The problem with Sydney’s new stations

LOCATIONS for six brand new railway stations in Sydney have been announced. But some are so close it might be quicker to walk between them than catch the train.

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Uber driver reacts to Paris attacks

“THESE people say they act under the name of Islam.” A Muslim Uber driver’s response to the Paris attacks has gone viral.

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Coles and Woolies now selling time

COLES and Woolworths have begun stocking an unusual new item. You can now give the ultimate gift to a loved one: free time.

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Hey Military Members! This Vet Shows How He Earned an Extra $500 in 6 Months

Families across the country (and world) recently found out military pay is set to go up by 1.3% starting in January 2016.

Though the increase is welcome, it’s still less than the rising cost of living, which has increased 1.9% in the last 12 months. For hard-working service members, that means stretching their dollars even further.  

We were thrilled to see so many restaurants and stores offer free stuff to veterans last week — but we all know free food doesn’t pay the bills.

So we chatted with Capt. Arron Conley, a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army, and retired Brig. Gen Daniel Bader, who served 27 years in the Air Force, about how service members could bring in some extra money. They gave us a really simple idea you may not have considered…

Change your credit card.

It might sound far-fetched, but both Conley and Bader have managed to earn cash back — we’re talking hundred of dollars — just by using a PenFed Visa Defender card.

They gave us a few insider tips on how this works for them. Have a look:

Tip #1. Save $100s By Avoiding Annual Fees

Most rewards cards carry annual fees (often as high as $95), so switching cards will lead to savings — both now and in the years to come.

Why? Because the PenFed Defender cards have no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees.

Of course, if you carry a balance on the card, there are interest charges — right now, between 8.99% and 17.99% — but you should pay off the card in full each month anyway. (Remember: If you can’t be responsible with a credit card, no rewards are worth going into debt over.)

Tip #2. Increase Your Cash-Back % to Make Some Extra Money

Bader, the retired brigadier general, used to have a credit card that earned him 1% cash back. When he learned about the PenFed Defender Visa Signature® card, he decided to switch.

That’s because the Defender cards give you 1.5% cash back on every single purchase — with no limit.¹ That’s pretty high for a cash-back card, especially one with no fees.

In the six months Bader’s had the card, he’s earned more than $500 in cash-back rewards, which he (smartly) uses to help him pay off the card in full each month.

Sure, most of us won’t be able to earn rewards as quickly as Bader, but that 1.5% still adds up. If you spend $1,000 on the card each month, for example, you’ll earn $180 by the end of the year — just for making purchases like you normally would.

Bonus #1: You Can Take It With You Overseas

Have you heard of chip and pin cards? All American credit cards were supposed to migrate to this technology, but many still haven’t caught up.

The PenFed Defender cards already have a chip and pin, which makes them not only more secure — but also a solid choice for international travel. (As you may know, many foreign vendors don’t accept swipe cards.)

Conley got the PenFed Visa Defender card specifically for international travel. He’s been to more than 40 countries, both for work and pleasure; most recently, he traveled to Dubai, Rwanda and South Africa.

Though he brought the Defender card as his backup (he’d only received it a few days prior), it soon became his go-to.

“I tried to use my other MasterCard, and it kept declining,” he says. “I ended up only using the PenFed Visa Defender card my entire trip when I was in Africa, so it really did save my butt.”

Bonus #2: You’ll Help Make a Difference

Want to do business with a company that supports the armed services?

PenFed’s nonprofit arm, the PenFed Foundation, offers a variety of programs to help military members and their families, including no-interest emergency loans, financial counseling and home-buying assistance.

“I’m extremely satisfied with the Defender credit card,” Conley says. “So much so that I am cancelling two other credit cards I have. I would definitely recommend it for other service members… Especially if you’re going abroad.”

Interested in getting a cash-back credit card? Click here to learn more about the PenFed Defender credit cards and decide if they’re right for you.

For more information, visit PenFed at http://ift.tt/1HMR75S or call 1-800-247-5626.

Your Turn: Do you have a military credit card?

Sponsorship Disclosure: A huge thanks to PenFed for working with us to bring you this content. It’s rare that we have the opportunity to share something so awesome and get paid for it! 

Disclosure: These cards have variable interest rates, which can change at any time.

¹ Cash advances, checks drawn from the account, and balance transfers are excluded and do not earn credit toward rewards.

The post Hey Military Members! This Vet Shows How He Earned an Extra $500 in 6 Months appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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Cars we remember: Station Wagon collector car query

Q: Hello Greg and I’m thinking of getting into the collector car hobby (I am in my late 50s) and have a few dollars saved for the purchase. Right now, I am being drawn to a station wagon as that’s what my parents always had when I was growing up in the Sixties.I know you like station wagons, so how about a few tips for a person who wants to enjoy going to all the local car shows here in New York and Pennsylvania. Charles, Owego N.Y.A: Charles, [...]

