credits

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Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment, so of course you want to honor the young scholar in your life. Just think of all the places their lives will take them!

There’s just one problem: You know that stereotype about broke college students? That’s not going to change for a while after graduation. They’ve got to find a job (which is sometimes much easier said than done), locate a place to live, and get started on being a grown-up. That’s tough to do when you’re starting from scratch.

But that’s where you come in! If you’ve got a friend or family member who’s graduating, we’ve got some gift ideas to help them embark on post-college life:

1. For the job they’ll have

When people graduate, suddenly their lives become focused solely on finding a job. You can help with that by giving gifts they’ll be able to use as a young professional.

  • Clothing or accessories appropriate for interviews or workdays will be much appreciated – every interviewee wants to look polished and professional to help their chances of landing and keeping a job.
  • A resume service could be very useful – there’s an art to creating a resume that will catch the eye of potential employers. There are plenty of services all around that offer advice on making any resume effective.
  • Likewise, a session with an interview coach could help a recent grad land the perfect job. Anyone can use a few pointers on how to conduct themselves in an interview so they’ll make a great first impression.
  • Every young professional can use a nice laptop bag to carry to and from work.

    Finally, a nice briefcase or laptop bag is the perfect accessory for an interview or day in the office.

Moving after graduation? Check out our infographic: Top 10 Cities for College Grads: Post-Graduation Moving Trends.

2. For the money they’ll make

Many people consider graduation a great time to start thinking about the future. In that vein, why not set up or contribute to a Roth IRA for your recent graduate? They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness now, but they’ll be especially happy when it comes time to retire and they have a nice little nest egg, partially funded by you.

Many young people are overwhelmed at the choices in front of them when it comes to investing and saving money. Surely they’d appreciate some financial advice as a gift – you could sit down with a recent grad and give them some one-to-one advice, or if you’re no expert yourself, a nice book could do the trick.

Need some book recommendations? We’ve got them: The Top 5 Personal Finance Books.

3. For the home they’ll create

After college, it’s time to get some real kitchen accessories – no more drinking out of plastic Solo cups.

  • Any graduate will appreciate some grown-up glassware for nights in with friends and family.
  • You could also buy someone a starter set for the kitchen – a few place settings, pots, pans and utensils. It doesn’t have to be fancy stuff; durable everyday kitchenware is an uber-practical gift.
  • Anyone with their own place – male or female – needs a few tools as well. Consider giving a small toolbox with some basic necessities: Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, wrench. These starter tools will help your young friend hang pictures on the wall, do minor maintenance tasks, and learn to become more self-sufficient.

Looking for cooking tools? We have recommendations for The Best Kitchenware on a Budget.

4. For the places they’ll go

Many graduates dream of traveling the world, either for their jobs or in their vacation time. There are many fun, inexpensive accessories you can give as gifts to support that dream:

  • Passport holders make great presents, as well as travel logs for them to document their many upcoming adventures.
  • If your recent grad loves vintage accessories, an atlas might make them happy – there’s something romantic about plotting a trip on paper instead of online.
  • If they prefer the digital life, gift them with iTunes or Amazon gift cards so they can download music and audio books to keep them entertained on their travels.

If you know someone who’s traveling, you might share The Benefits of Renting Vs. Staying in a Hotel.

Congratulations to all the college graduates out there! What would you like to receive as gifts?

Photo credits: Shutterstock / sippakorn; Flickr / fohlin

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Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

As the credits rolled on Adam Baker’s I’m Fine, Thanks documentary, tears streamed down my face. I had watched his TED Talk earlier that day about getting rid of your crap, paying off your debt, and doing what you love. I yearned to have the “freedom” he talked about in both videos. That’s when I looked at my husband and said, “I don’t want to live like this anymore. I want to pay off your student loan debt!”

The first tool that came to mind was Mint.com. I had heard of the site from friends who mentioned using the app. I never realized where all of the money we earned was going. We were living in Austin, Texas and working through a tough economy making roughly $12/hour each. Luckily, we had two old cars that were paid off (including my first car from when I was 15), so we didn’t have the burden of car loans or credit card debt.

The student loans were weighing heavy on us. Fortunately, a family gift of $5,000 helped us lower the loan from $24,000 to $19,000, but it was still a huge burden. I immediately logged on to Mint.com that same night after we finished Adam Baker’s inspiring videos and pulled in three months of history from our bank accounts. As I began categorizing every transaction and budget, I began to see a pattern of bad habits.

Read: How to Pay Off Student Loan Debt

What was my husband buying at the convenience store every two days for $7.43? Did I really need to purchase those clothes from Goodwill last Tuesday night? Why were we eating out four times a week? OK, I’ll admit, my food budget is still being reworked two years later! As the transactions poured into our Mint.com account, they sparked a conversation between my husband and me. We committed to spend less on ‘wants’ and focus on the necessities and paying down the student debt.

We failed miserably the first months and still do in certain categories from time to time, but we adjusted the budget and aimed for more goals the next month. Our minimum payments for the student loans were $184 a month. There was no way we’d be able to make big progress by only paying the minimum, so we upped our payments little by little.

The first month, we paid $300 on the student loans. We didn’t feel too much of a pinch. At this point, I was watching our account with a microscope, and every single transaction was up for discussion. The next month, we paid $500. Still no pinch. I said, “Let’s be crazy and go for $1,000!” We met that goal and continued to pay upwards of $1,200 each month until the balance dwindled down to nothing. Even after moving cities and switching careers, we were able to pay off the student debt in full before my 27th birthday.

That feeling was amazing, and now we’re onto the next goals: saving for a house and preparing for our first baby due next year.

About the Author

Kelsey is the self-proclaimed financial guru of her household living in Houston, Texas, spreading the word about the benefits of paying down debt. She’s also a minimalist enthusiast, and founder of The Little Red Journal.

Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

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In some rental markets, apartment hunting can be as competitive as a job search. In fact, modern, savvy apartment seekers often visit apartments as prepared as if they’re on a job interview. If your apartment search lies in a highly-competitive rental market, like New York City, you may want to employ a few clever approaches to help secure your tenancy. Here are some tactics to help you nab your first choice apartment and seal the deal on the spot!

Dress for the apartment you want

Remember the old saying “dress for the job you want?” It applies to your apartment search, as well.

If your first-choice apartment is in a swanky high-rise building, then ditch the Saturday sweats and dress up for an in-person visit. A variation of the same rule applies if you are hoping for a hip pad in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Skinny jeans, a flannel shirt, and nerd-chic glasses might help your future landlord visualize you living there. Within reason, do what it takes to look like you are the perfect fit for the new space!

Over-prepare

Most folks who land great jobs do their homework, carefully studying the company they are interviewing with. Borrow this best practice to convince a property manager that you’re the right person.

Come prepared with knowledge about the community. Use search engines like Apartment Guide as a resource to study the amenities and features the community offers, then let the leasing agent know how much you value those options. You can also use sites like Yelp to learn more about the neighborhood and rave about how much you love restaurant X and coffee shop Y. Community managers may well appreciate your knowledge – and compliments!

You can also borrow this job search tip: bring a cover letter to introduce yourself. This will get a property manager’s attention and help them remember you after your initial tour.

Think like a networker

Once you’ve made a positive first impression, you might dig a little deeper to make a personal connection with the landlord. If the decision comes down to two renters with similarly positive credentials, the landlord might choose the one he feels most comfortable relating with.

Think like a networker. As in business networking, you should ask questions and then really listen. Keep your ears open for commonalities with the community manager. You might be from the same hometown, have attended the same college, or share the same favorite restaurants. Develop a rapport with the property manager by paying attention to and highlighting these details.

Follow up with a friendly thank-you

Best behaviors for job hunting – and apartment hunting – include a proper “thank you.” Once you’ve nailed the interview, send a note to thank a landlord or apartment community manager for their time, perhaps mentioning specific things you like about the apartment. Be sincere, and let them know it’s your first choice.

Because time is of the essence in apartment searches, email might be your best form of communication, though it never hurts to drop a handwritten note in the mail. (Even if the note arrives after you’ve signed the lease, your community manager will be glad she chose you!)

Remember your rental reputation

Of course, all of these strategies rely on the basis that you are prepared to be an excellent resident. Keep in mind you must also meet any legal apartment community requirements, including perhaps passing a credit check, to be the best candidate for an apartment that is in demand. You may be asked for referrals from former landlords, as well.

If you’re confident, prepared and sincere, however, you’ll likely have a much better shot at nabbing your favorite apartment on the first try!

Photo credits: Shutterstock / auremar, Robert Kneschke

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Many airlines, hotels, theme parks and cruise lines pay year-round tribute to those who serve our country with various discounts and benefits. Sometimes these deals are available only to active-duty military personnel, and sometimes the perks extend to U.S. military veterans and their families as well.

Related: The best credit cards for active-duty military members: Get waived annual fees

No matter the form these travel benefits take, they all reflect the gratitude the travel industry feels toward those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country.

Here are the perks that military members can take advantage of on their travels.

Military hotel discounts

GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER/MARRIOTT.COM

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy and its many brands have discounted federal, state and local government rates available to government and military personnel. To access the discounted rates, choose the “Government & Military” option from the “Special Rates” drop-down menu when searching for a stay. You’ll get a list of all the Marriott Bonvoy properties in your chosen city that offer special rates and their eligibility requirements.

Hilton

Federal and U.S. military employees are eligible for military rates and discounts at participating Hilton properties. When searching for rooms online, check the box labeled “Government/Military Rates” to see the applicable rates. Plus, there’s a discount on leisure stays for active and retired military members and their families at participating hotels and resorts (though the rate is not valid for official government or military travel).

Best Western

Best Western properties across the U.S. offer discounted rates for veterans, military members and government personnel.

Plus, Best Western’s Service Rewards Program — the hotel chain’s award program tailored to members of the military and armed forces — unlocks even more member benefits, including an automatic upgrade to Gold status and bonus points on qualified stays.

Hyatt

Veterans, active-duty members and their immediate family members are eligible for a discount of 10%-15% off Hyatt’s standard rate at participating hotels. To get the discount, use the offer code MILVET while booking.

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Wyndham

Participating Wyndham properties offer discounts of up to 15% off their best available rate to active and retired military personnel, veterans and their families. Plus, qualifying military personnel and their spouses get automatic Gold-level status when they enroll in the Wyndham Rewards program and bonus Wyndham Rewards points for qualified stays.

B Hotels & Resorts

To honor military members, B Hotels & Resorts is offering an exclusive “B Saluted” discount of 15% off regular rates and two welcome drinks per stay to military members, veterans and their families. B Hotels & Resorts has locations in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Marathon, Florida.

IHG

The hotel chain behind such brands as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton and others offers a “Military Leisure Rate” at participating locations across the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America. It applies to active-duty military personnel, veterans, retired military personnel and their families.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels — which includes brands such as Comfort, Sleep Inn and Quality Inn — extends a discounted rate for official and leisure travel to active-duty and retired military personnel, their dependents and members of several military associations. Plus, active-duty military members, veterans and military spouses are eligible to join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Lifetime Gold Elite level and receive a bonus 2,500 Choice Privileges rewards points after your first qualifying stay.

Motel 6

Motel 6, along with its sister extended-stay brand Studio 6, offers active and retired military personnel and their families a discount of 10% off standard rates.

Red Roof

Active-duty military personnel and veterans — in addition to government employees — are eligible for a 10% discount on official travel at any U.S. Red Roof location. The hotel chain also has a 10% discount on leisure travel for all government employees and military members, veterans and retirees.

Military airline benefits

BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES

Southwest Airlines

There are special fares for military and government travelers, but you must call the airline to book them. Additionally, military members traveling on active duty (in or out of uniform) can board between the A and B groups and are exempt from the limit of two pieces of checked baggage.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers government or military fares in some markets, while veterans and their families can access reduced fares by enrolling in the VetRewards program.

Active-duty military personnel are also allowed Group 1 boarding privileges; they can bring up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders and up to three free checked bags for leisure travel (weight restrictions apply).

U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day American flight can enter Admirals Club lounges with their immediate family — defined as a spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18 — or up to two guests at most Admirals Club locations except for Airspace Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and JAL Sakura Lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Delta Air Lines

Active-duty U.S. service members can call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 for discounted fares unavailable to the general public. Delta also offers priority boarding and free checked baggage to active-duty military members. How many bags you are allowed is based on the type of travel and fare type, and you must adhere to the specified size and weight restrictions for baggage.

United Airlines

United offers an additional checked baggage allowance and United Club access to active-duty military members traveling on official orders (immediate family may access the lounge, too). U.S. military veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members and their families are also eligible for a 5% discount on United-operated flights through the Veterans Advantage program.

Alaska Airlines

In some markets, Alaska Airlines offers military fares to active-duty military personnel and their dependents when you call Alaska Airlines at 800-252-7522 to purchase your tickets. Active-duty U.S. military personnel can board early, check up to five bags for free, receive 15% off inflight food purchases and receive complimentary day passes to visit an Alaska Lounge when traveling in uniform. All other active-duty military personnel can purchase a discounted day pass for $30. Flight discounts are also available through Veterans Advantage.

JetBlue

Active-duty military personnel not traveling on orders get a 5% discount off the base fare by calling 800-JETBLUE. In a separate offer, JetBlue offers a 5% discount to U.S. active-duty military members, retired military members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and their families who are enrolled in Veterans Advantage. Those who enroll in Veterans Advantage also get two free checked bags for leisure trips and up to five when traveling on duty.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier typically charges for carry-on bags and checked baggage. However, active-duty armed forces, National Guard and Reserve members receive a free carry-on bag, two free checked bags and one free personal item. Note: These baggage waivers apply only to active-duty military personnel. Families or traveling companions are not eligible.

