Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Student Loan Options



Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters
Counting down to the start of the course, here's what's been happening recently . . .

Student Loans
Here at MMEF HQ we've been liaising with both the ASB and National Bank on your behalf regarding Tertiary Account and Student Loan Packages, and both are open to helping out those studying this year with MMEF. We highlighted that many of our students would have the opportunity to work whilst studying also, which is well worth emphasising when you talk to the banks yourselves.

Our discussions were with the respective Branch Managers in Newmarket, Auckland, and we found both ASB and National are extremely approachable should you wish to discuss Tertiary Loan possibilities to suit you.

At a glance - here are the key benefits of both Tertiary Packages:-

Auckland Savings Bank (ASB)
Transaction Account with no base of transaction fees.
Interest free Overdraft of $1,000.
Credit Card with no account fee for the first 12 months.
Personal Loan at concessionary rates, currently 13.95% (usually 17.95%)


The National Bank
An everyday account with no monthly account transaction or automatic payment fees
Interest-free overdraft on application of up to $1000 for your first year of study, and up to $2000 for your remaining years on the package
Thoroughbred Card or Visa Classic credit card, with no annual account fee
Tertiary Loan Interest Rate currently 11.70% p.a.


Helping out with your cash flow
While we're talking finances . . . although this may seem an obvious suggestion to many, some students are facing the possibility of foresaking several weeks of salary during the study modules, which causes obvious cash-flow challenges ;-{
An option to assist your staff, that are either enroled or considering enrolment for the AMI Diploma this year, is to annualise their salary i.e calculate the annual salary and continue payment throughout the year. This was an idea proferred by one school which could indeed be advantageous for many more of you.....think about it.

Chery Ferreira on air!
Our Director of Training Cheryl Ferreira was interviewed by National Radio's Brian Crump for his evening show during Cheryl's last visit to New Zealand. The 20 minute interview was aired on the eve of 18th March. Thank you to many of you who emailed with complimentary remarks...and for those of you who missed it, you can still 'tune in' by clicking here:
http://organonarchitecture.co.nz/Not_PC/Cheryl-RADIONZ-180309.mp3.

And finally...download an application pack at www.mmef.org.nz.
To view the on-line MMEF newsletter visit www.mmefnz.blogspot.com, or email mmef@ihug.co.nz to subscribe.

Best wishes to you all, and onwards to June!

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES