Students who expect to have a credit balance once all anticipated aid is disbursed may apply for a living expense refund against the future credit.
Complete a Refund/Cash Advance Request Form
Join Chirag P. Shah, MD, MPH, for one of the most important (non-medical!) things you will learn in medical school: how to navigate your personal finances. Dr. Shah co-authored a book on personal finance for physicians, “Financial Freedom Rx: The Physician’s Guide to Achieving Financial Independence,” and lectures to young physicians across the country. He is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, and the Co-Director of the Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship.
https://harvard.zoom.us/j/96373964189
October 1, 2025:
• Why Financial Planning Matters
• Jobs & Contracts
• Initial Steps Post Graduation
October 8, 2025:
• Disability, Health & Malpractice Insurance
• Student Loans & Retiring Debt
October 15, 2025:
• Taxable Investing
• Tax-Advantaged Investing
October 22, 2025:
• Diversification & Asset Allocation
• Life, Homeowners and Umbrella Insurance
• Financial Advisors
• Have I Won the Game?
• Pitfalls to Avoid
Dr. Chirag Shah MD, MPH
Financial Aid Scams & Safety
Common Financial Aid Scams
Application Fee Scams
• Never pay a fee to apply for federal aid.
• FAFSA is always free at https://studentaid.gov/.
Scholarship Guarantee Scams
• No legitimate organization can guarantee aid.
Advance Fee Loan Scams
• Real loans do not require fees upfront.
Phishing and Identity Theft
• Colleges, the U.S. Department of Education, and official programs will never request sensitive information via unsecured email or text.
More Resources
• Federal Student Aid: How to Avoid Student Aid Scams
As 2025-26 academic year begins, it is important to learn how to protect your personal information and spot common financial aid scams. Below are tips, warning signs, and trusted resources to help you stay protected.
How to Protect Yourself
Use Official Websites
• For federal aid: https://studentaid.gov/
• For scholarships: https://www.fastweb.com/.
Secure Your Accounts
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable multi-factor authentication if available
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests
• Do no reply to unsolicited texts, calls or emails about financial aid, especially those requesting sensitive information
Check URL Spelling Carefully
• Scammers may use lookalike websites such as fasa.com or fafsa.gov.
Research the Organization
• Read online reviews and verity their contact information
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Act) became law, bringing about changes to certain federal student aid programs. While some of these changes took effect right away, others will be implemented later this year and in the future.
View details.
Federal Loan Updates
Enhancements to StudentAid.gov
On August 3, 2025, new enhancements to StudentAid.gov were introduced to help students and borrowers quickly access the applications and information they need. Some of these changes include:
• Updated borrower defense to repayment loan discharge application
• Real-time matching with the Social Security Administration for borrowers creating or updating accounts
• Improved site navigation.
View details.
Financial Aid Fact
Students can request an increase to their cost of attendance budget for a one-time computer purchase for up to $2,500. This increase is covered with a federal or private loan.
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Monthly Highlight
Financial Goal Setting
A new academic year is the perfect time to set clear financial goals and create a roadmap for your success. Financial goal setting isn’t just about paying tuition— it’s about making sure your money works for you now and in the future. Here are a few steps to get started:
• Identify Your Priorities: What matters most to you this year? Whether it’s saving for conferences, paying down debt, or building an emergency fund, write down your top financial priorities.
• Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: “Save $500 by December for professional development expenses.”
• Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses so you can see where your money goes and make adjustments where needed. Below are some budgeting apps:
o Smart About Money
o Thrive
o Mint
o YNAB
• Monitor Your Progress: Check in with your goals monthly and celebrate small wins along the way. Don’t hesitate to adjust your plan if your situation changes.
