OPINION: FIX FAFSA, GRANT FUNDING, AND ACCESS TO SCHOLARSHIPS
FIX IT! A college education would be more attainable if the federal government simplified the FAFSA and changed how it calculated a family’s ability to pay for a child’s schooling.

SAFE! Pell Grants Viable Until 2015
DON’T WORRY YET: An unexpected windfall ensures that Pell Grants will be funded until 2015, but fewer students are qualifying.

Manage Student Loans to Avoid Trouble
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DEALING WITH: Finding out as much as you can about your student loans can help you manage them effectively while you’re in school—and after you graduate.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your FAFSA
GET MORE FEDERAL MONEY: Use these instructions to complete your Free Application for Student Aid, the first essential step toward getting financial aid for college.

Are Payday Loans Bad?
STAY FAR, FAR AWAY: Their business has exploded in recent years, but payday lenders are not out to help you. They’re out to make a lot of money, and you’re a target.

Federal Programs Help Borrowers Repay Student Loans
STUDENT LOAN RX: If you’re having trouble paying back federal student loans, you may be eligible for income-based repayment (IBR). IBR bases your repayment on your family size and income, and, if you follow the rules, forgives your outstanding balance early.

Opinion: Facebook Users Should Be Wary of Company?s Data Mining
WHO’S GOT YOUR DATA? Every day, millions of Facebook and other social media users share personal, sometimes intimate information with friends or family that could eventually come back to haunt them.

Stay Safe and Scam-Free on Social Networks
STAY SAFE SOCIALLY: The star of every social networking site is Y-O-U. Your profile often is filled with extensive details about your history including your birth date, employment history, and hometown. But some social networks take things a step further. They know where you are <i>right now</i>.

Ditch Your Bank, Switch to a Credit Union
DO THE DITCH-AND-SWITCH: If you’re tired of the countless fees and high interest rates that come with your bank account, it’s time to do something about it. Join a credit union—or use the one you already belong to even more—for better rates, low or no fees, and personal member service.

Database Will Track Financial Scams Targeting Military
FRAUD FIGHT: A new system will track companies and individuals that attempt to defraud current and former military servicemembers and military families.

Build a Better Credit Score
WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? You may not know it, but your credit score could be one of the most important numbers tied to your financial name. Whether you’re applying for a loan, buying a home, determining interest rates, or even searching for a job, your credit score carries serious weight.

Gap Year Challenges Traditional Educational Path
FILLING THE GAP: A gap year is time spent after high school or college doing something outside of a traditional educational institution. Taking a gap year can recharge and prepare you for future studies or work. And, it’s fun.

Choosing a College? Consider Your Career Path
A PERFECT FIT: Where do you see yourself attending college? There are many possible avenues when continuing education. Consider a variety of them by searching for schools based on career goals, your personality, and your interests.