Allegiant Air

U.S. active-duty and reserve military members, military veterans, members of the National Guard and their dependents get up to two pieces of checked baggage for free through the Allegiant Honors program. Also, the airline waives its typical fees for oversized checked baggage, a carry-on bag, getting a boarding pass printed at the airport and seat assignments. Qualifying service members can also board their flights early.

Spirit Airlines

Active-duty U.S. military members can check two bags for free and bring a carry-on item on board their flight for free, in addition to the already free personal item.

Military train travel discounts

Amtrak

Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses and their dependents are eligible for a 10% discount on the lowest available fare in select fare classes. During your ticket search on Fare Finder, select “Military” for each eligible passenger. Amtrak also welcomes uniformed military personnel to the front of the ticket line.

Brightline

Active-duty military members traveling in uniform can ride Brightline for free with a reservation. Visit a guest services counter at any Brightline station to receive the discount. Additionally, active-duty military members not traveling in uniform and veterans can receive a 10% discount on fares. Both discounts are for the Smart fare class and cannot be used for Premium fares.

Military theme park ticket discounts

DAVID ROARK/WALT DISNEY WORLD

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando is currently offering a Military Freedom Pass promotional ticket to all active-duty and retired service members. Ticket prices start at $199.99 for unlimited admission between now and Dec. 24, though blackout dates apply. Each eligible service member can purchase up to six promotional tickets, and they must buy them through a participating authorized military ticket and travel office.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted tickets to active-duty and retired military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, active Guard and Reserve members, and the spouses and dependents of the people in these categories. Ticket prices vary based on date, and tickets must be purchased at participating military ticket offices.

Walt Disney World

Active and retired U.S. military personnel are eligible for discounted hotel rates and specially priced theme park tickets at Walt Disney World. Blackout dates apply. Hotel stays can be booked by calling 407-939-7830. Tickets must be purchased at a participating U.S. military base ticket office.

Disneyland

Disneyland honors active and retired U.S. military personnel with discounted three- and four-day Park Hopper tickets. The Disney Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket includes access to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure each day of your ticket, excluding blackout dates. Pricing starts at $245, and you must purchase tickets at a participating U.S. military base ticket office. Hotel discounts are also available by calling 844-776-0015.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City offers a 30% ticket discount to U.S. active or retired military, veterans and military reservists, along with their spouses and dependent children (ages 4-17) living in their household. In addition to discounted tickets, Silver Dollar City invites all military members and veterans to help raise the American Flag during the park’s daily opening ceremony. Service members are also given a red, white and blue ribbon to wear during their time in the park, allowing employees and guests to thank them for their service.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks

Through the Waves of Honor program, all U.S. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Sesame Place parks offer discounted tickets to active-duty military members and veterans.

Dollywood

Dollywood offers discounted tickets stand annual passes to U.S. active or retired military, veterans, military reservists, spouses and dependents. The savings amounts to about 30% off the regular ticket price.

Military cruise benefits

DANNY LEHMAN/NORWEGIAN

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line shows its appreciation for active and retired armed forces members with discounted cruise rates, onboard credits and reduced deposits. Additionally, every Carnival sailing has a Heroes Tribute Lounge and holds a military appreciation gathering for service members and their families.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Military Appreciation Program extends exclusive benefits to military members, veterans and their spouses. Members of the program receive a 10% discount on all cruise fares.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers special rates to all military members, active and retired, as well as their spouses. Discounted rates are only available on select sailings, and prices start at $185 per person, based on double occupancy.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea honors active and veteran military members with a free two-night cruise through the Heroes Sail Free program. The offer is valid only for ocean-view and interior cabins, and you must be sailing with at least one paying guest in the same cabin. Taxes and fees still apply.

Celebrity Cruises

Active and retired military members can save $25 on inside and ocean-view cabins and $100 on veranda cabins and above on select sailings. This discount applies to the first and second guest in the cabin.

Princess Cruises

Veterans and active, retired and disabled military personnel can receive up to $250 free onboard spending money on select Princess sailings. You can use this onboard credit for specialty dining, onboard boutiques, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers military rates to active and retired personnel, veterans and their spouses. The discounted rates also apply to friends and family members staying in the same cabin as the eligible service member. The best way to access the discounted rate is by booking through a travel agent or booking directly with Royal Caribbean over the phone.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers discounted fares to all active and retired U.S. military personnel, plus family members traveling with them. You can receive a discount of 5% on interior and ocean-view cabins, 10% on balcony and suite cabins and a “kids sail free” promotion on select sailings.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers active and retired service members a special military discount of $100 off a river cruise when you use the code MIL100 at the time of booking.

Bottom line

A host of benefits await travelers who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

Because these benefits, their requirements and the eligibility of family, spouses and dependents vary, carefully research each military discount offer to avoid any surprises. Many airlines, hotels and other businesses might ask for proof of eligibility, so don’t leave home without the military ID, veteran ID, dependent ID, orders and/or other documentation you’ll need to take advantage of the many travel offers.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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When flying to Europe, you may be considering flights on Lufthansa or Air France. Both international airlines are well-respected in the industry and offer unique experiences for passengers.

From a complimentary glass of champagne on Air France long-haul flights to Lufthansa’s first-class lounge rubber ducks, each airline offers special amenities. If you see flight options for both airlines, you may be wondering if you should choose Lufthansa versus Air France.

In this article, we’ll compare Lufthansa versus Air France based on:

  • Available destinations.

  • Co-branded credit cards.

  • Loyalty programs.

  • In-flight experience.

We compiled this information to help you decide which one, Lufthansa or Air France, is best for you.

Where they’re based and where they fly

Winner: Air France

When picking an airline, it’s important that it travels to a wide variety of destinations so you can use them over and over again. Flying the same airline repeatedly allows you to earn frequent flyer miles for future flights and credits toward elite status. Air France is the winner with more destinations and flights aboard its own planes.

Lufthansa

The airline offers more than 205 destinations worldwide with 5,200 weekly flights scheduled for summer 2023. Its primary hubs are Frankfurt and Munich, but it flies all over the world with its partners as a founding member of Star Alliance.

Air France

Air France operates 1,500 daily flights to 312 destinations in 116 countries. It is a SkyTeam member, which enables customers to book flights with its partners to fly to destinations worldwide. The airline’s primary hubs are in Paris and Amsterdam.

Travel credit card availability

Winner: Air France

Having an airline’s credit card enables travelers to earn extra miles and receive additional perks when flying on the airline.

