Student Loan Help

Are you a betting man? Do you love a good game of chance? Are you an on-line junkie who just can’t get enough? Millions of dollars are wagered and lost each year on this “invisible addition.” It’s been proven that gambling is as addictive as that morning cup o’ Joe that millions of us yearn for.

We know the odds are stacked against us, but yet we press on. We think we will be the one to pull that lever or hit that good run at the tables which will uncover riches beyond our wildest dreams. I guess we all own a pair of rose colored glasses. We see and hear what we want. In the movie Dumb and Dumber there is a scene where Jim Carey’s character is asking a woman (played by Lauren Holly) if there is any chance that a downtrodden guy like him could end up with an uptown girl like her. She responds, “About a one in a million shot.” His reply, so you’re saying there’s a chance! It’s all how you look at it; although there is a distinct difference between being an optimist and being a realist.

Now what if I told you over the course of your adult life (21-65 years of age) you would spend between $65,000 - $70,000 in games of chance. Would that give you pause before placing your next bet? I for one was under the belief that low-risk gambling was harmless, but your wallet can certainly take quite a beating over the long haul. Next time you think about dropping that $5 on a scratch ticket, getting those ten quick pics, or playing on-line poker toss that money into an interest baring savings account or CD. You’ll be amazed how much wealth you can amass.

Knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold em’ is certainly nice, but if you never take that seat to begin with you will win every time; that’s knowledge you can take to the bank!

Application is fast with no GPA or other requirements

Quincy, MA –The Student Loan Network, an Edvisors Company (www.edvisors.com), is marking its 10th anniversary by sponsoring the Ten-Year $10K Scholarship - a special $10,000 scholarship to be awarded in the first quarter of 2008. “We are celebrating ten years by giving back to our students. It is becoming increasingly difficult to pay for the rising cost of a college education. Our goal for the last ten years has been to help students find the right solutions - from scholarships and grants to federal and private loans,” said Joe Cronin, President of the Student Loan Network. “What student couldn’t use a $10,000 scholarship?”

Any current college or graduate student - or anyone who will be enrolled in 2008 - is eligible for this scholarship. By registering at www.studentloannetwork.com/10k, students will receive one entry. The application is simple - it takes about half a minute to complete and has no essay, transcript, or GPA requirements. Each time someone refers a friend who registers, they will receive another entry. “The funds will be sent directly to the winning student’s school,” explained Cronin, “so our only requirement is that the student will be a full-time student during 2008. It’s important that these funds are used for tuition and other essential education expenses, and sending money directly to the school ensures that.”

Visit www.studentloannetwork.com/10k to learn more about the Ten-Year S10K Scholarship. Students do not need to be customers of the Student Loan Network to be eligible. No purchase is necessary.

About Student Loan Network
The Student Loan Network, an Edvisors company, is one of the nation’s fastest growing providers of student loans and related information. Since 1998 we have connected 25 million students and parents with over $1 billion in scholarships, grants and federal, private and consolidation loan funding. To help make the confusing and stressful financial aid process easier, the Student Loan Network also delivers helpful information, including the award-winning Financial Aid Podcast, a multitude of financial aid-related blogs and the monthly Financial Aid Newsletter. Learn more about the Student Loan Network at http://www.StudentLoanNetwork.com.

How does that famous Forest Gump quote go….oh ya, “Life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” And while I certainly agree with that life is unpredictable sentiment; buying chocolates doesn’t have to be unpredictable, right? Think about how ridiculous that is for a minute. You work hard for your money. If you want to take a chance play Monopoly or buy a scratch ticket. If you want chocolate visit my friend Christie at Godiva and she’ll hook you up (by that I mean she’ll actually help you pick out what you want). Be responsible with those Benjamin’s and devise a game plan. Create a budget.

Have you ever stopped and wondered aloud, where did it all go; what did I spend my money on? Assuming you don’t have amnesia, or a lack of short term memory like Drew Barrymore’s character Lucy in 50 First Dates, I suspect it just comes down to you being a little too wreck loose with your greenback. You need to budget yourself. One way I found helpful (and depressing) was chronicling my spending for just one week. I simply wrote down everything I spent my disposal income on for that particular week. I was startled to learn that my Starbucks coffees, lunches, People Magazine, one night out with my friends, and buying a new shirt on sale ($15) totaled a jaw dropping $95! Even if I left the shirt out I was still sitting at $80 bucks! I began to ask myself if I really needed to spend that much money each week.

I then decided to make a conscious decision to save, instead of spend, for one year. I stopped getting my $4 coffee’s in the morning; I brought my lunch to work, and got together with friends at home instead of at a club in Boston. What I found is that I saved nearly $3,000! It adds up quickly my friends. Now that’s not to say you can’t spoil yourself from time to time. We all need our fix somewhere. I mean, we still need to live today while planning for tomorrow. You need to find a healthy balance that suits you. Can you afford to put $5 per week away, $20, or $100? Don’t be discouraged by the denomination. Remember, “The power of discipline the rewards of time.” You should always pay yourself first. You too will be amazed at your bank statement in just a short period of time.

So let the Forest Gump’s of the world continue to play Russian roulette with their box of chocolates; wondering what they will get. Your strategy allows for a more predictable and profitable outcome. So sit back and enjoy each predictable chocolate morsel. It sure tastes good knowing exactly what you’re going to get.

Did you make a New Year’s resolutions for 2008?  If so are you pledging the standard diet and exercise regiment?  How about balancing that check book (and I don’t mean on your nose).  Will you pledge to stop smoking like so many before you?  While the aforementioned pledges are certainly worthwhile and noteworthy I have another one for you; pay yourself first!

It is expensive in the real world.  Inflation keeps rising while salaries overall remain stagnate.  Some of you are thinking that you can’t even afford to put $20 aside each week.  It won’t be easy, but you need to start somewhere.  After all what bill could possibly be more important than you?       

I started on the right track back when I was 19, but I got sidetracked along the way and have been kicking myself ever since.  I will never be able to get those prime years back and the compound interest that comes with it.  Now I find myself at 32 essentially starting over.  Learn from my mistake people!

I’ll admit, currently I am not paying myself first, but that ends now – today!  I’m no hypocrite.  In fact I’m disgusted with myself that I have gone this long without paying myself first.  Start small, as not to overwhelm yourself.  You will be amazed how quickly it adds up.  Remember this simple phrase, “The power of discipline, the rewards of time.”  Make a commitment to you in 2008.  You are number one.  Everyone else plays second fiddle to you, and while they are busy playing those fiddles you will be rocking that Guitar Hero like my friend Tannaz.  It may take you some time to rise from that dingy basement to the point where you are on stage at a dragon-and-viking-themed stadium called the Garden trying to master Ozzy Osbourne licks in front of thousands of your adoring fans, but you will get there.  And when you do I’ll be right there in the front row watching the show and cheering you on.  I’m your #1 fan.

FAFSA Financial Aid Application for 2008 - 2009 Academic Year

The FAFSA Filing season has begun. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must be submitted in order for students to qualify for federal student aid as well as other forms of scholarships and grants. Fortunately, there is a great website, FAFSAonline.com, that offers useful advice and helpful tips on how to complete the FAFSA and qualify for additional financial aid.

Visit: http://www.FAFSAonline.com for more information.