April 2025 Basecamp Newsletter
Welcome to Basecamp, the monthly newsletter from P1FCU! Each month, we'll bring you free tips and strategies to improve your financial well-being, plus some insight into all the resources you have access to as a P1FCU member. Welcome! Become a subscriber below.
Planning for college can be very overwhelming, especially when it comes to financial aid. Navigating the journey of tuition, scholarships, and the dreaded FAFSA can be a challenge for students of all ages. That's why we sat down with Soo Lee Bruce-Smith, the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Services at LC State, on our Making Sense of Money podcast. She shared some myths and invaluable tips that can take the stress out of financial aid.
Keep reading for some common myths Soo Lee hears and advice you can use to make the best decisions regarding your college education.
Myth #1: The Pell Grant Covers Everything
The Pell Grant is a fantastic resource, but it doesn't cover all college expenses in some cases. It typically helps with some of your costs, including tuition, housing, meals, books, and more. For some students, that Pell Grant may not be enough, so developing a plan can help you combine the Pell Grant with financial aid, scholarships, savings, or even part-time work to help you cover the cost of attendance.
Myth #2: Only Full-Time Students Receive Aid
Many think that financial aid is only for students taking 12 or more credits, and Soo Lee clarified this for all of us. Part-time students are also eligible for assistance; it might just come in different forms. Completing the FAFSA and connecting with a financial aid advisor can help you craft a plan to support your education, whether it's through federal student aid or privately funded loans.
Want to learn about the next two most common myths and how you can navigate them? Click below to read the rest of this article from our podcast with Soo Lee.
Do You Use Shared Branching?
On May 1st, CO-OP will launch a new way to verify identities for shared branching guests.Click below to learn more about how that process is going to change.
Not sure where to start?
Are you thinking about purchasing a home this spring? Our Home Buyers Guide can help you with the ins and outs of home buying. Download or read the guide by clicking below.
Are You Staying Protected from Fraudsters?
Last month, during Fraud Awareness Month, we were joined by Tyler Crane from the Lewiston Police Department to talk about fraud. During this podcast, he highlighted common things you can look out for, best practices, and the number one tip to prevent yourself from being defrauded.
Watch This Episode
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This is for educational purposes only and not financial advice.