When it comes to Air France versus Lufthansa, Air France has the more appealing travel credit card options with higher earning power and better cardholder perks.

Plus, it is a transfer partner of the multiple flexible points programs. This allows you to earn miles multiple ways, even if you don’t have the airline’s co-branded card.

Lufthansa

The Lufthansa Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® earns 2x miles per dollar on Lufthansa purchases and 1x miles on everything else, and cardholders can convert up to 25,000 miles into elite status miles at a 5:1 ratio.

For its $59 annual fee, it also includes two complimentary Lufthansa business class lounge vouchers and a companion ticket each year.

And don’t forget the welcome bonus:

Earn 60,000 award miles if you spend $3,000 in purchases and pay the annual fee, both within the first 90 days.

The downside is Lufthansa does not partner with any flexible points programs to convert points into its miles.

Air France

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® cardholders receive 3x miles on Air France purchases and 1.5x miles everywhere else. In exchange for the card’s $89 annual fee, you’ll receive 5,000 miles on your card anniversary as long as you spend at least $50 each year.

It, too, has a welcome bonus:

Get 50,000 Bonus Miles after you make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Plus, you’ll receive 60 XP toward elite status upon approval of your card application. Members can transfer points to Air France KLM Flying Blue from a number of programs, including:

Airline loyalty programs

Winner: Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Travelers earn miles for future flights based on their paid tickets, credit card usage and other activities with partners.

Additionally, they can achieve elite status by hitting certain milestones within the program. Ideally, a loyalty program is simple and straightforward to encourage members to earn and redeem miles on a regular basis.

Lufthansa is in the process of simplifying its loyalty program, and the changes won’t be implemented until January 2024. Air France currently has a better program that rewards travelers for their loyalty and makes it easy to redeem miles.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is in the process of launching a new loyalty program that was announced in 2019.

The new program is scheduled for release in January 2024 offering a transparent point system and the ability to earn lifetime elite status. Changes are intended to eliminate complicated program components to make it easier for travelers to earn and redeem rewards in the future.

Additionally, members will automatically receive additional benefits as they reach milestones based on their annual flights.

Air France

Flying Blue is the combined loyalty program for Air France and KLM. The loyalty program makes it easy to redeem miles to book award tickets and offers a “miles & cash” option where you can pay up to 25% of your ticket with cash.

Flying Blue also offers monthly promo award flights where you can save up to 50% off award flights. There are four levels of elite status travelers can achieve based on their flights, credit card use and partner activities.

Winner: Air France

Airlines often charge fees when booking a flight with an agent, for checking luggage and other aspects of traveling.

When selecting an airline, you want one that does not charge a lot of extra fees that can increase the cost of your flight. Air France is our choice for fewer fees since it waives fees for telephone booking and online changes or refunds.

Lufthansa

Like many airlines, Lufthansa charges fees for many services when interacting with employees or making changes to flights. In some cases, rebooking or refunds are not allowed on lower-level tickets.

If you need to cancel or change your flight, you may have fees ranging from $250 to $1,000 per passenger plus any difference in fare. On the plus side, all passengers get at least one checked bag for free, even economy class tickets.

Air France

Air France waives many fees for booking, making changes or canceling flights when they’re made online or at airport kiosks. However, fees may apply on the day of departure or over the phone.

Most passengers get at least one checked bag for free. However, economy passengers may be charged on some flights. Travelers can save 20% on excess baggage fees by purchasing allowances online ahead of their flights.

In-flight experience

Winner: Tie

Both airlines offer premier travel experiences on the ground and in the air. Whether you’re flying Economy or upgrading to first class, you can’t go wrong when choosing between Lufthansa versus Air France.

Lufthansa

Economy class passengers receive complimentary meals, drinks and on-board entertainment with seats measuring over 16 inches wide (40 cm).

First class travelers enjoy access to personal assistants, first class lounges and limousine service from the lounge to the plane. Onboard, you’ll dine on culinary delights and fine wines from lie-flat seats that adjust to your comfort level.

The airline is launching an overhaul of its in-flight service known as Lufthansa Allegra. This redesign reimagines the in-flight experience from scratch with maximum privacy in mind.

Air France

Air France offers four levels of seats, ranging from economy to La Premiere First Class. Economy class seats differ slightly based on which region you’re traveling to, but all economy passengers have access to onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi.

In select cities, first class passengers traveling in La Premiere receive complimentary premium driver service to the airport, a private check-in lounge and a chauffeured ride to the aircraft.

Onboard, you’ll enjoy personalized staff service plus culinary meals in your private suite offering hotel-standard comfort.

Is Lufthansa better than Air France?

In the competition of Lufthansa versus Air France, there’s a clear winner: Air France.

While both airlines are part of alliances, Air France flies to more destinations with more daily flights. Each airline has its own credit card, but the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® has higher earning power and only Air France partners with other cards for points transfers.

Lufthansa is in the process of streamlining its loyalty program, which illustrates how convoluted its current program is. Both airlines have high-end experiences at the airport and in-flight experiences, but Air France also has lower fees in common situations.

Overall, these two international airlines offer very different pros and cons. Air France is our choice between Lufthansa versus Air France. However, the best one for you depends on where you live, where you want to fly and your travel preferences.

(Top photo courtesy of Air France)

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:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Our rating

United Quest Card

  • Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP)
  • 3x miles: United Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles: All other travel
  • 2x miles: Dining and on select streaming services
  • 1x miles: All other purchases
  • Redeem For: Award flights on United and its partners
  • Annual Fee: $250
  • Credit Needed: Good or better

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Airlines love to offer co-branded credit cards. Most major carriers now have several at different price points. 

With the Quest card, United and Chase are betting that there’s a market for a card somewhere between their top-end Club Card and their entry-level Explorer Card. Call it their “Goldilocks” credit card.

If you frequently fly United but can’t justify the Club card’s hefty annual fee, Quest could be the best choice for you. But take a few moments to see how it works — and where it falls short — before you apply. 

What Is the United Quest Card?

United offers numerous credit cards through its partner Chase, and the United Quest Card sits just below the premium Club Card. It features a laundry list of travel benefits and rewards. 

This card has a rather large $250 annual fee, but it must be looked at in the context of all of its benefits, some of which offer direct value. 

You start off on the right foot with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus miles plus 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) when you use your card to spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. PQP are the points that you need to earn elite status in United’s loyalty program, starting with 4,000 points and 12 qualifying flights for Silver status. And it gets better from there.

The Quest Card offers you a $125 annual credit that reimburses you for any United purchases. You also get two 5,000 mile anniversary award flight credits. This means that if you book two award tickets a year, you get 10,000 bonus miles.

You also get a statement credit of up to $100 for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application — programs that help you to speed through security and immigration. And at a time when many credit card issuers no longer offer any cardholder benefits, the Quest Card still comes with several travel insurance and purchase protection policies. 

