The gorges that dot Cornell's campus now have guards posted on the bridges. Image from Flickr.

In the last seven months, upstate New York college Cornell University has had six suspected student suicides. For a school that reported no suicides from 2005 to 2008, this recent spate of student deaths is very troubling. Administrators at Cornell are approaching the suicide problem head-on, providing money now for increased student counseling and staff training.

Student suicides at Cornell

As CNN reports, the average suicide rate for college students is about 7.29 suicides per every 100,000 students. Cornell university has about 20,000 students – so statistics indicate the school would have 1 or 2 suicides each year.

During the 1990s, Cornell had eight student suicides in 10 years, which still fell well below the national average. Theories as to why this year has been particularly bad for student suicides at Cornell abound, including the availability of “The Gorges”, the copy-cat effect and the general darkness of Ithica during the months of March and April.

How Cornell University is responding

Cornell University is not taking the recent student suicides lightly. Since the last spate of suicides in the 1990s, Cornell has instituted many programs designed to help treat and prevent depression and suicide. The previously-cited CNN report highlights:

The school has been praised by psychologists such as Keith Anderson, chairman of the American College Health Association’s Mental Health Best Practices Task Force, for counseling and prevention programs that confront the issue of student suicide with comprehensive training and understanding.

Cornell has also placed guards at the Gorges, where most of the student suicides have happened. Cornell’s gorges are famous, and the bridges across them often seem to invite rash action. As the Atlantic Wire points out, this simple act of placing guards on the bridges may help prevent more suicides, as 90 percent of people that attempt suicide but are stopped do not later commit suicide, but instead get treatment or help.

Student suicide is an issue beyond Cornell

According to a suicide.org report, suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. A 2008 World Health Organization World Mental Health Survey Initiative found that more than half of U.S. college students have, at some point, contemplated suicide – in comparison to 15.3 percent of all Americans.

The reasons for these high numbers are wide-ranging, though it usually comes down to the fact that students are put in a very high-stress, isolated situation. Often away from home for the first time and being challenged academically and socially, students often engage in high risk behaviors – such as drinking, overusing credit cards, skipping sleep and trying drugs. All of these high-risk behaviors have been linked to a higher instance of suicide attempts.

Building a better college community

The high instance of suicides and suicidal thoughts at all colleges, not just Cornell University, has been an issue for years. The isolation many college students feel is often the starting point for many of the high-risk behaviors that college students engage in. Some commentators feel that the focus needs to be more on “promoting life” rather then “preventing suicide” – creating communities that are connected and interactive to help improve student’s mental health on campus. However, with budgets of private and public universities being cut across the country, it is a difficult balancing act for all colleges, universities and educational institutions – not just Cornell.

The struggle to handle student loans

There is a catch-22 for recent graduates who got their educations for higher-paying careers. Though many targeted law or medicine as their perfect careers, now they are having a hard time finding jobs. Without finding jobs, paying back the higher cost of their education is next to impossible.

There are a growing number of consumers who are falling into this category, and the economy isn’t doing much to help. When it comes to other forms of debt, there are some outs to help ease the strain. For example, mortgage payments can be negotiated or properties sold to ease the tension. Credit card debt can be paid off or eliminated in bankruptcy. Car loans can be eliminated via a discharge in bankruptcy, negotiation or payments, or if necessary, selling off the vehicle. Then there are student loans. There really is no such thing as getting rid of student loan debts. They can’t be discharged in bankruptcy or negotiated down. The amount can’t be touched and neither can the interest rate charged to hold them. That means that consumers are never going to find a way out of paying for their student loans without some legislative changes.

Reworking the student loan

Due to issues with student loan repayment there is a growing consumer base hoping to revamp rules regarding the debt. In fact, a Facebook group that calls themselves “Forgive Student Loan Debt” is making a case for an economic stimulus plan to forgive outstanding student loan debt. There are plans of attack to help manage mortgage, credit card and unsecured loans, so they believe there should be some relief with education expenses.

They are basing their argument on the fact that education is good for society. Elevating the skill sets of mass groups can be a powerful tool for economic advancement. By allowing some negotiation option or payoff, the Facebook group hopes that consumers under heavy student loan debt would be able to focus on using their education, rather than stressing over how to pay for it. They are calling on the government to make changes that would bring a stimulus target to former students under a capped level of debt.

Will negotiating student loan debt become a reality?

Whether student loan debt will be looked at by legislators has yet to be seen. With growing numbers of defaulting and deferred student loan accounts though, there is a strong call for some changes to benefit recent graduates who are struggling. The fact that those holding mortgage, credit card and unsecured loans have government-built options and those with student loans don’t may be the best argument for change.

Start your unsecured loan application HERE!

Benefiting from federal tax incentives while obtaining a college education is a win-win situation. While many are unaware of how to go about this, wealth-education information is everywhere and should be carefully studied. With diligent research and a commitment to learning as much as possible, parents and students are often surprised to discover that tax breaks and college savings often go hand in hand.

The following are but a few of the programs, which offer tax incentives and other savings while helping families afford the cost of college without having to obtain personal loans:

US savings bonds

If purchased by someone 24 years old or older after 1989, redeeming EE and I savings bonds may be done so without paying taxes on them if the owners of the bonds, their children or a spouse are using the money to help pay for college. However, income limits apply to such savings. For instance, in 2010, those who earn between $70,000 per year and $85,000 per year are excluded. For married couples who file a joint tax return, this income limit is between the amounts of approximately $105,100 per year and $135,000 per year. It should further be noted that these income limits are subject to increase with each year. Consulting with a qualified investment advisor can help a person determine if and how these limits may affect them.

Hope Scholarship Credit

Also known as the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Hope Scholarship Credit allows a parent to claim a one-hundred percent credit up to $2,500 annually per child for as many as four years per student. This credit is only allowed if a student is enrolled at least half-time in a degree program and the student must be in their first four years of undergraduate study in order to qualify. Income guidelines do apply, therefore it is recommended that a professional be consulted before applying for a Hope Scholarship Credit.

Coverdell Education Savings Account

This college savings program was once known as an Education IRA. Now, commonly referred to by the acronym, ESA, earnings on these education savings accounts be tax-free if they are used for college costs. Up to $2,000 can be contributed to this account per child and these accounts can actually be used to fund a student’s precollege education, such as private school tuition for elementary and secondary schooling.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

When money is withdrawn early from a traditional or a Roth IRA for the purpose of paying for college, penalties for doing so are waived. This is true whether the student is the investor, the investor’s spouse, a child or the investor’s grandchild. While taxes are still likely to be due on such a withdrawal, the penalties normally assessed on such are not, which can amount to a significant savings to help pay for college.

Consider all the options

Being aware of tax incentives that will help offset the cost of college makes affording an education easier than ever. By asking a qualified tax professional and investigating all available options, families find great reward in the savings they discover. While a college education can be expensive and some find themselves taking out personal loans in order to pay tuition, other options are available and each should be considered carefully.

TeacherMate means schools don't have to rely on old, bulky computers anymore. Image from Flickr.

Despite the rough economy and the overall drop in charitable donations, Innovations for Learning, a nonprofit that supplies schools with the TeacherMate system, is doing quite well. The foundation has only been around for 18 months, but thanks to the founder’s focus on cost-efficiency, this nonprofit business is booming.

Perhaps that’s because companies like JPMorgan Chase recognize the social and education value of TeacherMate. JPMorgan has donated $300,000 per year since 2007, before the foundation was officially launched. While other nonprofits are struggling to find small cash loans, Innovations for Learning founder Seth Weinberger’s business savvy has attracted plenty of donors, to the tune of about $800,000.

What is TeacherMate?

TeacherMate is a literacy program that’s run on small, hand-held computers. Thanks to Innovations for Learning’s partnership with a Chinese manufacturer, the TeacherMate computers cost schools about $100 each. According to the TeacherMate web site:

Imagine having a handheld computer for every student in the classroom, with activities that not only cover all beginning reading and math skills, but also precisely aligns with what is being taught that week in the classroom. Imagine having a tool that provides an individualized lesson plan for each student and delivers up-to-the-minute student progress reports based on data automatically uploaded from the handheld computers.

The web site also emphasizes how engaging it is for students. It says it keeps students focused, and even the hardest-to-reach students’ scores improve.

It’s all about the kids

TeacherMate uses educational games to hold students’ interest, and several teachers and educational administrators have provided tesimonials about TeacherMate that illustrate its effectiveness. One JPMorgan excutive credits Weinberger’s business model and social conscience with the success of the foundation.

“Seth is not in it to make money, which is key to making education technology accessible to the classroom,” said Mark Rigdon, national director of educational grant making at JPMorgan Chase. “He is very nimble at blending his business innovations with the education needs of early elementary students and teachers.”

Though Innovations for Learning charges schools $100 per device, sales of TeacherMate computer systems only make up 20 percent of the foundation’s budget, and the rest comes from donations. Weinberger himself has contributed $350,000.

