New Federal Student Loan Changes

What some people might not know is that Federal Student Loan process was dramatically changed by the new healthcare legislation. I'm not sure why, Congress decided to include the changes to loans within the healthcare legislation. But that's what they chose to do and is one of the reasons why many are concerned about the health care legislation beyond just the health care issues.
But the good news is most of the changes to the student loan process are to the student's benefit. Student loans have always been quite a challenge for anyone not familiar with all the ins and outs of the federal and private lender rules. These new laws that go into effect are meant to simplify and make it easier for students to both qualify for the loans and ease the payment terms for the students.
These new processes are also responsible for some of the planned monies available to reduce the federal budget deficit. Based on current projections, the proposed $10 billion in savings from these new processes will be directly applied to reduce the federal budget deficit. Another very subjective area, who knows if these savings will materialize.
The major changes have to do with both repayment of the loans, and even the amounts that the students will have to pay back. Currently, students don't have to pay back more than 15% of their incomes each month on any student loans. There is a cap on the number of months, or in this case years, that the students will have to pay back on any loans and is currently set at 25 years. In this new change to the rules the monthly maximal amount of income is 10% rather than the 15% and the maximum number of years a student will have to pay on the loan is 25 and will be 20 under this new law.
One of the reasons this new process saves the government money is the fact that the government will no longer subsidize the private lenders by guaranteeing the payback. In other words, if the student defaults on the loan now guaranteed by the government, the government will pay the loan back to the private lender. But in this new set of laws the government will no longer guarantee payback so more private lenders will probably reduce the amount of loans offered to students since they no longer have a guarantee of payment by the government.
These new laws also expand the grants that go to lower income students. Currently, students who qualify for federal grants can obtain up to a maximum of $5,300 per year. But with these new laws they will be able to qualify for up to $6,000 per school year.
The two existing loan programs for students consists of one that is offered directly from the government and the other is offered through the private lenders, which is called the Federal Family Education Loan Program and is subsidized by the federal government with a guarantee payback. The Federal Family Education Loan Program will end as of the first of July this year.
Additional funding is also included in these new laws for community colleges to offer more affordable retraining for unemployed people. Given our current high unemployment rates this is probably one of the best features under these new student loan changes.
The banks and Sallie Mae are very unhappy with this new change in loan rules. Sallie Mae has stated that this change will force them to reduce their workforce from about 8600 people now to less than 6000 after these changes take effect. This is a net loss of over 2500 jobs. Sallie Mae is one of the largest private student loan providers.
It's hard to say how much of an impact that these new changes will have on private lenders and the student borrowers. It is safe to say that the student loan private lenders will be less motivated to offer student loans with higher risk. If the government picks up the slack and provides these loans at a lower rate and offers easier repayment terms of student borrowers will benefit.
I would highly recommend that anyone who is considering applying for student loan make sure that they understand exactly what the terms are in any loan agreement regardless of these new changes. And from any lender, to include the Federal Government.

Five Tips to Successfully Retain Generation

They're called Generation Y: People born between 1978 and 1994, and they're rapidly climbing the business ladder. As more and more of them rise to entry level management positions, it's increasingly important for upper management to understand how these young managers think in order to keep their interest in the organization.
Dr. Alison MacLeod, currently a researcher at the Human Element based in Cambridge, UK, sought to determine the behavior of these managers: their work-life balance, internet habits, career goals and more. Her report is the basis for this article.
Here are five strategies employers may find useful in retaining Generation Y managers and cultivating their growth in the organization.
1. Get Involved
Only 41% of Generation Y managers in this study reported regular reviews with their line managers. This is a symptom of a much larger problem and is directly related to the fact that younger managers don't have the same organizational loyalty as those that are more senior. While part of this can be attributed to additional time invested by a senior manager, the disconnect between upper management and Generation Y managers needs to be remedied if organizations want to retain these individuals in the long term.
Getting involved does not necessarily need to translate to increased supervision or micromanagement. In fact, evidence suggests that Generation Y managers are very proactive and independent. However, they require consistent feedback that helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses and points out avenues toward increased education and eventual responsibility.
2. Give Them Room to Grow
Generation Y managers are incredibly driven regarding learning new skills and progressing up the corporate structure as quickly as possible, sometimes to their own detriment. As an employer, it is in your best interest to offer these managers as much headroom as possible, because they typically aren't afraid to walk away and join another organization where the headroom is perceived to be greater. Generation Y managers get the most satisfaction from professional courses and qualifications, so an organization that provides a constant path upward toward ever more certifications will retain a Generation Y manager longer than one that does not. Blended learning, the practice of utilizing professional online networks to encourage more personal contact between younger managers and their mentors has been found to be an effective supplement to professional learning.
If the organization has no headroom in the manager's current sector, job rotation is another way of keeping these managers engaged and retaining them within the organization.
3. Emphasize Positive Organizational Effects
90% of Generation Y managers surveyed said they wanted to work for an organization they can believe in. This was the point that was common to the greatest number of study responses. With such agreement, organizations would do well to bear this in mind when constructing a workplace culture. This culture need not be heavy handed and attempt to drum up corporate pride through traditional motivational methods; it can be as simple as pointing out the ways in which the organization is positively contributing to society and encouraging employees to take part in volunteer efforts and other programs that highlight social responsibility. As managers grow older, it becomes increasingly important that their organization have strong values, and a constant commitment to corporate social responsibility will go a long way toward satisfying a Generation Y manager's need to believe in the positive effect of their organization on society.
4. Maintain Flexibility
One of the greatest frustrations of Generation Y managers is the inability of organizations to change to reflect new realities, whether technological, organizational or otherwise. Generation Y managers want their organization to be as flexible as they are, able to alter its approach to best take advantage of new technologies or respond to changing market conditions. Upper management needs to respond more positively when Generation Y managers identify policies or procedures that are ineffective or counterproductive. If these items are necessary for reasons unknown to the manager, explaining them will help further their education while instilling the feeling that their input is valued nonetheless.
5. Don't Lose Site of Traditional Benefits
Although Generation Y certainly appreciates the more exotic benefits that have popped up in companies over the last several years, they are no substitute for traditional perks such as financial incentives and healthcare. Other lifestyle benefits did not enter into a manager's decision of whether to remain with a particular organization or look elsewhere. The only exception to this rule lies in wellness and fitness benefits, which were appreciated more than any other such benefit.
Overall, the number one item sought by Generation Y managers is transferable skills. If your organization meets this need while at the same time providing constructive, regular feedback, embracing new technology, acknowledging and considering recommendations and reinforcing the positive actions of your organization on society, it will be in the best possible position to recruit and retain Generation Y managers as they continue to make their way up the organizational chart.

Franklin Park Zoo

The Franklin Park in Boston, Massachusetts is a historical park and a significant landmark accredited as the crown jewel of Frederick Law Olmstead's works. He is known as the Father of American Landscape Architecture. This country park, serving as an oasis for the city people, was established in the late 19th century.
In the early 20th century a zoological park by the name Franklin Park Zoo was opened at the Franklin Park to offer a novel experience for the residents. Both Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham are operated under a firm called the Zoo New England. It is a private non-profit firm committed to conserving endangered animals while providing unparalleled educational resources for the same discipline.
An encounter with hundreds of wild animals exhibited in an area that spans for over 70 acres is indeed a unique experience not to be missed. Best of all these animals represent different parts of the world and are exhibited in simulated habitats. The zoo hosts various educational programs for all age groups from kids to adults. And it also offers camping facilities for children where they can experience and explore the nature's mysteries and wonders first hand.
The Tropical Forest at the Franklin Zoo is where you can get the vibes of a true rainforest, surrounded by diverse plants and animals. When you step into the Kalhari Kingdom brace yourself to meet the formidable African lion with its majestic mane, face to face. If you are a cat lover who adores their big cousins the tigers, you would be delighted to meet the zoo's resident tigers at the Tiger Tales.
Franklin Zoo's key magnet is its indoor gorilla exhibit where you can get to know one of the most intimate gorilla families in the world. The zoo has about seven of them with adorable names. Two of them prefer playing and splashing in the water, which is not a usual trait found among the wild gorillas. Some of them prefer eating sweet fruits like cantaloupe, zucchini and even corn right off the cobs. You can learn so much about this friendly gorilla family while keenly observing their expressions, gestures and various behavioural patterns.
Franklin Park Zoo is a great place for picnics as it has outdoor tables all set for you to sit and enjoy your food. You can also buy various refreshments including sandwiches, salads, pizzas, hamburgers and hotdogs at its Giddy-Up Grill and Kalhari Kitchen. And to cherish this memorable trip to the zoo there is a fine gift shop selling a host of items including apparel, plush toys and games.

Spend your Boston holiday at a luxury hotel in Boston and enjoy a day out with your family at the Franklin Park Zoo, the little oasis in the midst of a bustling city. You can try one of the finest downtown Boston hotels, such as The Langham Boston near the charming garden of the Post Office Square. While enjoying their sumptuous amenities you can get quick access to Boston's best shopping centres and restaurants from here. Best of all some of the popular tourist hotspots are sited around the hotel including the New England Aquarium and the Boston Harbour waterfront.

