You should wait until July 1st to consolidate any loans because historically low interest rates will go into effect at this time.

Check out the Federal Direct Loan Consolidation program in July to take care of this.

It kind of sucks that everybody who got a loan after July 2006 gets screwed, but that’s the way it goes.

It seems to me that the only reason this is happening is to take a burden off of those individuals born prior to 1983. They are already in the workforce, and it will make things easier …

Thinking about the biggest decision I’ll make in my entire life is killing me, which is why I wrote this article.

I’m not usually one to remain sad for any length of time, but this semester was an exception. Prior to January, I still felt like a child. Sure, I had bills to pay and a place of my own, but I still had the “world is my oyster” mindset. This semester, however, I painted myself into a corner.

Now I realize what is meant by that oyster phrase. The world may be …

Update: You can read this in the comments if you want, but the maximum amount for the 2009-2010 school year, including the CCRAA will be $5350.

I just wanted to clarify one small thing about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Pell grant will increase in stages, with the eventual amount being $5,400.

They key word is eventual. I read through all of the education parts of this LONG piece of legislation to find out that for next year “the maximum Pell Grant for which …

***NOTE*** I’m no expert about the stock market, so take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt.

My portfolio has lost about half of its value in one year, but I don’t care. I’m broadly diversified, and the fundamentals are sound. When I put the money in, I told myself that I wouldn’t touch it until I retired, and I plan to stick to it. I’m in my early 20’s and have no kids. If there is a time to take risks with my money, this is it.

When you …

My first semester of college I logged onto my university bookstore’s website and pre-ordered my books well ahead of schedule. All told I paid close to 500 dollars. This even included a few used volumes. (This is only one of many stupid things I’ve done in college.)

My most recent semester of college I logged onto my university bookstore’s website and wrote down all of the ISBN numbers for all of the books I would need. I then proceeded to reserve all of them, except for two or three, at my …

Unfortunately, neither really work.

Wealth redistribution isn’t fair because it takes away the incentive to work hard. If somebody else is working 80 hours a week and you work 20, you get credit for 50 hours. Eventually the 80 hour a week guy would find an 85 hour a week guy and drop down to 20 himself.

What, then, should be the benefit of “working smart” instead of “working hard”? As Ron White says, “You can’t fix stupid.” Since many don’t have the capacity to EVER …

Ben Franklin put around a thousand pounds into a trust fund in 1790 and by 1990 it had grown to millions of dollars. Take a page out of his book and start investing TODAY.

I wouldn’t know if Scottrade is any better than the other online discount brokers, but I use it anyway. I’m one of those poor souls that thinks saving for retirement instead of buying junk is a good idea. Are you too?

If so, from now until October 31, 2008, …

If you’re a commuter, you know how dreadful it can be to find a parking spot. I attend a relatively small (10k students) public university, and if I don’t show up at least an hour before each class then I know I will be late. New buildings continue to gobble up existing lots. There simply isn’t enough gravy to go around.

The worst part is that there is really nothing that can be done about it. It’s science. Until we devise a way to make matter smaller while retaining its shape, cars will have no alternative besides parking higher or parking …

Tires, loveseats, washer/dryer sets, mattress/box spring sets, bikes, food, tables, pet supplies, televisions, desks……

free.

Entirely free at Craigslist.

The next time you visit, look under the For Sale section for your area. You will find an unbelievable amount of free stuff that will go great in a dorm or apartment. Plus, since it is free you can give it away without any guilt the next time you move.

Before you pay retail, or even wholesale, check out Craigslist.

If you are like me, you can’t stand working for somebody else. You also can’t stand trading your time for money. With a little thought and a little effort on your part, you can begin to supplement your income and maybe even eventually be able to quit your job.

First, you have to be honest with yourself.

• What are your skills/talents?
• What interests you?
• How hard are you willing to work?
• How hard are you willing to THINK?
• How

…