Hundreds of adult Americans, aged 22 and over, are working full time and earning a decent wage, yet they depend on their parents for financial assistance. These are students who have urged their parents to take out personal loans to finance their education. Having convinced their parents about the necessity to borrow money, these students work full time. The end result may be a drop in grades and extensions of loans taken out by parents. Parents are increasingly looking for answers from counselors about how to say the one word to their children: “No” to any further assistance.

A Parent’s Dilemma

Parents go through enormous lengths in order to see that their children get the best available education. They take out loans and run up credit card debts to see that the demands of their children are being met. Education is one of the primary requirements for a successful career, so they spare no expense to take out more loans than they can afford. Trouble comes knocking when the children in turn fail to return the favor and make more demands on their parents. Rather than help parents who have reached the peak of their years and income by giving back some of the money they have earned, the children look to spend the money on themselves and their desires. When they run out of funds, they return to their parents, who are already financially burdened, for more aid. How long can parents continue supporting their children?

Tough Times Ahead

If the economy was doing better, things may be different for parents. However, that is not so, and parents are finding it harder to fund the demands of their grown up children. Expenses are not getting lower, while parents, who are looking to make sufficient adjustments to meet these requirements, are getting more and more financial requests from their children. Taking out personal loans is not a solution for such people as they have to be returned in a short time, but, at the same time, refusing assistance to their children can lead to strained relationships and/or even violent behavior.

Say the Dreaded Word

Having to say “no” to financial assistance to their children is one of the most difficult phases in a parent’s life. However, the time has come to put a foot down and make their children realize that things are not the same anymore. Parents may need counseling or assistance to say the dreaded word if it is required. This could spare them of the shame of having to face a debt collector who may empathize with their cause, but will not sympathize with their condition. Children could also be asked to undergo counseling with an intention to create a change in their behavior. Difficult as it may seem, it may be the only choice outside of taking out another personal loan. The only other option that a parent may have in case of failed measures to improve the situation may lie in using the dreaded word, NO!

Start Your Personal Loan Application HERE

Governor David Paterson and top legislative leaders Sunday finished negotiations on the proposed budget for the state of New York. The governor, along with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Malcom Smith rolled out the $131.8 billion package.

Yes new taxes

Critics, of course, had plenty to say about the governor’s proposals. The package raises taxes and ups spending. Paterson says taxes must be raised to rectify a $16 billion budget gap. The budget also eliminates a property tax rebate. In total, the plan brings in $7 million in new taxes and fees.

But before you New Yorkers run out and get payday loans, CBS reports that taxes will only be raised for the wealthiest New Yorkers.

A little help from the feds

New York state will receive $7.2 billion from the federal stimulus package. The biggest spending boosts are for education, although there are some pretty big cuts to education as well.

Less for the little guys

The budget includes cutting funding for community colleges in New York by $49 million. However, it adds $125 million in funding for the State University of New York. That will put the total funding for that university at $2.5 billion. It also give $86 million more to the City University of New York, for a new total of $1.4 billion.

It also adds $50 million to the tuition assistance program.

More on schools

As for primary education, public school funding will increase by about $1.1 billion. The  new version of the budget does not contain the $700 million cut in school spending Paterson proposed in December. The new spending will make New York one of the highest spenders in the nation on education.

Bottling up taxpayer money

5 cents

The budget adds to the state’s bottle bill. It requires a 5 cent deposit on water bottles in addition to the 5 cent deposit already required for carbonated drink containers. It ups the cigarette tax on cigarillos so it is equal to the regular cigarette tax.

In a first-of-its-kind event, President Barack Obama today held a town hall meeting in the White House that was broadcast live on the internet. He answered questions submitted to Whitehouse.gov before taking live questions from the audience in the East Room.

Taxing questions on taxes

One question from a small businessman in the East Room audience has gotten some attention in the blogosphere. He explained that all the profit he made was being reinvested in his business or going toward paying off his personal loans for his business.

However, he has to pay income tax on that money, even though he never sees a penny of it. To make matters worse, it puts him in the highest tax bracket. He asked what Obama will do to help him.

Might need some fine-tuning

Obama was pretty general in his answer. He assured the businessman that he was committed to lowering the tax burden on small businesses and start-ups. He added that a cut in capital gains taxes for small businesses will go into effect in about five years.

Public schools

Another online question addressed education: How does the president plan to restore education as a right and a core cultural value?

