Throughout my speeches, I’ve constantly been asked by students how it is possible to graduate college with retirement ability. Is this even possible? College is the greatest investment in the world If you approach it intelligently the right way. This article provides students financial help by explaining how to find money for college, and part two introduces an evolutionary way of thinking and approach which can have you graduating with the ability to pursue any passion you may have while not worrying about how next month’s bills are going to get paid, or trying to keep up with the economic turmoil. So what’s the first step to finding money for college to succeed? Let’s discuss financial aid.

Financial Aid- How do you get tons of financial aid? It all boils down to how hard you work for it. All of this free money is out there just waiting for you, but you have to work vigorously in order to obtain it. First off, you’ll have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is required before you can apply for any type of financial aid. Your parents and your most recent tax returns are required in order to complete the applications. Once that’s complete, and it takes about 6-7 weeks for it to get processed, you can then begin searching for scholarships which is the best way of finding money for college to succeed.

Scholarships- These will take up the most of your time, but I can guarantee it produces the greatest rewards. This is FREE money from the government to help pay for school… and get rich also if used efficiently. Once again remember this is FREE money. Take advantage of this opportunity and apply for billions of scholarships! Set a time every single day for just applying to scholarships before AND during college. Also, don’t just look for scholarships with high dollar rewards. Think about the fact that there’s less competition for those with low dollar rewards. You have a better chance of winning a $500 scholarship with 30 participants, than you do a $5,000 scholarship with 500 participants. Another advantage is that there are scholarships for everything! What’s your nationality? What’s your favorite color? What are your talents? Where are you from? There are scholarships for all of that. Google ‘scholarships for__’ put whatever your vice is in the blank and search. You’re bound to find something. The point is to just go and get your well deserved cut of the billions of dollars that are given out each year. Might I remind you that this is FREE money aimed to help you succeed? Take extreme advantage of it. Success comes as a result of hard work. Well apparently, free money comes as a result as well. What other options are there for finding money in college to retire? Let’s get into loans.

Loans- Student, parent, and private are the three types of loans for college students. The best are student loans which are provided by the government with real low interest rates. Stafford and Perkins loans are the most popular among student loans. Stafford loans can be subsidized- which means the government pays interest while you’re in school, or unsubsidized- meaning you’re responsible for the interest, but you can actually hold off on paying the interest until you actually graduate. Perkins loans are the best in my opinion because they’re completely subsidized, and the government pays the interest while at school, and for a 9 month grace period after you graduate. The second type of loan is the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Parents can borrow as much as they need to supplement your aid, but they are prohibited from taking out any more. It’s the responsibility of your parents to pay these back. If all else fails, private loans are the next option which also must be filed by your parents. You can research that aspect if you’re in need of private loans. Look out for high interest rates, etc. Another option for finding money for college to retire is through work study programs.

Work Study Program- This makes it easier for students with financial need to work while going to school. The government pays a portion of your paycheck. Look into it at your particular school because not every is the same. Many schools will provide their work study students with jobs, while others expect you to find your own. Some require you to work on campus, while others allow you to work on and off campus. Some require you to turn your paycheck into financial aid and some don’t. Just do your research. Another tip, if you want to work somewhere on campus, but you don’t see a listing for them, just go and ask personally. The best impression is a continuous physical presence. Here’s what not to do when you’re finding money for college to retire. I believe students financial help must not only include what to do, but what not to do as well.

Don’t wait for the day before deadlines to turn in financial aid for your college. Be sure to mark the deadlines somewhere so you can remember. Don’t leave it for your parents. It’s your life so take responsibility. Don’t rule out community college. Stop thinking it’s just another high school. If you don’t know what you want to do, and money is real tight, then this can be one of the best decisions for you. If you’re not satisfied with what your school is offering you in terms of financial aid, don’t be afraid to write them a letter and ask for more. Don’t look down on your bills, for they’re just telling you to step your game up. If you know you can’t pay a bill on time, don’t be afraid to call them and work something out. Usually they’ll give you an extension. They may sound mean but it’s nothing personal, it’s all business. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t rule out your parents in terms of financial need. Many students believe that asking their parents for help shows less responsibility, but it’s the exact opposite. It shows you’re responsible enough and care about your future enough to ask for help. Don’t spend unnecessarily. Keep track of your spending and stick to a cheap budget. Wealth comes from saving and investing not spending. Saving is key to college students’ financial help if you’re looking to set yourself up for financial success after graduation.

These are just a few ways of finding money for college to retire. Be sure to check out part two immediately where I’ll introduce you to an evolutionary approach which can enable retirement ability around graduation. I wish you the best of college student success, happiness, and prosperity