Well your obviously reading this article because either #1 your tired of your crappy job where someone who you know your more qualified then keeps telling you what to do, #2 your tired of dealing as a servant for the public, constantly getting yelled at for something you didn’t do, or cant fix, #3 your tired of missing your kids softball games at night because you have the wonderful gift of working the crappiest shift there is.

Any one of these reasons is more then enough to go to college, and better yet TO GO BACK! When I was eighteen, I went to a local University and because I lived at home and my parents made no money, I got grant money from the government to pay for school. I tried to go the independent scholarship route, but at that time unless you were a minority, gay, or handicapped there were none. There were a few times I took out student loans, but lets be honest with one another, I bought a car.

Two and a half years into school I dropped out due to whatever issues and started back into the workforce. That is how I know about the above jobs I listed. I’ve done them all trust me. It Finlay took me working at a convenient store pressing out eighty hours a week when I decided to go back to college. I am now thirty and I don’t get much grant money because I make over two dollars an hour. The brutal honesty is that with a yearly income between eighteen, and twenty thousand, you will be lucky to get more then three hundred dollars for a state wide instructional grant.

There are your occasional grants that may pay half of your schooling, but then there is still half left. I’ve also noticed that now a days, more then a lot of people are going back and only trying for their associates degrees. Like the rest of you, thats what I am doing, and trust me, its very expensive. So here are a few things I did that helped me save money so that I didn’t have to sign my life away to student loans AGAIN.

1. I planned ahead. I knew six months prior that I was going back and when I started. During that six months I picked up as much overtime as I could. My job finally got tired of that, so I went to a local temp service and worked a few temp jobs during those months to get extra money. Temping is a great source of income, the jobs usually pay more then jobs you find in the paper.

2. I cut out unnecessary bills. I had a cell phone and a home phone. Now I just have a cell phone. There are allot of companies with huge minute plans that you can save money

How to pay for college now – Part 8 is a post from: Government Student Grants

OVER 89 MILLION $ AVAILABLE FOR FINANCIAL AID

Does the cost of continuing education make you sweat? You’re not alone. The largest obstacle for working adults returning to school is the fear of paying the tuition and other fees while sometimes supporting a family. We will show you the steps to take to put a financial aid package together and make your dreams a reality.

Financial aid is available in several basic forms: grants and scholarships, which you do not have to pay back; loans, which you have to repay when you finish; and work-study programs, which provide aid in exchange for work. Tax benefits and loan forgiveness programs can also ease your pain. Major sources for this aid are the federal and state governments, colleges and universities, and special programs set up by foundations, companies, and associations.

The first step to assembling an aid package is to get all your financial information together and download an application for federal student aid from the government’s website (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov). It is important to complete this required application as early as possible. The application is usually processed in 3-5 days and you will receive a report outlining the federal programs you are eligible for.

FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS

Most federal grants like the Pell Grant range from $400 to $4000 and are need based. They take into account your assets, income, and family size. In the LEAP program the federal government provides matching funds to state governments that establish and maintain their own student grants.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Because there are millions of scholarships available, you are sure to fit the eligibility requirements for a few. Although some of these programs are need-based, many more are merit-based. Sometimes all it takes to get this “free money” is to find out who in your area is offering them: your church, your employer, local civic organizations, associations in your field, or the school you’re about to attend. The application process is pretty straightforward. Quite often you will be asked to write an essay and give information about yourself. The military as well as many hospitals will sponsor your education if you agree to work for them.

Beware! Don’t get scammed! Unfortunately, in their scramble to pay tuition, many students fall prey to scholarship scams. Beware of lines such as: “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back;” or “I just need your credit card to hold this

How to pay for college now – Part 9 is a post from: Government Student Grants

There are three things you can do to make your college education less expensive.

One. Attend a community college for the first two years.

Going to a community college for the first two years is cheaper and you will more than likely be taking the same classes if you would have started at a university. You can save yourself sometimes 50% of the tuition you would have paid at a four year university. Your don’t really start the course work for your major until your junior and senior year. Also if you didn’t make really good grades in high school this is a chance to pull up your G.P.A. and get into a really good school. Students can choose to continue living at home which also saves money. Or move out and have a roommate (which is cheaper than living alone) if they can’t bare living with their parents another year.

Two. Go to a state/public university.

These school are the least expensive because they want you to stay in-state so they make the rates feasible. Also some public schools are ranked pretty high. I go to the University of Florida, it is the number one school in my state and thirteen in the country. Public schools have a lot to offer plus if there is a school you really want to go to but it is out of state all you have to do is move. If you can support yourself for a year you will be granted in-state tuition rates. I suggest moving in May or June so that you complete your year well before August.