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Top 10 States for College Affordability

North Carolina is one of two states whose constitution requires that college tuition be affordable. Photo: UNC Chapel Hill

Year after year, we hear how the cost of college is ballooning out of control. But, is it true?

After mulling this question over, I would have to say yes… and no. The truth is, college affordability is as complex as it is local. Just like income and cost of living, the cost of college can vary drastically from region to region – and even state to state.

For example, figures from College Board’s 2015 Trends in College Pricing report show that in-state tuition and fees at public, four-year institutions across the country increased an average of 3.4% per year beyond inflation over the past several years.

However, tuition increases weren’t spread evenly across all states: In 18 states, in-state tuition and fees at public, four-year schools either decreased or increased less than 10% from 2010 to 2016, while 11 states saw average tuition prices increase 20% or more. Depending on where you live, that’s a huge disparity in the way college numbers are moving – for better or for worse.

When it comes to college affordability, where you live matters. Where increased competition and ample college choice may be a factor in some regions, broader tax-funded investments in education keep tuition low in others. In some areas, high wages help make average-priced tuition relatively affordable to middle-class earners. Some states’ constitutions even guarantee affordable tuition for all.

Best States for College Affordability: 2015-2016

Intrigued yet? So were we, which is why we crunched the numbers to see which state’s residents had the most affordable college tuition for the 2015-16 school year.

To measure affordability, we compared the average in-state tuition at each state’s public, four-year colleges with its median wages according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (median incomes are based on a 40-hour week).

Here are our top states for affordable college tuition in 2015-2016:

No. 10: North Carolina

• Median income: $32,510
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,973
• Average tuition as percent of median income: 21.4%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 16
• No. of public community colleges: 61

Between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 school years, average tuition for four-year schools in North Carolina inched up from $5,827 to $6,973. While that’s a 20% surge in just five years, it wasn’t enough to knock North Carolina off our list of affordable college states.

North Carolina’s biggest asset may be the sheer number of public, four year schools competing for students. In 2015, the state’s list of public, four-year schools was made up entirely by the University of North Carolina system, which boasts 16 universities from its mountains to the coast.

Further, North Carolina is one of two states whose constitution demands that college tuition should be as close to free as possible (Wyoming is the other). Because of that pledge, schools in both states receive above-average state revenue they can use to offset tuition prices.

No. 9: Florida

• Median income: $31,054.40
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,360
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 20.4%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 39
• No. of public community colleges: 63

In a big state like Florida, educational access and competition may be the key to the overall affordability of its colleges and schools. In total, 39 public, four-year institutions were competing for students in 2015 – including popular schools like the University of Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Florida State University. The state’s disproportionately high number of two-year schools also helps to spur competition, offering both additional school options and a lower price tag for in-state students.

College affordability in Florida may also be pinned to disproportionately high tuition prices for out-of-state students. At Florida State University, for example, in-state tuition was $6,507 for in-state students for the 2014-15 school year, while the cost surged to $21,673 for out-of-state students. In other words, foreign or out-of-state students who spend about three times more to attend college in sunny Florida may be subsidizing those who already live in the state.

No. 8: North Dakota

• Median income: $36,920
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $7,688
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 20.8%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 9
• No. of public community colleges: 8

Based on a median hourly wage of $17.75 and average in-state tuition of just $7,688, the state of North Dakota easily took the eighth spot on our list. And that might have to do with just how little tuition in North Dakota has increased during the last five years. The 2010-11 school year saw average tuition prices of $7,191, and that figure had only risen a few hundred dollars by 2015.

Meanwhile, extremely low tuition at a few popular North Dakota schools may be keeping the state’s overall average down. At Bismarck State College, for example, tuition and fees for the 2014-15 school year came in at just $3,520 for in-state students.

No. 7: Montana

• Median income: $31,512
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,351
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 20.1%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 6
• No. of public community colleges: 13

Despite having relatively few public colleges and community colleges, Montana has kept college tuition affordable for in-state students. That may be coming at the expense of out-of-state students, however. As with several other states on our list, tuition prices for out-of-state students in Montana appear to be disproportionately high. For example, Montana residents can attend the University of Montana for just $6,800 per year, but out-of-state residents need to pay $21,391.

With just a small number of state schools, very cheap colleges have a way of bringing the average cost down, too. In the state of Montana, tuition at the University of Montana – Western was just $4,761 for in-state students during the 2014-15 school year.

No. 6: New Mexico

• Median income: $31,803
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,355
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 19.9%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 9
• No. of public community colleges: 21

In New Mexico, the cost of college hasn’t increased that much during the past five years – or even the last decade. According to the College Board, average tuition in New Mexico for the 2004-05 school years was $4,926; it’s inched up to $6,355 over the past 10 years.

