Posts Tagged: "university"

College Graduation Gifts for Networking in Style

Princess Diana - May 16, 2017 - Business, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Graduation

A college graduate needs to be prepared for networking events.

Networking is often a critical component of career success. Say it with me, “It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know.”

When my husband graduated with his Master’s degree, I gave him two gifts that would allow him to network in style.

Thoughtful College Graduation Gifts for Him

His first gift was a watch made of natural wood. Wooden watches look amazing, professional and serve as a conversation piece.

They come in different colors depending on the type of wood you choose, and they’re very lightweight.

No one can show up at a networking event without business cards. So for my husband’s second graduation gift I gave him a wooden business card holder engraved with his initials.

Personalized Luggage Tag & Handle Cover

Princess Diana - May 2, 2017 - Birthday, Business, Christmas, Going Away, Graduation, Retirement

Every time I hear of someone graduating school, I think how exciting it is they have their whole life ahead of them.

I’m also reminded of Dr. Seuss’s book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Such as classic and accurate description of this journey we call life.

I have a family member, Sidney, who is graduating from high school. With her graduation gift, I wanted to encourage her to take the opportunity to travel and collect experiences while she is in college.

The college years are well suited for traveling since the school year has built in Spring Break, Summer Break, Fall Break and Christmas Break. Once you’re in the workforce, you only have one or two day holidays and limited vacation days to fit in all your travel plans. Boo.

When I think back to my college years, the highlights include spring break trips to Florida and South Padre and summer trips to China and Costa Rica. I’m so glad I experienced them all!

Personalized Luggage Tag & Luggage Handle Cover

For her graduation gift, I gave Sidney a personalized luggage tag and luggage handle cover for her future travels.

Money Laundering College Gift Idea

Queen Darlene - August 4, 2016 - Graduation, Money

It’s here! You can’t believe it! It was only yesterday when your child started kindergarten. Now your son or daughter is going to college and moving on campus.

A college student will need new items for his or her dorm room, including a laundry basket and laundry soap.

Ever heard of Money Laundering? Of course you have, but this gift item is not of criminal intent. It’s a creative way to give cash as a college gift!

Believe me this “Money Laundering” gift will bring a smile to college bound students even though they know they’ll finally have to do their own laundry. Oh, the hidden pitfalls of growing up!

You will need:

A bottle or box box of laundry detergent
Quarters and $1, $5, $10, $20 bills
Glue dots

Gift of Education: 529 College Savings Plan

Princess Diana - November 24, 2015 - Baby Shower, Birthday, Christmas, Graduation, Kids, Money

As parents, we want to provide for our children. We give them food, clothing, shelter and affection. These are things they need now and today , but what about their needs down the road?

Parents also want to be able to provide for their children’s future, which is what my husband and I did when we opened up an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan for our son.

By saving and investing money to help pay for college or trade school, we’re giving our son the gift of education – a gift with lifetime benefits.

I must say, I felt an immense sense of pride after opening our son’s college savings plan because I knew it was one of the most important decisions I could make on his behalf.

The tax advantages that come with a 529 plan makes it a much smarter move than just opening up a regular savings account. For starters, contributions to our son’s Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan can be deducted from our Oklahoma taxable income up to a maximum of $20,000 per year ($10,000 for individual tax payers).

In addition, the earnings portion of any distributions used to pay for qualified higher education expenses will be free from federal and Oklahoma income tax. That’s huge! It’s also important to know that what is considered “qualified” expenses goes beyond books, tuition and fees. For example, certain costs associated with room and board can be paid for with money from a 529 plan.