Three. Apply to every scholarship, grant and awards program you find.

No matter how small the amount free money is free money. Apply often and apply early. Don’t feel bad when you don’t get the biggest scholarship you applied for there are thousands out there. Don’t turn your nose up at the $500.00 scholarships those can can buy books, and if you get four of them and they are renewable that is two extra grand a year that isn’t coming out of your pocket. There are a lot of website out there that can help you, and talk to your school guidance counselors they have tons of information they can give you and are always happy to help.

Three point five. Fill out the FASFA

The FREE Application for Federal Student Aid.

This is very important for student and parents. Sometimes parents don’t realize how dragging their feet on this can cost students money. The FASFA automatically applies you to all of the need based grants and scholarships at your school. It also qualifies you for federal loans which come at lower interest rates than those of private banks. Also the filling out the FASFA is free don’t use any website that want you to pay them to do it for you, the same goes for scholarship searches. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Hopefully this will help and congratulations your going to college.

Advice for finding lower cost alternatives to the high price of college education is a post from: Government Student Grants

In today’s world, having a credit card is a luxury. Credit cards are a great convenience, meaning that you don’t need to worry about cash when making a purchase. Although some credit cards have strict requirements, there are a lot of manufacturers that are giving both high school and college students the chance to get their own credit cards. Student credit cards can be used the same way as a traditional credit card, although they do come with certain restrictions and limitations that other credit cards don’t normally have.

A lot of companies and banks that offer student credit cards will normally need a co-signer as a form of insurance or collateral. This person will sign on the loan with the student, and will be the person the company falls back on if the student is unable to pay the bill.

Normally a parent or guardian, the co-signer is considered to be back up and a peace of mind for the issuer of the student credit card, as they can always count on the co-signer with good credit to pay if the student can’t.

Normally, the APR or interest rate is higher with student credit cards, which helps to minimize the risk for the company. The spending limit is also different with these credit cards, as most are between 250 – 800 dollars.

The reason for this, is because most students have established any credit, and therefore won’t have a great credit rating. Although the spending limit is obviously lower with these cards than other credit cards, they will still help students establish credit.

Students who plan to make a large purchase, can greatly benefit from using student credit cards. To make large purchases, you’ll need good credit – which is where a student credit card can really help out. You can use these credit cards as a stepping stone to building credit, and establishing a good credit rating. If you can get your credit rating high with your credit card, you’ll then be able to be approved for much higher loans in the future.Guaranteed US Government Grant for USA Citizens at http://www.trustedreviews.info/money/usm/index.html

Student credit cards can also help students gain a sense of responsibility. The card works just like any other credit card, although the spending limit is much lower. Once the student has mastered usage of the card, he or she can manage money much better later on in life. These cards are great for students to have, and can teach them money skills that will last a lifetime.

Just like traditional credit cards, students should also know that student credits cards can be dangerous. Although they are great to have, there are pitfalls such as overspending. If students spend more money than they having coming in, they will be unable to pay their credit card bill, which will then affect their credit. Get up to $200,000 to “move” your existing business. US Government Grants for USA Citizens. Claim your FREE $79 Gov Grant book!

If the company goes after the co-signer to pay the bill, it could also affect their credit as well. Therefore, students should always have a budget in mind before they start using their credit cards.

All in all, student credit cards are great to have. For high school students or college students, these credit cards are a means of freedom, and a way to teach responsibility. They can come in handy during emergencies, which is reason enough to invest in them. If your son or daughter is in school right now, you should look into student credit cards. They can help your child to establish credit – which will take them farther wherever they go in life.

Student Credit Cards is a post from: Government Student Grants

As products and services appear on the Internet and there is proof that money can be made through these venues, copy cats, hackers, and scam artists are quick to create twin sites that will easily fool consumers and those looking for work at home opportunities. Bank information, personal information (SSN), and physical money are taken fraudulently creating victims of fraud, Internet scam and identity theft. Far too many people believe that this cannot happen to him or her, as this is just not the case.

The Despicable Scam Artists

If you were to take the time to look into the numerous scams and bogus business offers found online it would turn your stomach. It is disgraceful and frightening to see those online surveys, government grants; mystery shoppers and data entry clerks all make the list for scams online. Opportunities that were once available are now cause for red flags and alarms when searching on the Internet.

The Unfortunate Victims

The appeal of working from home can often prove to be more harmful than helpful for many who become victims of fraud through false business opportunities. Millions of dollars from career hopefuls are sent to online business addresses and promises of careers for home businesses are left unmet as a scam artist takes the money and runs. Once you become a victim of fraud you become full of paranoia. You no longer have a trust for businesses in general. It is an awful feeling to think that there is not a single business remaining that you can put your own personal information and money into.

