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Facebook Inc (FB) Direct App Is the Newest Threat to Snap

By U.S. News & World Report

It’s no secret that Facebook Inc (Nasdaq: FB) and Snap Inc. ( SNAP) are competitors in the booming business of social media. However, Facebook may have taken the competition to the next level with its newly-launched independent Instagram messaging app.

Last week, the Verge reported that Facebook has begun testing a new stand-alone Instagram messaging app called Direct. Up to this point, Instagram users had been able to direct message each other via a separate page on the main app, but Facebook now appears to be looking to repeat the success it had by separating Facebook Messenger into its own app several years ago. Facebook users must now download the Messenger app in addition to the main Facebook app, and Instagram users may soon be forced to do the same with Direct.

[See: 7 of the Best Stocks to Buy for 2018.]

The unique Instagram app is part of Facebook’s push to grow advertising revenue by inserting ads into its chat apps. Bank of America analyst Justin Post says it’s bad news for Snap.

Post says the new Instagram Direct app has many of the same features as Snapchat’s app.

“The overall layout looks somewhat similar to Snapchat, less the Discover tab, and the Direct app appears to open directly to the camera,” he says.

Like Snapchat, Direct also has augmented reality features and photo filters.

Facebook recently reported that Instagram Stories, which many have said is a thinly veiled Snapchat rip-off, now has more than 300 million daily active users compared to only 173 daily active users for Snapchat’s app. In fact, Facebook says its Messenger app now has 300 million daily users as well.

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Post says the new Direct app is one of several standalone apps Facebook has launched or bought in recent months, including Facebook Local, Messenger Kids and recently acquired tbh.

“Direct may have higher importance, however, as it could capitalize on Instagram’s need for increased millennial engagement (given Facebook is not as strong in the category), while potentially impeding Snap’s renewed global expansion efforts,” he says.

For long-term investors, Post says Facebook is a better bet than Snap. Bank of America has a “buy” rating and $210 price target for Facebook. The firm has a “neutral” rating and $16 target for Snap stock.

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Facebook Inc (FB) Direct App Is the Newest Threat to Snap originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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