How to Write an Autobiography

Writing an Autobiography is of immense importance when starting your career. This is just like your face in front of the employer. It is the only information that the employer has about you before the interview. If the autobiography is not written in a good way, then you may never reach the interview. To write the autobiography in a good way is very important in accordance with the job applying for. This will really impress the one who reads it first in order to get to the interview. Then, everything will be in your hands.
General Autobiography Writing Tips
- Your resume should neither be too short nor too long. One page is ideal. If the contents cannot be adjusted in one page then the maximum are two pages.
- The autobiography should give an orderly look, it means that in one glance it should be obvious that where the education, experience and skills are. There should not be a mess in the contents; the person who reviews your autobiography has many other also, so he will not have time nor patience to go through the messy contents.
- It is very essential that the information provided in the autobiography is relevant to the job position being applied for. There is absolutely no use of giving detailed information about everything that you have done if it is not relevant with the position you are applying for.
- You have to be honest about your qualification, experience and skills. Everything written in your Autobiography will be the main reason for you to be accepted or rejected. It will be very embarrassing for you and the employer if it is later discovered that your qualification and experience does not correspond with what you have written in your Autobiography.
- When starting to write about your Autobiography, it has to be done very carefully and enough time should be given to it. An Autobiography written in a good manner can open many doors. On the other hand, an Autobiography which is written carelessly will only be of harm for you. A good Autobiography is worth any minute devoted for it, so take sufficient time for doing this work.
Types of Autobiography Formats
Autobiography formats are mainly of two types - chronological type and Functional type. The chronological type focuses on the chronological order of your job experience. Everything in it is listed by dates. This is the most commonly used. The functional type stresses on your skills rather focusing on the chronology of your experience.
Sections of an Autobiography
An Autobiography has several obligatory sections. The heading is the place where your name, address, e-mail and telephone number is to be written, other information like your websites and your coordinates can also be mentioned. Job Objective statement is a very important part. The specific job which you are applying for has to be written as there might be more than one vacancies at the moment.
Skills section is also very important. This section maybe is of greatest interest to the employer. You have to make sure that all your skills relevant to the vacancy you are applying for are listed. It is also very important that this information should be current.
The education section mentions information about what you have studied, what courses you have done and the type of licenses you have, if any. You have to again give all the information which is relevant to the position applied for.
Next section is the Job experience section. Most of the companies look for experienced employees, this section could be very helpful if you have the relevant experience relating to the job. You have to write here at least three of your latest jobs. Don't forget to write the year and the month along with the job title. It is very essential to write about your job responsibilities for each and every one of the jobs mentioned.
Before sending your autobiography
If you have already written your autobiography, proof read it, check the grammar as bad grammar errors will give a very bad impression to the reader. You have to make sure that it looks good and that it is correctly printed on a fine quality paper. Remember that you can always refer to Autobiography samples which are available online. Before sending your Autobiography, take your time and thoroughly read it, make sure that it is alright.

Scholarships to Help Out African American Mothers

Did you know that out of all the African American mothers that there are in the country, only thirty percent of them are actually still living with their husbands or are married. The number of single mothers has risen drastically and so has the need of these mothers to look for ways to support their child or children and give them a better life. Even though these women might wish to get themselves a college degree that will help them in their careers and to get them a better job, being a single mother always gets in the way.
There is always going to be the problem of arranging for daycare as well as the financial strains that are associated with this kind of expenditure; so even education at this stage in their lives is something that does not come easy for them. However, there is a lot of effort going in to arranging for scholarships for single working moms in every way possible, and especially for African American single mothers. This is an initiative that is being taken care of by the government as well as by various organizations that are dedicate towards working for women.
There are a few scholarships for single working moms that you could try contacting if you are an African American single mother, like the Sister Thea Bowman foundation. Four African American women each year are provided with a scholarship by this foundation. There is another place that you can contact if you are looking for scholarship and this is Learners.com which is affiliated with several online universities and institutions that will help you gain a very beneficial education to help you out in your future career endeavors.
Besides these the government itself is also doing its best to help arrange for scholarships for single working moms and the best example of this is the latest 'Mom's return to school' which is a campaign that is an initiative by President Obama's government. Even the federal grants that are being given out are being made available to a wider range of women than they were before.
However, the problem still remains that there are some qualifications and criteria that you will have to fulfill if you wish to be eligible for any of these scholarships for single working moms. You cannot just be given the scholarship based on nothing, there are certainly criteria for selection.