The Quest Card also showers you with perks when you fly United. As is true with many frequent flyer credit cards, you get free checked bags. But the Quest card offers you two free bags for you and a companion traveling on the same reservation. Other perks include priority boarding, 25% back on United in-flight and Club premium drink purchases, and the ability to get Premier upgrades on award tickets. 

And just like any airline credit card, you get miles for your Quest Card purchases. This includes 3x miles for United purchases and 2x miles for all other travel, dining purchases, and select streaming services. You get one mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. 

What Sets the United Quest Card Apart?

The United Quest Card is different from its competitors in a few key ways, including purchase and mileage credits, free checked baggage allowance and travel insurance.

  • $125 United purchase credit. This is worth half the card’s annual fee, and goes a long way toward justifying it.
  • Two 5,000 mile flight credits each year. That’s another 10,000 miles, just for redeeming your miles. 
  • Two free checked bags. Hello cross-country ski trip, college move-in, or camping vacation. 
  • Lots of travel insurance. Stuck overnight due to a canceled flight? Snag a hotel and go out for a nice meal! This card reimburses you up to $500 per person during overnight delays or any delay lasting 12 hours or longer. 

Key Features of the United Quest Card

This mid-tier airline rewards card offers a generous sign-up bonus, plenty of perks when flying United, and additional rewards for certain purchases. 

Sign-Up Bonus 

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

The PQP component of this bonus can be vital to earning the next level of elite status in United’s MileagePlus program. 

Earning Rewards

This card offers plenty of opportunities to earn bonus miles:

  • 3x miles for United purchases
  • 2x miles for all other travel and dining purchases
  • 2x miles for select streaming services
  • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

“Other travel” covers a huge range of purchases, including:

  • Non-United airfare
  • Train fares
  • Local transit, taxi, and rideshare fares
  • Cruise fares
  • Hotel and resort bookings
  • Car rentals
  • Road tolls

Redeeming Rewards

You can redeem your accumulated miles for award flights operated by United and its partners. 

Exactly how much value you get from them is another question. United no longer publishes an award chart and has been known to change how much it charges for particular flights without notifying anyone. But in general, you’ll need 80,000 to 100,000 miles for a one-way, business class ticket to Europe, and about half that if you travel in economy. 

$125 Annual United Purchase Credit

You receive up to $125 in statement credits each account anniversary year as reimbursement for United purchases charged to your United Quest Card. 

Anniversary Award Flight Credits

You can also earn two 5,000 mile anniversary award flight credits each year when you take a United or United Express-operated award flight booked with your miles. 

Valuable Travel Perks

No discussion of the United Quest Card is complete without taking a look at its travel perks: 

  • Your first and second bags checked free for you and a companion
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on United in-flight purchases
  • Eligibility for Premier upgrades when traveling on award flights 

These perks come on top of numerous travel insurance and purchase protection policies. This includes $1,500 per person in trip cancellation/interruption insurance, $500 per person in trip delay reimbursement, and an additional $3,000 in lost luggage coverage. 

Important Fees

There’s a $250 annual fee for this card. However, there’s no foreign transaction fee imposed on charges processed outside of the United States.

Credit Required

This card requires good or better credit to qualify. If your FICO score is much below 700, then you’ll likely have trouble being approved. However, this is pretty standard for a premium travel credit card.

Advantages

This card offers a lot of advantages, especially for frequent United travelers. 

  • Sign-up bonus. Earning 60,000 miles after spending $4,000 on new purchases is a competitive bonus, but adding the 500 Premier Qualifying MIles allows this card to rise above most of its competitors. 
  • Generous travel perks. The $125 annual travel credit goes a long way toward defraying the costs of this card’s annual fee. The two 5,000 mile annual flight credits are also very valuable. And it’s always nice to enjoy priority boarding, and two free checked bags. 
  • Strong bonus categories. Many airline credit cards only offer 2x miles for ticket purchases, but this card features 3x. Plus, you get 2x for all other travel, dining and select streaming services. 
  • MileagePlus partners and policies. You can redeem your United miles for flights on its numerous Star Alliance and non-alliance partners. United also eliminated change and cancellation fees on awards, so you’re free to book a ticket when you find a good deal and cancel it later if it doesn’t work out. 

Disadvantages

The United Quest Card isn’t perfect. Its biggest downsides include recently devalued award travel (with more devaluation possible in the future) and a high annual fee.

  • United devalues its miles. United eliminated its award charts several years ago, which means that it can always charge more miles for awards whenever it feels like it. For example, United recently started charging up to 50% more miles for many of its award flights to Europe, without any prior notice. So don’t count on the price you see now being available when it comes time to redeem your miles. 
  • $250 annual fee. This will be a big turn-off to many people, and for good reason. But if you can use the $125 annual flight credit, then the net cost is much closer to what an entry-level airline card costs. And if the free bags save you money, then it’s easier to get over the sticker shock of a $250 card. 

How the United Quest Card Stacks Up

One of the closest competitors to the United Quest card is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. It also offers bonus miles and credit toward elite status. It even features an annual companion certificate, but it has a smaller sign-up bonus.

United Quest Card Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Annual Fee $250 $250
Sign-Up Bonus 60,000 miles plus 500 PQDs 50,000 miles
Rewards Rate Up to 3x miles Up to 3x miles
0% Intro APR None None
Foreign Transaction Fee None None
Companion Certificate No Yes
Credit Needed Good or better Good or better

Final Word

The United Quest Card is a mid-tier product, positioned between the entry-level Explorer Card and the premium Club Card. It offers you a wide variety of perks and benefits when you fly United, including mileage credits, ticket purchase credits and credits toward elite status. It also offers some additional miles and fee credits to help cardholders justify its considerable annual fee. And don’t forget the valuable sign-up bonus. 

What you’re left with is a pricey card that’s well worth it if you can utilize its fee credits and other perks, such as two free checked bags. Those who buy tickets on United will easily earn the $125 annual credit toward United purchases. So while you might balk at the $250 annual fee, savvy cardholders consider the value of the United Quest Card’s benefits and find it to be a worthwhile expense.

The Verdict

Our rating

United Quest Card

The United Quest Card is an expensive credit card, but you get what you pay for, from standard perks like free checked bags to a $125 flight credit and up to 10,000 bonus points on award travel each year. With so much going for it, this card’s annual fee is well worth the price for most United travelers.

Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Jason has been writing about personal finance, travel, and other topics on blogs across the Internet. When he is not writing, he has a career in information technology and is also a commercially rated pilot. Jason lives in Colorado with his wife and young daughter where he enjoys parenting, cycling, and other extreme sports.

Source: moneycrashers.com

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With the housing market so competitive, and properties often going above asking, getting a mortgage can be a little more stressful.

One major component of the mortgage approval process is determining the collateral value of the subject property, otherwise known as the appraised value.