Obama said the education system needs resources and reform. He talked about teacher incentives and being open to charter schools. I thought it was a bit of a curve ball when he threw in: “We have a school system designed for the agricultural era” that gives children three months off in the summer.

Bringing it home

Obama also fielded a question about homeownership.

What benefits are in his programs “to those of us paying our mortgages, but living paycheck to paycheck,” an online questioner asked.

Obama said his efforts so far have lowered mortgage rates and opened up more FHA loans. This makes it easier for homeowners to refinance, he says.

Unsecured personal loans can be a fantastic way to quickly solve some of your financial snags. With a reliable company, you can get the money you need quickly, and use it for what you need.

Is collateral required?

An unsecured loan is a loan that does not require collateral. Many loaning agencies require individuals to put up collateral to ensure the repayment of the loan. With large loans, this could mean a car, or even your house. This is a scary thought for many people, and rightfully so.

What happens if I default on a secured loan?

If a person defaults on a secured loan, the bank that made the loan can seize their home or car, whatever was put up as collateral, and sell it. Unsecured personal loans do not require any such steps, and eliminates the chance of having property seized.

Why do people get unsecured loans?

People get unsecured loans for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons include home repairs, vehicle repairs, medical bills, and education bills. Other reasons include debt consolidation. Many people are overwhelmed by the number of bills they receive, and find it easier to keep track of one large bill instead of a bunch of small ones.

A loan to replace a loan?

Another reason someone might opt for a loan like this is to replace a loan with a high interest payment. This is a good strategy. Most people do not realize how much interest they pay on a loan. If someone gets an unsecured loan with a low interest rate, and uses it to pay off a high-interest loan, they have a smaller bill each month. This can help if you need a smaller monthly bill, and it can work even better if you continue to pay the original amount every month. This pays the principle down faster, and you get out of debt sooner.

What are some other perks of unsecured loans?

An unsecured personal loan can be a very flexible option for people to look into. Small amounts of money can be borrowed, or very large sums can be gotten. This makes it a great option because you can borrow what you need.

Should I get an adjustable interest rate?

You can get a sense of confidence when you have a loan like this. Some loans have adjustable interest rates, and these can really hurt over the long run. Adjustable rates change over time, and even if you get a great rate at the beginning of your loan, it could end up being much higher later on.

Fixed interest rates

With most loan institutions, an unsecured loan will have a fixed interest rate, and fixed monthly payments. This is comforting because you always know exactly what your monthly payment will be.  Payment is the same every month. Fixed interest keeps you from worrying that payment will change. This makes for easy budgeting.

Check with your lender first

While some loan institutions will make you keep the loan for the entire life of it, there are many who will allow you to pay down additional principal whenever you like. This lets you pay even less interest on your loan.

Turn a short term loan into a longer term loan

Another tactic people can use with an unsecured loan is to pay off a loan that has a short term and high payments, and turn it into a longer term with lower payments. This is not always better, but for some people this can take some of the strain off of making their monthly payments.

Is an unsecured loan right for you?

Only you can decide if this kind of loan will place you in a better financial situation. The best thing to do is to educate yourself on the types of loans you are thinking about getting, and weigh them against each other. But unsecured personal loans can help provide the money you need and the comfort you want.

President Barack Obama revealed his budget proposals yesterday. The 2010 budget increases funding for the Agriculture Department to $26 billion. However, it also decreases funding for some programs that have been around for a long time.

No more farm subsidies for some

Over the three years that begin in September, Obama proposes phasing out direct payments to some farmers. This will only affect farmers who bring in more than $500,000 per year in sales revenue.

He will also decrease funding for the Market Access Program. The plan would eliminate funding to  promote overseas brands.

Expensive census

Obama hasn’t appointed a Department of Commerce Secretary yet, but he has drawn up plans for how much he wants to spend on commerce. This department’s funding would make a big jump from $9.3 billion to $13.8 billion.

Most of the additional spending would go toward the 2010 Census. Obama wants to ensure the Census is completed “effectively, efficiently and on time.”

Investing in education

The 2010 budget calls for $46.7 billion for education. That’s $500 million more than the education budget for 2009. The budget includes $2.5 billion to help low-income students go to college.

Focus on energy

In the Energy Department, the budget allows for $26.3 billion in spending. That’s in addition to the $11 billion for energy in the stimulus package.

Obama says his plan “supports and encourages the early commercial development of innovative, clean energy technologies through loan guarantees.”

Beefing up security

Obama plans to invest more money in Homeland Security than was spent last year. The total comes to $42.7 billion, compared to$40.1 billion in 2009.