Don't Run Away From EDI On-Job Training

If you work for an industry, which essentially deals with the EDI implementation or needs heavy EDI transactions on a daily basis, chances are high that you would be given EDI on-job training, on a number of occasions. Basically, all those who deal with the EDI domain must know to harness the power of the technology, and need some kind of training to help the cause.
As a result, despite being proficient with the present aspect of the technology, you might be required to work with a different environment, and need to under EDI on-job training, on account of the same.
Moreover, you should rather welcome such EDI on-job training opportunities because, these training sessions would enhance your expertise in the domain, and take your career to the next level, and help you in even becoming a full time EDI professional.
Many individuals have started their career from EDI consulting companies, undergone various EDI on-job training programs and eventually established themselves as distinct individuals who are totally well versed with the technology, and increased their income level by multiple folds in due course.
As an employer, you must make sure that your staff has adequate knowledge in the field, and before starting any new EDI operation, you must provide sufficient relevant EDI on-job training, which would help in increasing the productivity. But at the same time, you must also make sure that the money spent on such EDI on job training simply doesn't go wasted, and you don't really make any profit in your business from the same!
As a matter of fact, many a times, it has been noticed that certain organizations realize the importance and necessity of EDI in their business and send their staff to such EDI on the job training work-shops so as to incorporate EDI technology into the business. A system integration analyst may be an important person who requires sufficient amount of EDI on job training, because he/she is always crucial in improving the performance of your business as a whole, and also maintaining the entire system in the lowest possible budget too!
Although there are various organizations who may provide EDI services at a decent price, it is always a better idea to educate your staff, so that you may get in-house EDI services, which would be much more reliable as well as cost-effective in the longer, nonetheless you would be faced with a considerable initial expense of conducting the EDI on-job training program.If you work for an industry, which essentially deals with the EDI implementation or needs heavy EDI transactions on a daily basis, chances are high that you would be given EDI on-job training, on a number of occasions. Basically, all those who deal with the EDI domain must know to harness the power of the technology, and need some kind of training to help the cause.
As a result, despite being proficient with the present aspect of the technology, you might be required to work with a different environment, and need to under EDI on-job training, on account of the same.
Moreover, you should rather welcome such EDI on-job training opportunities because, these training sessions would enhance your expertise in the domain, and take your career to the next level, and help you in even becoming a full time EDI professional.
Many individuals have started their career from EDI consulting companies, undergone various EDI on job training programs and eventually established themselves as distinct individuals who are totally well versed with the technology, and increased their income level by multiple folds in due course.
As an employer, you must make sure that your staff has adequate knowledge in the field, and before starting any new EDI operation, you must provide sufficient relevant EDI on-job training, which would help in increasing the productivity. But at the same time, you must also make sure that the money spent on such EDI on job training simply doesn't go wasted, and you don't really make any profit in your business from the same!
As a matter of fact, many a times, it has been noticed that certain organizations realize the importance and necessity of EDI in their business and send their staff to such EDI on the job training work-shops so as to incorporate EDI technology into the business. A system integration analyst may be an important person who requires sufficient amount of EDI on job training, because he/she is always crucial in improving the performance of your business as a whole, and also maintaining the entire system in the lowest possible budget too!
Although there are various organizations who may provide EDI services at a decent price, it is always a better idea to educate your staff, so that you may get in-house EDI services, which would be much more reliable as well as cost-effective in the longer, nonetheless you would be faced with a considerable initial expense of conducting the EDI on-job training program.

Things You Need to Know About Hypertension

Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've had hypertension for years, now is the best time to quickly lower blood pressure naturally. Hypertension is deadly, and it's time to act! It killed my grandmother, and it killed my father when he was in the prime of his life. My passion is to spread the message that anyone can quickly lower blood pressure naturally, if they'll just get enough information to find out how.
Knowing is the first step
Do you know that you don't have hypertension? If you're middle aged, stressed, not eating well enough, not exercising as often as you should, have a sedentary job, or a family history of hypertension, then get yourself checked out. More than 50% of high blood pressure sufferers don't find out they have it until permanent damage is done or their life is under threat.
How is Hypertension measured?
When your blood pressure is measured you get a systolic & diastolic pressure reading. It is represented by two numbers written like a fraction. If your Blood Pressure was say 110/70, then then the systolic value is 110 and the diastolic is 70. the systolic reading indicates the amount of pressure when your heart beats and the diastolic when it is resting between beats.
When is blood pressure too high?
Anything over a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 70 is cause for concern. Even prolonged pre-hypertension can be a health-risk.
What can Hypertension do to my Health?
If you ignore your hypertension, you run the risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attack, and damage to major organs, and the list goes on.
So do yourself a favor and listen to your body. If you don't know what your BP is, then get it checked. But if you do find that your a little on the high side, then get educated. If you can try the lifestyle changes first, before you agree to medication, then that would be fantastic for your health.