A bank or lender generally won’t approve you for a home loan without getting an independent appraisal first, at your expense.

Simply put, they want to know that the property you’re buying or refinancing is actually worth what you or the seller think it’s worth.

Even if you’re a stellar borrower with an excellent credit score and tons of money in the bank, a valuation issue can sink your loan approval.

While this typically isn’t a problem, it can muddy the waters if the appraisal happens to come in low.

The good news is we’re in a rising real estate market, with home prices experiencing their best annual gains in decades. They’re also at new record highs.

This means even a bid over asking could easily come in at value when the appraisal is conducted.

But what if it doesn’t? Often, the home buyer would need to make some adjustments to their financing to “make it work.”

The most common tactic is to put more money down to keep the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio at its original level.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option if a buyer is light on cash, and home sellers (or at least their listing agents) know this.

This is why they favor cash buyers over those who need a home loan to get the job done, and may balk if you request an appraisal contingency.

Introducing the Better Appraisal Guarantee

  • Keep all your locked-in loan terms (interest rate, APR, cash to close, etc.) regardless of the appraised value
  • Must be a conforming purchase loan on a primary residence with a loan amount below $822,375 and a minimum 10% down payment
  • Buyer must use a Better Real Estate agent or partner agent and get their mortgage from Better
  • May also qualify for up to 1% of the purchase price in lender credits to offset closing costs

To level the playing field somewhat, Better Mortgage has launched their “Better Appraisal Guarantee.”

In short, they’ll honor the monthly payment, mortgage rate, APR, and cash to close reflected on your valid locked Loan Estimate (LE), regardless of what happens with your appraisal.

For example, if you offer $600,000 for a house and put down 10%, and the value comes back at $550,000, Better Mortgage will still honor your locked mortgage rate and all the details behind it.

In this scenario, the LTV would actually rise from 90% to about 98%, which would generally require you to bring in more money at closing.

If you didn’t, either the loan wouldn’t get approved or at minimum you’d now need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) and the mortgage rate would theoretically be higher to compensate for greater risk.

Aside from these buy-side advantages, the seller would also benefit because you wouldn’t need to retool your mortgage. And as such, could close without delay and no concessions on their end.

In a sense, this would align it somewhat with the certainty of a cash offer (minus the rest of the mortgage loan process), which could also give you an edge in a bidding war.

This is similar to other products out there like HomeLight Cash Offer and BoardRE (now known as Accept.inc).

The caveat is that this new feature is for Better Mortgage customers who also use a Better Real Estate Agent or a Better Real Estate Partner Agent.

Like other companies, Better is trying to control more of the home buying process than just the mortgage piece via their “Better Real Estate” division.

To sweeten the deal, Better is also offering up to 1% of the home sales price in lender credits if you use Better Mortgage and a Better real estate agent.

In order to qualify, it has to be a conforming purchase loan with an amount less than $822,375, with a down payment of at least 10% on a primary residence.

To sum things up, if you don’t already have a real estate agent and like Better as a mortgage lender, this could be a pretty exceptional value-add.

Of course, always put in the time to shop around with other lenders and real estate agents to ensure it’s the right fit.

Read more: Get Up to $6,000 in Amex Statement Credits If You Use Better Mortgage

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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This may seem like a silly question. But, everyone needs to know…

What frugal billionaire eats almost every breakfast at McDonald’s?

While this billionaire isn’t as famous for their glamour shots as most on The Hollywood Gossip, they still drive many thought-provoking questions.

And today’s starts with breakfast…

Combined with is the market up or down?

I am sure you have all heard by now that McDonald’s is one of the most frugal places to eat, but how about a billionaire eating there for breakfast?

Every. Single. Day.

What frugal billionaire eats almost every breakfast at McDonald’s?

Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, has a surprisingly frugal breakfast routine. Every day, he eats breakfast at McDonald’s.

Shocking, I know.

So why does Buffett eat McDonald’s every day for breakfast?

It likely has something to do with the low cost and convenience of the restaurant. He enjoys the food there, calling it “normal stuff.”

If you want to save money or a simple breakfast option, following Warren Buffett’s lead might be a good idea. Just head to your nearest McDonald’s for some cheap and tasty grub!

What does he eat for breakfast?

Warren Buffett is a famously frugal billionaire, and he has a particular fondness for McDonald’s breakfast items.

This is the rumor of how Buffett decides what to eat in the morning:

  • If the premarket or stock market is up, he chooses a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
  • If the premarket or stock market is down, he opts for two sausage patties – a cheaper option.
  • When the market is flat, he selects a sausage McMuffin

In 1975, the Egg McMuffin was about 63 cents at the time! Today, you would expect to pay $2.79.

This may not seem like much, but it’s an important part of his billionaire morning routine.

How can you save money on breakfast like the frugal billionaire?

There are many ways to save money on breakfast like the frugal billionaire.

One way is to cook at home, which can be a cheaper option than eating out.

Another way is to eat leftovers from dinner the night before, or pack a lunch instead of buying food at work. You could also try skipping breakfast altogether or buying food from a less expensive restaurant.

Whatever you do, remember that being frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing your health or your happiness.

There are plenty of affordable options for breakfast (and every other meal) that can help you stick to your budget without feeling deprived. So go ahead and enjoy that delicious breakfast McMuffin from McDonald’s—you deserve it!

How much is Warren Buffett worth?

Warren Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, and he has a net worth of $114 billion as of May 2022, making him the world’s sixth richest individual.

Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, which has over 60 organizations and owns such companies as Geico, Duracell, and Dairy Queen. In addition to his primary occupation, Buffett is also a noted value investor and has been referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha”.

Buffett initially purchased stock at the age of 11 and first documented taxes at 13 years old. He made his first million in 1962 when he sold shares in Graham-Newman Corp., where he worked for Benjamin Graham (a well-known value investor).

Buffett’s wealth has largely come from two sources: investments and dividends/interest payments on stocks he holds.

In late 1995, Warren Buffett bought a few shares of McDonald’s stock–and now owns more than $2 billion worth. However, he isn’t just interested in fast food; Buffett also owns sizable stakes in Coca-Cola Co., IBM Corp., Wells Fargo & Co., and American Express Co.

Yes, this is over 10 figures.

How much does Warren Buffett make per second?

Warren Buffett is without a doubt one of the most successful businessmen in the world.

According to Strive.co, it is estimated Warren Buffett makes $165 a second!!

Over $9,915 a minute, which is higher than most people make in one month! In fact, it is almost double the average monthly salary for someone making 60000 a year.

Buffett’s Long-Term Success

Buffett’s success comes from his ability to make smart investments and focus on long-term success rather than short-term gains. He is also very generous with his wealth, having given more than $41 billion to charitable causes over his lifetime.

Despite being one of the richest people in the world, Buffett remains humble and focuses on making decisions that will benefit his shareholders (per-share) rather than just increasing his total net worth.

