(updated 7/20/13 by Erin Siodmak)
MONEY STUFF – GETTING PAID!
This applies to any level/year, but since so many of us start working or teaching or getting paid for something early on, I thought it was best to put here.
1. ALWAYS set up direct deposit with whatever school you work at! Trust me. I know it’s annoying, with the whole blank check thing and all, but you will be SO happy you did it. It’s the only way to guarantee that you will be paid regularly, easily, and probably on time.
2. Related to that – always submit ANY forms re: employment/taxes right away. And always double and triple check that you got everything in. Trust me. And don’t forget that you have to do some of things every year, namely for work study. Oh, and always apply for work study via FAFSA. There isn’t any other paperwork to fill out to apply other than the FAFSA. If you don’t get it right away, speak with Anne Johnson in the financial aid department on the 7th floor. She’s very helpful and will get you on the job request list. I think you also have to do something through Rati, but check with Anne first. Be nice and be patient, especially at the start of the year. You are not the only one begging her for help!
3. Don’t be afraid to apply for loans. Apply for them via the GC starting usually in June for the upcoming year, and up until usually April or May for the previous/current year. It’s better to take on some debt than over-work yourself and get nothing done. Trust me. I wish I had taken my own advice. I probably would already be done if I had!
4. Unfortunately, sometimes we get paid late. For a lot of different reasons. Don’t get mad at admins or anyone working in the various offices you’ll go to begging for help. It’s not (usually) their fault. And trust me, getting mad won’t get you anywhere. But my point is – have a cushion in case this happens. Just expect that their could be pay delays in September. Have enough extra money for rent, etc.
5. Sign up for the transit benefit. It’s really nice to have that taken out of your check pre-tax. That’s $1200 a year you’re not getting taxed on. And then it doesn’t really feel like you’re spending money because you have a separate card for it. You can’t miss that money because you never actually received it 🙂
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