The Financial Aid Podcast has a special episode today - financial aid and distance learning options for active duty soldiers. If you or someone you know is currently on active duty, even deployed overseas, their education can continue.
Will I be struck by lightning if I say the “R” word? Yes people, we are in a recession; a period of economic contraction. No question about it – these are difficult times for all of us. The name of the game during such trying times is survival. The economic landscape will turn around as it always has. History has a way of repeating itself.
The current Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, has certainly been doing his part, although some would argue he acted too late, to stimulate the economy by lowering interest rates, but it’s tough to get blood from a stone. In fact, things have been so tough recently that friend’s of mine have decided to save the gas money on a visit and just text me. Personally I feel my electric personality is well worth the $4 price of admission, but I can’t blame them for looking at the economics behind a visit south of
We will each be getting a small check from the government in May or June as part of the $152 billion Economic Stimulus package that President Bush signed into law last week. It’s small, but significant. The government wants you to spend it to help resuscitate a stale economy, but depending on your financial situation that may not be the wisest use of your dollar. Look out for number one.
Personally I’m going to take the money and run. This is an expensive world we live in with our devalued U.S. dollars. Every one of those George Washington’s is precious. The old mantra, “A dollar saved is a dollar earned,” no longer holds true. It’s more like two dollars saved is a dollar earned. We are all doing our best to stay a float with varying degrees of success. Only you know what is right for you in the end. So put that pen to the paper and draft up an expense sheet for yourself. The pen is mightier than the sword for a reason. Put it to good use.
If you are a high school senior and are planning to go to college in the fall, the first step in the financial aid application process is the FAFSA. What is a FAFSA? It is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. What is it for? You have to complete this government form to qualify for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, Stafford Loans and often college administered scholarships and grants.
For help and advice visit: FAFSAOnline.com
Students who don’t want to complete the FAFSA often go right to private student loans to help cover their expenses. These are often more expensive than federal loans but may be easier to get if you have good credit.
The Student Loan Network offers a unique option to customers; choose from two different private student loan options.
The first, a standard “school certified” private college student loan has somewhat lower fees and rates. The down side is that the school has to certify the loan (verify that you are a student and the cost of education less other aid) which causes delays in processing and disbursement. For school certified loans, the check is sent to the school.
The second option is a “direct to consumer” private student loan which comes with competitive rates - generally higher than certified loans - but will fund direct to the student in as little as five days from application completion.
Choose for yourself at:
