entrepreneur

By Mackenzie Finch

Becoming an entrepreneur comes with its own set of adversities. After creating a new invention, design or business idea, it’s paramount to know the next step to become successful in the marketplace. It’s not necessary to go and create the next iPhone, John Albers, Class of 1990, president and CEO of The Albers Group, said. The inventor can take businesses and products already in existence and make them better. Going directly to the customer and asking what they were missing from the other business and then fulfilling that need is one successful approach, Albers said. “A lot of people think you [have] to invent the next best thing,” Albers said. “Look at some of the basics that are out there and just do it better than everybody else and you’ll be successful.” The Albers Group is a national security and aerospace services firm that was created in 2015. After creating a business idea, research the market to make sure there’s a demand for the product or service before wasting money; creating something is a good start, but people have to be willing to buy it at a price that works, Albers said. “I would spend some time studying the marketplace on whether or not I had a viable product that people would actually pay me for,” Albers said. The next step is deciding what structure of business to set up which may require collaborating with a tax professional to decide, Christy Motes, Class of 1991 and employee value proposition of finance and admin of The Albers Group, said. “It’s important that … you really utilize the contacts you have,” Motes said. “It’s important to talk to people that are in the industry already.” Additionally, Albers said the Aggie Network can be utilized to succeed in a business. The McFerrin Entrepreneur Center at Texas A&M also has resources available for students in the form of workshops and over 25 programs, Blake Patty, executive director at McFerrin, said. “You don’t have to have a business or an idea or

a patent,” Patty said. “If you’ve got a curiosity about entrepreneurship, then we have a program to help you understand and actually practice that while you’re here today.” Commercialization viability — an idea’s value — is another focus, Patty said. Once that’s established, McFerrin can also refer people to patent attorneys. “If you are creating something that could be valuable, it makes sense to seek a patent to make sure you don’t lose those rights,” Patty said. Patents offer exclusive economic rights which prevent other people from making, selling, using or distributing a product during the period in which the patent is in effect, Saurabh Vishnubhakat, a professor of law and engineering at A&M, said. According to Vishnubhakat, there are four steps an inventor can take if considering a patent:

• Determine if invention is patentable by ensuring the product or service doesn’t already exist • Determine type of patent needed • Make patent as broad as possible to prevent competing products • Get a lawyer as needed

When it comes to managing a business, having and maintaining a budget is important, but cash flow is the most important aspect to be aware of, Albers said. “You can have the best ideas and the best budget, but if you can’t cash flow it, then you’re going to fail,” said Albers. Having filled many different roles throughout the entrepreneurial process, Albers said he had to be a voracious learner as well as find a team who shares a similar vision. “It’s not easy; you [have] got to want this really bad,” Albers said. “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”

Photo by Katen Adams

Texas A&M’s McFerrin Entrepreneur Center offers workshops and over 25 programs to teach students about starting a business.

IDENTIFY A PROBLEM IDENTIFY DEMAND LEVEL CREATE BUSINESS MODEL

DEVELOP A PLAN FIND A WAY TO FINANCE

BUILD A TEAM

ADULTING Amid the end of coronavirus relief, this is what students should know about repaying their federal student loans. About 40% of undergraduate students at Texas A&M take out student loans to pay for college with the average debt being $23,000, Nick Kilmer, assistant director of the Money Education Center, said. And though the coronavirus brought on emergency relief for student loan repayment and paused interest charges for unsubsidized federal loans, the relief is only temporary. Most graduating seniors are unaware of how much they owe in student loans, or even worse — to whom they owe it, Kilmer said. “One of the first things that quite a few [seniors] don’t know about is that they don’t even know how much debt they have outstanding or who they are going to repay,” Kilmer said. “When you repay your federal student loan debt you are not repaying the department of education, you are repaying a third party servicer. For those who do not pursue a graduate or doctorate degree, the repayment of federal student loans begins six months after graduation and typically lasts for ten years under a fixed payment amount, Kilmer said. To reduce the required monthly loan payment, the Scholarships & Financial Aid Money Education Center recommends adopting a repayment plan to help make the transition into repayment a smooth experience after graduation. If the required monthly payment needs to be reduced, there are several other federal student loan repayment plans available. “If you get a large enough dollar amount of federal student loans that you’ve taken on, there are other repayment plans that would extend repayment. When you enter repayment, the payment will be fixed for those federal loans, because it’s a fixed interest rate, loan payments are fixed as well,” Kilmer said. Currently, the coronavirus has brought collection activity for federal student loans to a halt. A forbearance of student loans was granted in 2020 and has since been extended to protect loans currently in repayment and to avoid collection efforts on outstanding loans, according to the U.S. Department of Education. “The government stepped in and said because of our current economic situation we’re going to put each of these loans on hold. January 31, 2022 is currently set as the last day for that to be in place after which repayment begins again for those students,” Kilmer said. For future, current and former students seeking guidance surrounding the repayment of student loans, the Money Education Center recommends that they make an appointment to determine the best course of action according to their individual needs.