The fact that New Mexico has kept the cost of its public colleges from surging out of control has played a huge role in how affordable it remains today. Realistically, this outcome is partly due to the fact that the state of New Mexico has made higher education a priority: According to Pew Research analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education, New Mexico was one of the top 10 states in the nation when it comes to state funding per full-time student for the fiscal year 2013, the most recent data available.

No. 5: Nevada

• Median income: $33,559
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,667
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 19.8 percent
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 6
• No. of public community colleges: 4

In the state of Nevada, the small number of public, four-year schools available is inconsequential; it’s the low tuition rates offered by the schools themselves that makes this state such a good deal. At the College of Southern Nevada, for example – a school with more than 35,000 students — in-state tuition came in at just $2,700 in 2015.

Like other states on this list, tuition prices in Nevada haven’t budged much during the last five years, either. During the 2010-11 school year, the average cost at a four-year state school was $5,822 – just $845 less than the average for 2015-16. And that slow growth has been extremely beneficial for students who hope to earn an affordable degree in the Silver State.

No. 4: Utah

• Median income: $33,696
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,363
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 18.8%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 7
• No. of public community colleges: 9

Although Utah is only home to 16 public universities and community colleges, tuition remains extremely affordable as a percentage of the local median income.

Despite excellent affordability overall, a handful of Utah schools keep average prices even lower. At Snow College in Ephraim, Utah residents can earn a four-year degree for just $3,388 per year as of the 2014-15 school year. In case you don’t want to do the math, that’s only $13,552 for all four years of college tuition!

No. 3: New York

• Median income: $40,872
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $7,644
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 18.7%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 45
• No. of public community colleges: 43

When it comes to any kind of affordability, New York may not naturally come to mind. However, high median wages, a huge network of public colleges, and ample state funding for higher education have made New York a welcome refuge from out-of-reach tuition rates commonly found in the Northeast.

New York is home to the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education, the State University of New York system (SUNY). In 2014, the SUNY system enrolled 459,550 students across 64 separate campuses, most of which boasted annual tuition rates that were even lower than the state’s average.

No. 2: Alaska

• Median income: $45,198
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $6,571
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 14.5%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 3
• No. of public community colleges: 2

Although Alaska is sparsely populated and light on college options, the schools that call it home offer incredibly low tuition rates in relation to the median wage of $21.73 per hour. Students who opt for a four-year degree from a public school in Alaska can choose from three different University of Alaska campuses – all with affordable tuition and located in the populated cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Juneau area.

Another reason college in Alaska is so affordable may be the state’s dedication to keeping it that way. According to analysis from Pew Charitable Trusts, Alaska spent the most state revenue per full-time student compared to other states in the nation in 2013. And in the end, state funding plays a huge role in college affordability.

No. 1: Wyoming

• Median income: $37,773
• Average in-state tuition for public, four-year institutions: $4,891
• Average tuition as a percent of median income: 12.9%
• No. of public, four-year colleges: 1
• No. of public community colleges: 7

As mentioned, Wyoming is one of two states in the nation with a constitution that demands affordable college tuition for its residents. As such, tuition at the state’s one public, four-year school – the University of Wyoming – was just $4,891 for the 2015-16 school year.

And out-of-state students get a pretty good deal, too; as of 2015, outside residents could attend the University of Wyoming for $14,876 per year. That’s less than in-state tuition at the University of New Hampshire.

Further, students who live far from the campus in Laramie don’t have to despair. Because the state is rural and so sparsely populated, the University of Wyoming offers one of the most robust online degree programs in the nation. Through the University of Wyoming’s outreach school, students can participate in eight bachelor’s programs, 12 master’s programs, and 3 doctoral degree programs – all from the comfort of their own homes.

• Related: Most Affordable Online Colleges

Final Thoughts

While the common narrative tells us that college is obscenely expensive, that isn’t always the case. With healthy competition, thriving state university systems, and larger than average investments in higher education, some states boast public colleges well within reach of their residents’ budgets. And at the end of the day, where you live matters.

Related Articles:

• 20 Colleges Well Worth the Money
• 10 College Degrees that Could Pay Off
• 10 Worst College Degrees to Earn
• Choosing a College Major? Check the Stats First
• How to Save Money on College Textbooks
• 13 Great Part-Time Jobs for College Students
• The True Cost of Student Loans

How does your state rank? Was your college degree affordable?

The post Top 10 States for College Affordability appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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15 Apps That Will Help You Dominate Your Black Friday Shopping

Heading out into the Black Friday jungle? Don’t leave home without the proper supplies: smartphone apps.