Guidelines For Scam Protection

Following these suggestions can keep you from becoming a victim. Prevention is the only way to help us and others to keep life for us safe as possible. If we take the time to protect ourselves, perhaps we can begin to deter those scammers, hackers and online thieves.

* Research a company or business prior to personal involvement. Look for records online shoeing proof that this is a legitimate business.

* Protect your personal information such as your social security number, home address, telephone number, email, or bank account details.

* Do not send checks or other payments prior to receiving written information from the company.

* Search for details of a business through the better business bureau.

Prevention and Knowledge Is Key

Knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones when searching for online opportunities is a must. Thought the Internet is a useful tool it has transformed into a portal for thieves, predators, scam artist and other disgraceful types to prey on men, women and children alike. If we do not take precautions the cases of fraud and scam victims will continue to increase and the Internet will become an even greater threat to personal well-being. You can learn more about Internet scams on the Internet or through other media such as books at your local library. Arm yourself with knowledge and share it with those around you. Each and every person who is aware of Internet scams is another step towards ending it.

Tips To Protect Yourself From Online Business Scams is a post from: Government Student Grants

FREE GRANTS Never Repay, acceptance guaranteed. Government and private sources $500 to $5,000. Education, home repairs, home purchase, business, non-profits. Phone live operators 9am to 9pm. Monday thru Saturday 1-800-123-4567, ext. [xxx]

The ads claim that you will qualify to receive a Free Grant for your education, your home repairs, your home business, or your unpaid bills. They say your application is guaranteed to be accepted, and you never have to repay the money. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, warns that “money for nothing” grant offers often are a scam: the grant isn’t free, it isn’t guaranteed, and often, it isn’t even available to you.

Some scam artists market Free Grants in classified ads, inviting consumers to call a toll free number. If you call, a representative of the company will ask you some basic questions to determine if you qualify to receive a grant: What’s your address? How long have you lived at this address? Do you have a bank account or do you have at least $150 in your account at this time? The representative may ask you to hold while your eligibility is determined. After she congratulates you on your eligibility, she will ask you to pay a one time processing fee that can range from $95 to $200. If you question this fee, she will reassure you that the grant is guaranteed, and that if you’re not satisfied, you’ll get a refund. However, she won’t offer to tell you all the conditions for a refund.

The processing fee supposedly covers finding a grant source and sending you the appropriate application package in the mail. But, you won’t receive an application or a source. Rather, you will get a list of agencies and foundations to which you must write and request an application. This information is available at no cost at any public library or on the Internet.

Most sources of grant money don’t give grants to individuals for personal need. Grants usually are given to serve a social good, such as bringing jobs to an area, training under employed youth, preserving a bit of history, funding soup kitchens or art museums, or researching medical issues. If you ask an agency or foundation for money for personal use, you probably won’t get it, even if you are financially needy. And you’re not likely to get a refund from the grant broker because the conditions for a refund are nearly impossible to meet: you usually have to apply and be denied by each source on the list within 90 days.

If you’re thinking about applying for a grant, remember that the applications are available to you for free and that anyone who guarantees you a grant is likely to be interested in their own financial gain, not yours. If you think you may have been a victim of a grant scam, file a complaint with the FTC.

Free Grants: Don’t Take Them For Grant-ed is a post from: Government Student Grants

Private student loans should be the last stop in trying to get the money to cover your college bills because they will cost you far more in the end than most other forms of financing.

Unfortunately for college students, financial aid packages from many schools do not cover the entire cost of education. Based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), schools will determine if you are eligible for Federal grants and loans (Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, etc.) and these will be added to your package first.

Eligibility for grants and scholarships from some states and colleges will also be determined by the FAFSA. You have the choice to accept or reject any of the grants and loans in your package, though acceptance is usually called for, since the interest rates on these government loans is usually much cheaper than any private student loans you will find.

Once you have added up all the scholarships, grants and loans, you may find that you still need an additional sum to get through the year. At this point a private student loan may be your only realistic option. Also known as alternative student loans, they are available from many private companies.

One major difference between the private and the government loans are that the private loans depend on your credit rating. The better your rating, the lower the interest rate you can expect to receive. The better your rating, the lower the loan fee you can expect to pay to get the loan. If you have a poor credit score or none at all, then you may still be able to secure a good rate by having a credit worthy cosigner.

