Jim Cramer shuffles his ‘Humanization of Pets ETF’ — ‘It’s paid off in 2019’ CNBC’s Jim Cramer, who hosts Mad Money, says “The humanization of pets has been a fabulous secular growth story – one that’s really paid off in 2019.”  He recently rebalanced his “Humanization of Pets ETF” (ETF = Exchange Traded Funds) and says “I bet it can keep going higher.”  Check out this brief video – you’re already familiar with many of his picks.  Source: Dr. Jane Brunt (thanks, Jane!).   ASAE Asks: What’s Next in Association Learning? In a special...

On May 29, the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and VIN Foundation hosted “2019 Veterinary New Graduate Student Loan Playbook,” a live webinar for new veterinary graduates, which presented the benefits of repaying student loans as soon as possible. Student Debt Expert Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA, reviewed step-by-step processes for the most effective ways to handle veterinary school loans upon graduation (HINT: it is not through refinancing). Check out the webinar and its accompanying blog to get the scoop on loan consolidation, repayment options and how a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan can...

Ms. Danielle Johnson, senior director of development at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ (AAVMC) inaugural 2019 Award for Fundraising Excellence in Student Scholarships. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s scholarship fundraising program was recognized by judges for its strategic, comprehensive and sustainable nature, as well as programmatic success. “Educational debt is one of the most challenging issues facing academic veterinary medicine and the profession,” said AAVMC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “We’re honored...

National Public Radio wants to hear from students and parents for a series of stories about how to afford college, tips for finding scholarships and grant money, and the best approaches for paying off student loan debt. Click here for more information. In related efforts: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) wants to hear from veterinarians who would be impacted by cuts to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Share your story here. The Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) wants to hear from veterinary practices that have developed ways to help...

Author Talia Jane offers her take on student loans in “The Grind Won't Save Us, But Student Debt Forgiveness Might.” She reflects on the difficulty of repaying her student loans despite her strong work ethic. She says, “Everywhere you look, the message is clear: If you can’t pay off your debt, you’re just not grinding hard enough.” She also explores the millennial point of view on the value of a college education....

For the first time in three years, the interest rates on Federal student loans will decrease anywhere from seven to ten percent depending on the loan type. This will take effect for new Federal student loan borrowers after July 1, 2019. The interest rate for Federal Direct Loans disbursed on or after July 1 will decrease from 5.045% to 4.529% for undergraduate Direct Loans, from 6.595% to 6.079% for graduate/professional Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and from 7.595% to 7.079% for Parent and Grad PLUS loans. The interest rate caps for these loans are...

The Veterinary Debt Initiative (VDI) is committed to raising awareness and providing access to resources that enable pre-veterinary students, veterinary students and veterinarians to make highly informed financial decisions. Check out how VDI is leading efforts in the student debt crisis at these upcoming VDI-sponsored speaker events: AVMA Convention 8/2/19: The Market for Veterinary Education and How It Affects You! 8/3/19: Decisions, Decisions: Repayment Strategies for New Veterinarians 8/3/19: Contract Negotiations: Beyond Bargaining Games and Tactics AVMA Annual Economic Summit 10/22/19: Veterinary Debt Initiative Update at Summit Dinner Wellbeing Summit 11/19/19:...

Educational debt in the United States now exceeds $1.5 trillion. Many experts believe this level of debt represents a substantial threat to future economic wellbeing. This debt-load is the result of decades of rising tuition costs that have occurred across the spectrum of higher education and professional school, and it has certainly affected academic veterinary medicine. In fact, we may be experiencing the impact of this societal problem sooner and more acutely in veterinary medicine than in other disciplines because of the salary disparity that exists between veterinary medicine and other...

The countdown is ON for June 20, when we will launch the VMAE | Live! webinar series. VMAE | Live! is all about connecting our special network for input, insight and inspiration while exploring association management and professional issue topics.  Register now by visiting this link. VMAE | Live! will convene on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 12:05 PM Mountain time (and concluding by 12:55 PM).  Each session will feature VMAE colleagues who will share their expertise or external subject matter experts who will provide their thoughts.  There will be...