His plan includes adding more “Visual Intermodal Protection Response” teams, changing the system for vetting travelers and workers, expanding the electronic employment eligibility verification system and extra funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement programs.

And justice for all

The budget proposes funding to hire more prosecutors and agents to combat financial fraud and more police officers. It dedicates funds to making the border more secure and proposes $145 million to strengthen civil rights enforcement.

Obama talks "bold action and big ideas."

In his speech last night, President Barack Obama reiterated the point that access to easy loans is an important factor in getting our economy back on track.

He also emphasized that “education, health care and energy were a vital part of the long-term sustainability of the economy,” says The New York Times.

Why easy loans are important

When speaking about the banking system, Obama emphasized that he wasn’t out to give handouts to failing organizations.

“It’s not about helping banks, it’s about helping people,” he said.

The banking system must be stabilized, he said, so that credit will start working normally again. If Americans can get easy loans, they’ll be able to buy cars and houses again, and the economy will grow again.

Restoring confidence

Obama’s tone was optimistic and encouraging throughout his speech. He spoke about the United States as a nation that does not quit. He said we must seize “opportunity from ordeal.”
He told stories about a bank executive who split his $60 million retirement bonus with all of his employees. He hailed the man as a great example. He assured listeners that the days of executives padding their paychecks with taxpayer money are over.

Not nonpartisan

News organizations are pointing out many of his ideas go directly against Republican ideals. He is proposing raising taxes on the wealthy, revamping health care and reversing climate change.

Obama says he does not want bigger government, but he is headed toward having a more activist government.

No baby steps

One New York Times writer suggests:

“Another approach might have been simply to preach patience, to seek time for his initiatives to take root.”

However, in Obama’s speech he made it clear that he’s confident that we, as a nation, can turn around the economy while still accomplishing other important goals. He has not abandoned the issues he focused on during his campaign.

Where credit is due

After a little more than a month in office, Obama enjoys a fairy high approval rating. It’s different depending on whose poll you look at, but consensus is that a healthy majority has faith in our new leader.

Obama no doubt will become even more popular if his plan to right the economy works and easy loans start flowing to the public once again.

About 1.2 million public high school students drop out every year

Education is absolutely important; just like how payday loans are when it comes to your finances. Young people who don’t complete high school will face more problems in their adult lives than people who graduate.  You must have at least the minimum skills and necessary credentials to properly function in today’s world. Despite the seriousness of having a diploma, many people don’t realize it or chose to simply ignore it.

The Problems with Dropouts

Many people don’t realize that this problem generally begins at home. Family problems are the leading factor in a young student’s life. Some parents show no interest in education and fail to provide guidance and support their children in studying. Other parents assume that sending their children to school and looking at their report cards is enough. However, studies have shown that parental involvement extensively affects a child’s performance in school.

Social problems are also a contributing factor. Some students will do everything or make up anything to avoid having to go to school. Without knowing, your child could be a victim of bulling or is constantly ridiculed by peers. Social problems can occur over ethnic backgrounds, religious preference or just having different morals and beliefs.

Another reason is work pressure. There many families that is in desperate financial need, unable to match with the living costs or obtain financial assistance such as enough state benefits, let alone payday loans. Therefore, the children are required to find work to help pay for household expenses. These problems are some of the most common reasons why young people are uneducated, unskilled and/or unable to perform their best in this corporate world.

High School Dropouts Cost States Billions

According to researchers, some 1.2 million public high school students drop out every year. In California alone, about 120,000 students fail to get a diploma by age 20. In truth, high school dropouts cost billions of state money.

According to the California Dropout Research Project, each annual wave of dropouts costs the state $46.4 billion over a lifetime because people without a diploma will most likely be unemployed, incarcerated, need state-funded medical care, apply for welfare and pay no taxes. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, high schools are required to raise their graduation rate each year by one-tenth of a percentage point, or sustain at least an 82.9 graduation percentage.

Researchers’ biggest complaint is that California does not have a system to accurately measure the dropout and graduation rates. California State Sen. Darrell Steinberg created the SB219, a law that will add dropout rates for grades eight and nine to the Academic Performance Index once the student-tracking system is in place. With fiscal crisis and a deteriorating economy, school districts and other agencies throughout the state are forced to put an axe to their budget.

No Credential, No Job, No Payday Loans

With the way the economy is going, we can easily get distracted. Of course the current economic crisis is a huge matter that needs immediate, extensive attention; but so are our children. How well they are educated will determine the kind of economic structure we will have in the near future. We can’t just depend on payday loans when hard times strike. Rather, train our children on money management techniques that will help significantly when financial hardships strike. Emphasize the importance of having the right skills and knowledge to properly function in today’s society.