This approach has served him well over the years and made him one of the most successful investors ever.

In fact, Buffett is one of the most quoted people especially for millionaire quotes to find success.

Warren Buffett Diet

Warren Buffett is a well-known billionaire and one of the most successful investors in the world. What you may not know, however, is that Buffett has a rather unhealthy diet. In fact, he drinks five cans of Coca-Cola products each day and eats mostly junk food.

An odd way to get the calories you need.

Buffett’s poor eating habits have raised eyebrows in the past, but it seems to work for him–he has the lowest death rate among his age group. His diet consists mostly of breakfast and lunch, with no desserts or snacks throughout the day. This may seem surprising given how unhealthy his diet is, but as Buffett himself says, “I’m not sure I would recommend my diet for everyone.”

Buffett’s diet is legendary and often studied by business people and students alike. He credits his success to eating what he calls “normal stuff for a six-year old.”

McDonald’s Stock Forecast

McDonald’s is an American icon. It has been around for over 60 years, and it has graced the faces of millions of Americans as they have enjoyed their morning meals.

In fact, McDonald’s is part of the Dow Jones Index. One of the top 30 companies that make up the stock market (source).

After reading this article, you may think that Buffett has something to do with keeping McDonald’s stock forecast rising.

How did Warren Buffett get Mcdonald’s gold card?

In an interview with CNBC, Buffett revealed that he has a card that allows him to get free McDonald’s anywhere in the world. This has caused some speculation, as it’s not clear how Buffett got the card or if it’s even real.

However, Bill Gates, Mitt Romney and Buffett are confirmed to have such a card.

In fact, the McDonald’s Gold Card is not just for celebrities and billionaires. “Supposedly,” any customer can get one by spending $2 million or more at the fast-food chain. The card entitles the holder to free food for life.

Now, you can play their Monopoly game for a chance to win a Mcdonald’s VIP Card. By winning a VIP Gold Card you will be able to claim a one-time free meal at McDonald’s every week for an entire year once using the My McDonald’s app.

Even Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, frequents McDonald’s for breakfast and has a Gold Card to prove it. Yet, no photo of Buffett and the Gold Card.

How to Get the McGold Card with this Sweepstakes

Now, it is your time to get the coveted McGold card!

Not just for celebrities anymore!

You have the chance to win a “lifetime” supply of Mcdonald’s. (the fine print says up to two meals per week for fifty (50) years)

First, you need to download the McDonald’s app and be enrolled in the MyMcDonald’s Reward program.

Next, every time you make a purchase during the duration of the contest, you receive an entry to the sweepstakes, up to once per day.

Or, you can enter without making a purchase by clicking this link from December 5 through December 25 and entering once per day for the duration of the contest.

**The McD’s For Life Sweepstakes is only from December 5-25, 2022.**

Does Warren Buffett own McDonald’s?

No. Warren Buffett does not own and operate a McDonald’s Franchise.

However, he made an investment in the company that surprised many people – he invested in McDonald’s because he loved the franchise model.

He has invested in other well-known consumer brands such as Apple, Coca-Cola and Gillette. This gives us some insight into his investment philosophy–Buffett believes in buying businesses with strong fundamentals that will be around for a long time.

Top Warren Buffett Stocks By Size

At the end of Q4 2021, these were the top 10 Warren Buffett stocks by the number of shares:

  • Bank of America (BAC), 1.01 billion
  • Apple (AAPL), 887.1 million
  • Coca-Cola (KO), 400 million
  • Kraft Heinz (KHC), 325.6 million
  • Verizon (VZ), 158.8 million
  • American Express (AXP), 151.6 million
  • U.S. Bancorp (USB), 126.4 million
  • Nu Holdings (NU), 107.1 million
  • Bank of New York Mellon (BK), 72.4 million
  • Kroger (KR), 61.4 million

Specifically, this is what his company Berkshire Hathaway is invested in.

While Buffett has never authored a book himself, there are many books about him, his investment strategies, and his philosophies.

His life story and investment techniques are fascinating. There are a variety of books about Buffett, but some are more satisfying to read than others. Some books focus more on his life and achievements, while others focus on replicating his investment style.

Warren Buffett McDonalds breakfast

As you have now learned, Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, has a particular fondness for McDonald’s breakfast menu items.

He has been photographed eating breakfast at McDonald’s locations almost every morning.

The billionaire investor says that he enjoys the food and finds it to be a cheap and convenient option.

He sticks to ordering sausage patties and eggs, or bacon and eggs from the menu.

Now, the questions to ponder, are you going to continue this frugal billionaire’s breakfast routine?

Or should you follow his investment advice instead…

Buffett has been quoted as saying “the greatest challenge is not in the selection of the right stocks, but in sticking with sound investments despite uncertainty.” In order to emulate Buffett’s investment strategies, it is important to be patient and remain committed to your investments through thick and thin.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Source: moneybliss.org

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If you live in Florida — or are thinking of relocating — the Sunshine State has several prestigious colleges and universities, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Florida and Rollins College.

Higher education is less expensive in Florida than in most other states. The state also operates several robust financial aid programs, such as the Bright Futures scholarship program, that can make college more affordable for residents.

The cost of education in Florida

Florida’s education system includes 40 public colleges and universities. There are also at least 30 private, non-profit schools throughout the state.

Generally, a college education in Florida is cheaper than the national average. Here’s how much you can expect each year of your degree to cost at different types of institutions, based on 2020-21 average tuition rates as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics:

  • Public four-year, in-state: Nationally, the average cost of a public, in-state university was $21,337 per year. In Florida, the cost was $15,543 per year — a difference of almost $6,000. 

  • Private non-profit: Private colleges and universities are usually more expensive than public schools. The average cost of a year at a private school in Florida was $28,860, about $4,500 less than the national average.  

  • Community college: The average cost of attending a two-year school was $3,501 per year at the national level. In Florida, the average cost was $2,506 per year, nearly $1,000 less. 

Financial aid options in Florida

To qualify for state-based financial aid, you must establish residency. For the purposes of in-state tuition rates and other state aid, you or your parents must live in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of the term.

Currently, undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students can qualify for in-state tuition rates at Florida public colleges and universities if they meet the following criteria:

  • Attend a secondary school in Florida for at least three consecutive years before graduating.

  • Enroll in a Florida postsecondary institution within 24 months of graduating from high school.

  • Submit an official Florida high school transcript as evidence of attendance and completion.

However, the 2014 law that allowed those students to qualify for in-state tuition is facing challenges. Current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed repealing the measure, so this benefit may not be available in the future.

If you are a Florida resident, you may qualify for one or more of the following financial aid programs:

  • 529 plans.

  • In-state tuition.

  • Scholarships.

  • Student loan repayment assistance.