You will need to be certain of the terms of your loan, since there are many different terms available depending on the lender. Repayment may start immediately, or be deferred until graduation. Even if deferment is allowed, interest begins accumulating immediately, so the balance will be increasing until you graduate and start making payments. Some lenders will allow you to pay interest only while you are still in school, which will help to keep the payments down later. Some lenders will give you discounts if you set up automatic payments or if you make a certain number of on time payments.

If you do have a cosigner, they need to be aware of the possible consequences of their involvement. If you are unable to make your payments, they may be required to make the payments themselves, since they have taken on the responsibility by cosigning. It could also affect their ability to get a loan while the private student loan is still active. The reason is that their debt to income ratio will be higher, since your loan shows also on their credit report.

In conclusion, if there are other alternatives available, private student loans are not the way to go. If not, then a good credit rating or a cosigner will at least help you to get the best possible rates and terms. Contact several lenders and compare the interest rates, as well as the other payment conditions

Private Student Loans – What You Need To Know is a post from: Government Student Grants

Facts about Government Grants Video is a post from: Government Student Grants

The word college usually conjures up images of learning and higher education. It also conjures up horrible sights of the immense cost of college. Between the cost of tuition, books, classes, lab fees and boarding a college education can get quite expensive. Naturally the question arises how to pay for this? The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) this application will allow the government to assess how much financial aid you need and allows access to federal grants that can lessen the shock of the cost of college. While the federal grants will never be able to cover the full cost of college there are other ways to pay for the remaining costs.

1. College Scholarships

One of the most convenient ways to pay for college is to apply for college scholarships. With millions of dollars available to students all you have to do is work for it! Most scholarships require you to write an essay on nearly anything or to do something that stands you out among the crowd and all of them require an application. But beware with anything involving money there are scams and scholarships are not immune. Most scams are obvious are obvious for example: if a scholarship application asks for your Social Security Number or for any unneeded information that they would have to clear with your school it is fake. You should always check the creditability of a scholarship especially if it asks for a school transcript. A good way to avoid the on-line scams is to use trusted websites like www.collegeboard.com and www.fastweb.com.

2. Loans

Loans are something that most people use to pay for college because it is a second convenient way to pay for college. There are four types of loans: a student loan, a parent loan, a private student loan and a consolidation loan. The federal government controls the maximum interest rates and fees for federally insured loans but lenders can charge lower rates to lure prospective buyers in. An example of a standard student loan is the Stafford loan or the Perkins loan. These loans do no require require credit checks and usually have a very low interest rates. The Stafford loan is either a subsidized loan in which the government pays the interest rate while you go to school or an unsubsidized loan in which you pay the interest rates. They have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% and a loan fee of 4% but will be continually lowered until it is phased out by 2010. You can apply for a Stafford loan through the FASFA all

How to pay for college – Part 9 is a post from: Government Student Grants

We all need extra money and sometimes we can get help from the government. Although, when you see a sign such as US Grants for Personal Needs a red flag alert should immediately pop up in your mind telling you this is a scam. Your common sense tells you the government does not give away free money to individuals. Before you proceed you must make sure you are dealing with a genuine US grant outfit.

There are educational grants that students can obtain but the money is not given to the students but is sent directly to the university. And to make exceptions to all rules, there may be exceptions to the above cautions but they are few and far between. Don’t count on them.

An interesting description from Consumer Affairs.com of the many ways scammers work with government grants to steal money from unsuspecting people is as follows: “It [the scams] has more variations than a bull dog has wrinkles. ” They go on to inform that what they are after is your personal information.

To verify that fact just Google them. Go online and type in government grants + free and watch that bulldog’s tail wag. (Does a bull dog have a tail?) The Internet is inundated with these scams’. Most promise you information they have collected about how to apply. They maybe quasi-legitimate in that they are careful to offer you something for the money they are hoping to extract from you. If after you go through the complicated procedures and read all about how to get free grant money, you find you are not qualified, is it their fault?

Others are not so careful. They insist that there’s money out there for you and proceed to show you how simple it is to get it. All you need to do to see if you qualify is to fill in the blanks of a questionnaire, on the blanks they ask for your address and your telephone number. You can be sure you will be hearing more from them since they assume they have another sucker on their hook.

They will probably ask for more information. Whatever you do, if you have gone along this far, give them nothing. What do you do if you have actual need for that cash that you applied for? Seek help from your State welfare agency if you are in real need and need money for food and need help with your medical bills.

If somehow you have allowed yourself to get involved in a scam and you need help in dealing with them, seek out your State’s Attorney General. Usually a letter or a warning from them will stop their annoyances. The best way, however, is to be forewarned:

US governments grants for personal needs is a post from: Government Student Grants