The overall unemployment rate edged higher last month. However, there have recently been some welcome signs of improvement that could bode well for the future of the job market. While people have steady jobs, unexpected repair bills happen. If you can’t afford it, a payday loan advance may come in handy.

The number of long-term unemployed Americans decreased in May, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An individual who has been without a job for more than 27 weeks falls into this category. On an annual basis, this rate plummeted 13 percent in May to an estimated 5.4 million Americans.

Despite the improvement, one economist says the job market still has numerous obstacles to overcome before reaching pre-recession levels.

Currently, those who fall under the long-term jobless category account for roughly 42.8 percent of the total unemployed population. However, long-term unemployment can be far more damaging to an individual’s potential workplace status, rather than just their finances. Specifically, the longer someone is out of work, the more they lose a grasp on their marketable workplace skills.

The development of fewer Americans being out of work for more than 28 weeks could be a sign that the overall economy is stabilizing, but analysts are doubtful that it’s an indicator that conditions are drastically improving.

Meanwhile, the rate may have declined as a result of fewer individuals actively looking for work, J.H. Cohn Consultants director of economic research Patrick O’Keefe told the news source. Instead, many older workers could have opted for an early retirement, while others may have utilized their circumstances to continue their education while they wait for conditions to improve.

According to Fox Business, whether it’s for an undergraduate or master’s degree, there are many new innovative ways for new and returning students to save on college tuition fees.

Ask About Installment Plans

While millions of college graduates are familiar with the monthly payments for student loans, a growing number of colleges offer payment programs through the institution itself. However, plans can vary from school to school.

Some colleges offer tuition installment plans with 0 percent interest, while others might allow you to stretch payments for a single semester over a 10- to 12-month period, says the news source. In contrast, other programs may charge interest or a fee to utilize the program. However, these are often more expensive than government loan programs.

Fixed Tuition Rates

To further help with the cost of college, some schools offer locked tuition rates, according to Fox Business. This means that if there is a tuition hike a year or two after you start attending, your costs will remain the same. Many schools that offer this require a small fee, but this could be a profitable long-term investment.

Unique Discounts

There are many unconventional ways to save on college expenses as well. For example, if multiple people from one family attend the same school, the institution may offer special discounts. In addition, if you recruit students from outside your family and make this known to the college, you may be able to qualify for even more savings.

Many colleges also offer work-study programs to help certain students save on tuition. If you sign up to be a team manager, dorm advisor or another position as a student leader, you may get a price break.