College is often an amazing — and expensive — experience, so Santa Clarita financial advisor Arif Halaby is offering alternative ways to get the college experience while saving as much money as possible.

“College is a means to get out in the world, to work in a field or an industry,” said Jeff Girard, Halaby’s co-host on “Total Financial Solutions Safer Money Hour” on KHTS AM-1220, “to have a competitive edge without any work experience.”

Traditional college loans in the U.S. today are a $1.3 trillion industry that a student or parent can easily make the “mistake” of falling victim to, according to Halaby, a Certified Estate Planner and president/CEO of Total Financial Solutions.

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Whether a student is just graduating from high school or is in already enrolled in college, Girard advised listeners not to make college the “destination” and to avoid student loans whenever possible.

Halaby is offering several solutions to help students on the path to college make the most financially sound choices that still allow them the college experience they may be looking for.

The first solution: “Looking for the free money.” If a student has just started college, or is still attending, it’s smart to remember that a student can apply for grants every year.

“We don’t mean the money you’re going to borrow and pay back,” Halaby’s co-host says. ”We mean the legitimate way to qualify for grants.”

The second solution: Choosing community college rather than a four-year university. This can be the most-cost effective way of getting the college experience, according to Halaby.

“Jumping into a four-year college (is the) most expensive way to get the first few credits you’re going to need,” Girard said.

The third solution: Going to college online. There are many colleges where a student can attend online and then transfer the credits towards their degree. This also gives room for a student to attend class whenever it’s convenient for them, while saving money staying at home.

“Those credits transfer over, and when they do,” Halaby says, “you get a discount on your tuition.”

When a student gets their degree, potential employers usually won’t check the path they chose or the time it took — the fact that their name is on the degree is what matters, according to Halaby.

“At the end, where you get your degree, in that final place,” Halaby said, “is where you get your diploma.”

Total Financial Solutions offers assistance with preparing for retirement and financial planning in Santa Clarita and the surrounding valleys. Santa Clarita financial advisor Arif M. Halaby, a Certified Estate Planner, and Total Financial Solutions staff work with people of all ages, helping them protect, grow and preserve their assets through an individualized approach. Arif Halaby is also the host of “Total Financial Solutions Safer Money Hour” on KHTS AM-1220. Launched in 2004, the show offers listeners from Santa Clarita financial planning tips and guidance for dealing with today’s ever-changing financial needs.  

Total Financial Solutions, Inc.

24322 Main Street

Newhall, CA 91321

661-753-9683

800-990-7344