Florida 529 plans

529 plans are tools to save for a child’s future education. In Florida, there are two programs:

  • Prepaid tuition plan: Florida Prepaid College Plans allow you to purchase college credits for future use at today’s prices. The credits can be used in-state or out, and the child can attend public or private schools. The funds are available for up to 10 years after the child’s projected high school graduation date, and plans start at $45 per month. There’s also a $50 application fee. 

  • 529 college savings plan: The Florida 529 Savings Plan is an investment account you can use to save for a child’s education. You can choose from a range of investment options to grow your contributions tax-free as long as you use the money to pay for eligible education expenses.  

While some states offer special benefits, such as state account contributions or tax credits, Florida does not provide the same incentives or benefits.

Florida in-state tuition

Florida participates in the Academic Common Market. This network allows resident students to attend school in other states and pay in-state tuition rates. Through the network, students can qualify for in-state tuition at eligible programs in the following states:

  • Louisiana.

  • Mississippi.

  • South Carolina.

  • Tennessee.

  • West Virginia.

Not all schools or programs qualify, so talk to your selected school’s financial aid office to find out if you’re eligible for in-state rates.

Florida grants

Grants, as a form of gift aid, don’t need to be repaid, and they’re typically awarded based on financial need. Florida has three state grant programs:

First Generation Matching Grant Program

The First Generation Matching Grant Program is for Florida undergraduate students with substantial financial need and whose parents did not earn a college degree. Award amounts vary by year and the needs of the student.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program

José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Florida scholarships

Students from Florida may qualify for one of nine scholarships.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Florida’s best-known and most valuable scholarship is the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Through Bright Futures, students can qualify for an award for as much as 100% of college tuition and fees.

To qualify, students must be Florida residents, earn a Florida high school diploma or its equivalent, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in high school. Students must also complete volunteer service or paid work hours to qualify for the Bright Futures program.

Benacquisto Scholarship Program

The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is a merit-based award for high school graduates who achieved National Merit Scholar status. The award amount varies, but it can cover the total cost of attendance at participating schools, minus other financial aid.

Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship Program

The Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship Program is both merit-based and need-based. Each year, up to 50 eligible students can qualify for financial assistance that covers up to 100% of the credit hours required for degree or certificate programs. To qualify for the scholarship, students must be farmworkers or the children of farmworkers.

Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship

As a merit- and need-based scholarship, the Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship provides up to $3,000 in financial aid to academically strong students with financial need. To qualify, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and enroll at Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University or Florida Memorial University.

Minority Teacher Education Scholars program

Administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, the Minority Teacher Education Scholars program is a performance-based scholarship for African American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Native American students. Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 per year in financial assistance.

Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program

Students who are direct descendants of the victims of the Ocoee Election Day Riots of November 1920 or are current African American residents of Ocoee are eligible for the Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program. Eligible students will receive up to $6,100 per year in financial aid.

Rosewood Family Scholarship

The Rosewood Massacre occurred in 1923. Students who are direct descendants of Rosewood families affected by those events can qualify for the Rosewood Family Scholarship. Qualifying students will receive up to $6,100.

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans

This award is for the children or spouses of deceased or disabled military veterans who were Florida residents. Eligible students can receive funding for up to 110% of the required credit hours for an initial baccalaureate degree or certificate program.

William L. Boyd, IV Effective Access to Student Education Program

Student loan repayment programs in Florida

If you have student loans and live and work in Florida, you may be eligible for help from the state in repaying your loans. Florida has programs for attorneys and health care workers who will repay a portion of your debt if you complete a service obligation in a high-need area. The following loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) are available:

Florida Bar Foundation

The Florida Bar Foundation designed its LRAP to encourage attorneys to work for legal aid organizations. Under the terms of the LRAP, eligible lawyers can receive up to $5,000 per calendar year to repay federal or private student loans.

Florida John R. Justice

Florida’s John R. Justice LRAP provides repayment benefits to state and federal public defenders and state prosecutors who commit to remaining as defenders or prosecutors for at least three years. Participants in the program can receive up to $10,000 in loan repayment assistance per year, up to a maximum of $60,000. This program will only repay federal student loans; borrowers with private student loans aren’t eligible.

Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education program

The goal of the FRAME program is to recruit and retain medical professionals to practice in underserved areas. Through the program, nurses, physicians and physician assistants can receive assistance with their student loans. Award amounts vary by profession, but eligible borrowers can receive up to $20,000 per year in student loan repayment benefits. Federal and private student loans can be repaid through FRAME.

Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program provides up to $4,000 annually in loan forgiveness to nurses working full time at a designated site. Examples include public schools, state-operated medical and health care facilities, and county health departments.

Nurses can participate in the program for up to four years. The program will repay federal and private student loans.

How to apply for financial aid in Florida

Florida has several financial aid programs, including gift aid in the form of grants and scholarships. To ensure you get all of the aid you’re eligible for, follow these steps:

  • Fill out the FAFSA: Need-based programs will determine your financial need based on the information that you submit with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can take less than an hour to complete. Fill it out online at FAFSA.gov. 

  • Look up deadlines: Although Florida’s FAFSA deadline is in mid-May, some scholarship or grant programs may have different deadlines and requirements. Review the application materials of each program carefully, and make a note of any deadlines. 

  • Create an account with Florida’s Office of Student Financial Assistance: Some of Florida’s programs require you to have a student account with the Office of Student Financial Assistance. It’s free to create an account, and you can open one at FloridaStudentFinancialAidSG.org. 

  • Fill out the Florida Financial Aid Application: Some grant and scholarship programs require the Florida Financial Aid Application as well as the FAFSA. You must have a student account with the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Once your account is created, you can access and fill out the application. 

Apply for specific programs: Some programs, such as the Benacquisto Scholarship Program or the Minority Teacher Education Scholars program, require separate applications or additional materials. Review each program’s eligibility requirements online so you can fulfill the application requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is Florida Bright Futures based on income?

No, Bright Futures scholarships are not awarded based on your family’s income. In fact, the FAFSA isn’t required at all. Eligibility is determined by your residency, grades, standardized test scores, and volunteer or paid work hours.

Are undocumented or DACA students eligible for Florida in-state tuition?

Currently, undocumented and DACA students are eligible for in-state tuition rates under Florida House Bill (H.B.) 851, which was passed into law in 2014.

Can Florida residents get help completing the FAFSA?

Yes. Visit the Florida College Access Network for free resources, including detailed videos and tutorials, that can help you fill out the required forms to get the maximum amount of financial aid possible.

What is the FAFSA deadline for Florida?

Florida’s FAFSA deadline for the 2023–24 academic year was May 15, 2023. The application typically opens to students on Oct. 1 each year, so it’s a good idea to fill it out as soon as possible. If you missed this deadline, you can still complete the FAFSA for federal aid through Jun. 30, 2024.

Source: nerdwallet.com