We’ve rounded up 15 apps to help you do everything — from avoiding traffic to entertaining yourself in long lines — with the utmost style and efficiency. (All are free unless otherwise noted.)

Here are our favorite, must-have Black Friday apps:

Getting to the Store

Making your way to the stores and through the Black Friday crowds is half the battle. These apps should help you succeed in your deal-seeking mission.

1. Sunshine

Before you even leave the house, know what weather to expect with Sunshine.

Instead of distant satellites, this new app uses street-level smartphone sensors and crowdsourcing to tell you what it’s really like outside.

2. Waze

Smart shoppers never sit in traffic when there are deals to be found.

Not only does Waze automatically send you on the quickest route, it also alerts you to police, accidents and road hazards.

3. Point Inside

Need help navigating the mall? Look no further than Point Inside. This app has directories and interactive maps for more than 1,250 malls across North America.

It even features in-store maps that show you the location of specific products at select retailers like Target and Lowe’s.

Waiting in Line

Whether you’re waiting in line for a store to open, or just to check out, these apps will help you make the most of your time.

4. Pocket

Don’t spend another second scrolling through your Facebook feed.

Stay on top of your favorite money-saving blogs with Pocket, which allows you to save articles for later reading. (We may be biased, but we think The Penny Hoarder is an excellent choice!)

5. Swagbucks

Want to make some money while standing in line? Give Swagbucks a shot. You can answer surveys or watch videos, earning “SBs” to redeem for gift cards at retailers like Amazon and Target.

6. Heads Up!

While in line, entertain your fellow shoppers — and make some new friends — with Ellen DeGeneres’ Heads Up! app.

Family-friendly and perfect for groups, you’re bound to have a good laugh playing this game in line.

Cost: 99 cents

Scoring Deals

Why do you shop on Black Friday? Deals! These apps are must-haves for your in-store experience.

7. RedLaser

Make sure you’re buying items at the best price with RedLaser.

Simply scan the barcode of any product with your smartphone’s camera, and it automatically compares prices at thousands of online and offline retailers.

8. WalletUp

Have a bunch of rewards credit cards? Not sure which one to use? WalletUp to the rescue!

Using your location, this app tells you which card will generate the most rewards at specific stores.

9. Shopkick

Even if you don’t buy anything, you can earn rewards on Black Friday with shopkick.

Once you download the app, you earn “kicks” just for walking into stores like Macy’s and Best Buy, which you can redeem for gift cards.

Staying Organized

Holiday shopping can be crazy, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Stay organized and on-budget with these apps.

10. LifeLock Wallet

LifeLock Wallet offers cloud storage for all your important cards (think credit, insurance and ID) so you can access them right from your smartphone.

In the event your wallet is lost or stolen, it even helps you cancel your cards.

11. LevelMoney

It’s essential you have a Black Friday budget so you don’t spend more than you can afford. You could bring a limited amount of cash — but if you prefer the convenience of credit cards, don’t head out the door without LevelMoney.

This simple budgeting app allows you to set a budget for the day (or week or month) and visually see how much you have left to spend.

12. The Christmas List

If you need a way to keep track of all the gifts on your list, you need The Christmas List. This comprehensive app lets you track your gift recipients, ideas and budgets — and its shopping list view will come in handy while you’re dashing through the aisles.

Cost: $1.99

Spending Time with Family

For many shoppers, Black Friday is less about the bargains and more about the experience and tradition. Use these apps to stay connected with your family and friends on the big day.

13. Find My Friends

At some point, you’ll undoubtedly lose track of your companions on the Black Friday battlefield.

Apple’s Find My Friends app can help your battalion reunite, thanks to its ability to display your friends on a map and send alerts when people enter or depart a specific location.

14. Zello Walkie-Talkie App

With all the mayhem, you might not hear your calls or texts. To get in touch quickly and effectively, try the Zello Walkie-Talkie app.

You can even create a group conversation with everyone from your party on the same channel — just like an “old school CB radio!”

15. NoWait

Whether you’re eager to continue shopping — or are exhausted and can’t wait another minute to eat — NoWait can help.

This app lets you see wait times, put your name on the list and get updates on your place in line at thousands of participating restaurants, including chains like Chili’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Since mall restaurants are slammed on Black Friday, we’re betting this app will be a lifesaver!

Black Friday can be a fun and exhilarating experience — as long as you’re prepared mentally, physically and technologically. By downloading these apps, you’ll significantly increase your chances of a productive and stress-free shopping day!

Your Turn: What apps do you plan to use on Black Friday?

Disclosure: We have a serious Taco Bell addiction around here. The affiliate links in this post help us order off the dollar menu. Thanks for your support!

Susan Shain, senior writer for The Penny Hoarder, is always seeking adventure on a budget. Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.

This post originally appeared on our special Black Friday site.

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