Achieving a College Degree and the American Dream, Debt-Free!
How to Earn a College Education without the Burden of Student-Loan Debt
by
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This book is directed toward the middle class, whose members have chosen to carry a disproportionate share of the student-loan burden of debt. It may be useful to understand some of the background as to why this is happening, although the lessons discussed apply across the spectrum of those in all income classes who are considering sending their children to college.
This may come as a shock, but nowhere in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, or Bill of Rights does it say that every student is entitled to a college education. What it does say is every American is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There are no guarantees, just the opportunity to pursue a higher-level education, if you so desire, with initiative, motivation, and willingness to achieve through your own efforts.
Were those not the qualities that built this country? That mentality is what will get your children a hands-on degree in self-reliance, skills to deal with life’s realities, and a high-paying career. If they don’t have these qualities, then perhaps a college education is not in their best interest.
The Statue of Liberty symbolizes hope, opportunity, and freedom to progress toward, and achieve, the American dream. Our country was founded on a set of ideals, including the belief that prosperity and success can be acquired through hard work, persistence, and making intelligent choices. Iowa businessman John T. Adams in 1931 defined the American dream this way: “Life should be better, richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.”
The idea of the American dream is rooted in the US Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that “all men are created equal” and that they are “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights,” including “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The American dream as it applies to college makes the attainment of higher education a possibility by providing opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work, diligence, and strength of purpose. Yet people seem to believe that achieving a degree should be easy, stress-free, and without cost.
A college education is not guaranteed, nor is it an entitlement. It must be earned. The path to the American dream begins with a healthy dose of brutal honesty coupled with the development of real-life skill sets, hard work, and persistence. Without that combination, no amount of dreaming in the world will take you far.
Let’s begin with a little test I came up with to get an idea of your values, degree of commitment, mind-set, and attitude on this issue of money, college, planning, and student loans.
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Book Details
About the Book
If you’re a teacher, legislator, or parent who’s encouraging students to go to college, but are concerned about today’s high cost of education and how they will pay for college, look no further.
The answer and methods to a debt-free college lies within this book. However, you must do your homework, take responsibility for your financial life, your actions and your future.
The easy but long-term painful way is to take out loans or – even worse – charge tuition bills to a credit card. After reading this book, you’ll know how to:
· provide a financial education to children while they’re living with you or in your class;
· ensure children use student loans (if they’re necessary) for the right things;
· find alternatives to help students pursue a debt-free college education;
· avoid predatory lending practices that endanger the future for individuals and their families.
Student loans will not guarantee the American dream; in fact, they may guarantee the loss of it. Will your college graduate, former student, or constituent be left wondering, “If I’m so smart, gifted, and educated, then why am I so broke?”
Whether you’re a parent, educator, legislator, or college-bound student, you’ll learn how college students can navigate the challenges of paying for an education with the lessons, insights, and alarming data in Charley’s America.
www.charleygreen.com
About the Author
Charley’s journey has taken him from the eastern farm hills of Kansas to military service, college administration, and the real estate industry. He has degrees in business and education plus an extensive background in management. His career as a professional entertainer and author began later in life.
What he shares—in an inspirational, humorous, or informational way—is a direct reflection of his life experiences. Many of his stories are of various people he’s met along the way, some who inspired him, some who opened doors, and a few who tried to discourage him. He also tells of life events that challenged the depth of his faith and situations that gave him hope, inspiration, and courage to follow his dream.
His research on student debt has given him a unique insight into the social and economic impact of this oftentimes overwhelming albatross. His books are directed toward parents with a focus on college cost, impact of long-term student loan debt, and career choices. He believes it’s important for parents to work with their children in developing self-reliant plans to minimize dependence upon student loans while focusing on the right college degree and financial freedom.
One of his books, Debt-Free College Education or a Debtor’s Burden?, challenges the way parents, students, and educators approach a college education. Charley’s goal is to encourage them to choose the path of opportunity and financial literacy versus one of student loans, credit card debt, and debt suffocation. The Debt-Free College Education series is designed to assist and guide parents as well as educators in helping future collegians develop self-reliant attitudes in their career pursuits along with realistic financial plans.
Charley’s presentations are informative and timely. They challenge the way parents, students, and educators approach a college education. Contact Charley at charleygreen@charleygreen.com for interviews or to schedule a presentations to your group or organization. You can also find him on Facebook as Charley Green, Author.
The Debt-Free College Education Series is designed to assist and guide parents as well as educators in helping future collegians develop self-reliant attitudes in their career pursuits along with realistic financial plans.
Other books available at www.CharleyGreen.com:
How to Keep Student Loans From Threatening Your American Dream
Debt-Free College Education or A Debtor’s Burden?
The Reluctant Warrior: The Journey Begins
Will Rogers and Charley
Pamphlet: “Seven Things You Must Know About Student Loans: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”