Part of Obama’s costly Stimulus Plan involves alternative energy generating which should create jobs as well. At a time when many of us are in desperate need of a payday loan, a plan comes to light that just might work. Within a handful of days before getting sworn in, President-elect Barack Obama visited Ohio, making an appearance at the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co., a manufacturer of parts for wind turbines which generate electricity. In proposing his humongous economic stimulus plan, he has said, “It’s not too late to change course – but only if we take dramatic action as soon as possible . . . The first job of my administration is to put people back to work and get our economy moving again.”

The plan in hand is quite enormous indeed. . .

We’re talking about an $825+ billion stimulus package, representing around $275 billion in tax cuts over the next two years as well as $550 billion in federal spending to make this plan work to kick-start our critical economy. In pitching this whole idea, our 44th president explained that it is required to create long-lasting, well-paying employment positions in many fields such as alternative energy, and help out industrial states that have been hit hard by the failing economy, like Ohio, immediately and for a long time to come.

To some, his idea seems to make sense. . .

In speaking on the subject of creating jobs for the American people, he said, “We’re not looking to create just any kind of jobs here. . .  We’re looking to create good jobs that pay well and won’t be shipped overseas. Jobs that don’t just put people to work in the short term, but position our economy to be on the cutting edge in the long term.” Well said. And really, that’s all we want, right? Imagine a time where we can be comfortable enough to not have the need to take out a life-saving payday loan. That’s what we definitely could use right about now, wouldn’t you agree?

Is this all just a wind-blown idea?

Other energy related proposals will include $20+ billion in tax cuts for promoting the development of alternatives for fossil fuels, and quite a few billion more for making buildings and homes, such as federal buildings, modest-income homes and public housing, more energy efficient. Of course, such an enormous plan won’t only focus on this one angle to stimulate the economy. Besides energy, this plan is also to focus quite heavily on health care, education and highway construction which will create many jobs as well.

His call to action has a tone of urgency in his voice

True enough, Obama has a phenomenally huge mess to clean up when it comes to our economy. He hit the nail right on the head when he said, “The need for us to act is now. It’s never been more urgent”. I cannot think of any other time in history when a U.S. President ever walked into the job with an inordinately overwhelming amount of things that needs to be done. From his very first day in the office, he’ll be handed the reins to a country in one of the worst crisis situations in a good long while. In light of the reality of our country’s situation, Barack Obama also said, “Recovery won’t happen overnight, and it’s likely that, even with these measures, things will get worse before they get better.” As for myself, I’d better apply for a payday loan.

It may seem early, but some states have February deadlines for turning in the FAFSA, the biggest source of financial aid for college students. So make sure you know the deadline in your state, and start filling out that paperwork.

Making the most of it

There are ways to get the most out of your financial aid package, without taking out payday loans and SmartMoney was kind enough to compile a list. The article lists five ways to boost the amount of money you receive.

Turning in the FAFSA as early as possible is the first item on the list. The feds will accept FAFSAs until the end of June, but universities and states can have different, earlier deadlines. Also, as time goes on, the financial aid pot shrinks. The closer you are to “first come,” the more you’ll be served.

Open up

Most financial aid applications require that you fill out your family’s income, but this may not be the best indicator of your financial situation. Write a detailed letter to the college letting them know of any changes in situation that won’t show up in the line item that shows income.

As long as you provide accurate information and any documents that back up your claims, you  have a good chance of ending up with some extra cash if you need it.

Get educated

FAFSA requirements have changed in the last year. Parents no longer need to report it if they received Social Security benefits and had children who received Social Security benefits. Excluding this amount can mean more federal funds in your pocket.

Scholarships

Before you go out and apply for every scholarship you can think of, make sure you know the consequences of receiving said scholarships. Any money you get from a scholarship will affect the amount that you can get from the Feds.

Say you got a $1,000 scholarship. It is possible that because of that scholarship you will lose out on a much higher amount of money from the government.

Don’t give up

If you or your family is in need of more money than what you’re offered, appeal, appeal, appeal. It’s worth a shot. But be careful, and only do this if you do, in fact, need more money. An appeal could cause deeper scrutiny of your family’s finances and assets, and it is possible that you will end up with even less money than they offered before.

So follow these tips to make sure you get it if there’s any extra cash out there for you, so you won’t need payday loans.