Post-graduation payment plans Everything students need to know about repaying their loans By Benjamin Figueroa

Photo by Katen Adams

Temporary relief and extension programs are set to expire on Jan. 31, 2022, necessitating proper loan management and education among college students.

ACCORDING TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, THE AVERAGE LOAN PAYMENT IS $114-$289 PER MONTH

ADULTING

Got insurance? Bills, accidents covered by various insurance types

By Sidney Hinz

Insurance is a huge part of adult life; health, auto and renters insurance not only protect financial health, but physical health as well. Here are the most important things to know before entering the world of insurance. Although health insurance is important, college students registering for their own plan is not necessarily urgent. Dependent children can stay on their parents’ plan until they age out at 26 years old, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. After that, it is up to the individual to decide between two options:

• Full-time employees can purchase health insurance through their employer if they offer it, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. • The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, provides healthcare for those who might not be able to afford it otherwise, according to USA.gov

Regardless of how the insured get their health insurance plans, factors such as age, location and family size influence the cost of insurance and what premiums and deductibles are, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

• Premiums are the amount that is paid monthly for health insurance, even if the insurance is not being used, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. • Deductibles are the amount an individual must pay before the insurance company will shoulder the payments or bear the costs, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

Auto insurance is a must, since it is illegal to drive without some level of it in all states but New Hampshire and Virginia, according to The Balance. Auto insurance is broken down further between liability and comprehensive insurance.

• Liability insurance covers costs of injuries or damage that an individual causes to others in an accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute. • Comprehensive insurance covers damages due to issues outside of collisions, such as fire, floods and falling objects, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Premiums on auto insurance can go up based on how much of a risk a person is to the insurance company. In the event there is a minor accident, it might be cheaper to pay the cost of repairs out-of-pocket rather than filing a claim and having the premium go up, as the payment increases the more times the insurance is used. Renters insurance plays a big role and consists of three different coverages outside a landlord’s insurance, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. With renter’s insurance, personal belongings and high-dollar items are covered and protected in the event they are stolen or damaged, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. It is important to get these items appraised and know the value of all goods for maximum coverage. Renters insurance also covers protection if an injury occurs within a house and pays additional living expenses if an early move-out is required, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. For more information, students can visit https://www.myinsuranceinfo.com to see what insurance plans are the best fits for them.

Graphic by Sidney Hinz

ADULTING

From house to home The choice between buying or renting a home

By Cade Draughon

An essential part of being an adult is finding a place to live and weighing pros and cons of buying or renting a home. Advantages to renting a home include having maintenance covered (depending on the property agreement) and the flexibility to move once a leasing term is over, Amber Cox, a real estate agent at HoM Realty, said. However, paying rent builds no equity and gives no opportunities for financial gain that ownership could offer Cox said . Buying a home gives the buyer full control over the property and it can be flipped for capital gain in the future. Homeowners pay their property taxes directly, while renters pay property taxes through increased rent costs to the landlord, according to EveryTexan.org. “When renting a home, the renter is not legally responsible for paying the property tax,

17 but the property owner may add a portion of the tax to rent payments, so you are still paying a partial amount,” Clare Losey, Ph.D., assistant research scientist at the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, said. In any case, a lease should be looked over carefully to ensure the renter’s security deposit is protected and the insurance policy protects against damage. To sign a lease, an application must be completed and an apartment application fee can be charged at the discretion of the landlord, according to texaslawhelp.org. An application can be rejected for things such as criminal history, credit history and previous rental history. “Knowing your credit score and the amount of money you can afford to pay every month based on income are two very important things to know before looking into a home,” Cox said. “If your credit is bad or your income is low, it might be wise to save up a higher deposit or have a cosigner when applying for a rental lease.” Affordability plays a huge role in buying or renting a home, as renting a home tends to be relatively cheaper, depending on the city and property. Mortgage calculators can compare monthly and total costs between renting or buying, with information such as the destination, purchase price, down payment, loan term and expected time to stay, as seen on mortgagecalculator.org . When buying a house, a mortgage loan must be chosen, and the most common are Conventional, Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, and Veterans Affairs, or VA loans. Conventional loans are not backed by a government agency and are often intended for buyers with higher credit scores and lower debt, according to Forbes.com. FHA loans have lower credit score requirements and lower down payments than conventional loans, making them more ideal for first-time buyers, according to Losey. VA loans are only available to veterans, service members and eligible military spouses; these require no down payment or minimum credit score, according to benefits.va.gov. “FHA loans are intended as a vehicle for first-time or low income homebuyers, who generally lack the credit and income to be able to qualify for a conventional loan,” Losey said. However, on top of mortgage payments, the buyer must also be responsible for maintenance repairs, insurance payments and property taxes. Making the right choice to buy or rent is case sensitive and requires deep thought before making a final decision.

Graphic by Katen Adams

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