Can I apply for a Stafford loan without going through my school? [more inside]
posted on Sep 8, 2008 - 3 answers

I am a frugal person entering his senior year in college [age 21]. I have been following advice like the stuff in thread 84915and thread 99852 and living below my means. I sought advice in Financial books for college kids my age [for example, generation debt], but left feeling wanting more because they focus primarily on how to cut expenses [skipping the latte, etc]. So, I have some student loans already, but will need more for my senior year. I also have some money set aside, but I should I use this money to lower the loan amount that I'll take out or use this money for an investment (Roth IRA, index fund), and take out more for my student loans ? [more inside]
posted on Aug 26, 2008 - 11 answers

How to go about paying for a college education? [more inside]
posted on Jun 5, 2008 - 17 answers

I want to drop out of college because I'm unhappy with it. I don't think I really absolutely need a degree to do what I want. My goal is to work in a computer/network security or general (*nix) sysadmin position. Help me form a plan to a happy and successful life without a degree. [more inside]
posted on Dec 25, 2007 - 56 answers

How do I get a credit card, and which one should I get? [more inside]
posted on Nov 26, 2007 - 15 answers

I'm a 25 year old journalism major riddled with major debt who has two years of school to go. How should I go about handling my debt situation and finishing school with the ultimate goal of becoming a successful print journalist? Furthermore, am I a fool to enter this field considering my rather unpleasant financial picture? Life advice, please. [more inside]
posted on Jun 13, 2007 - 23 answers

College is expensive. I'm resigned to accumulating a certain amount of debt, but I'm increasingly afraid I may not make it through four years with my credit rating intact. I'm quickly becoming cynical about the high price of education in America. Advice? [more inside]
posted on Jan 14, 2006 - 35 answers

FinanceFilter: I recently experienced the wonderful epiphany of 'college student = poor' as I finished paying bills and checking my bank accounts today. It seems that I've spent almost all of my summer job savings, and by February 1st I will have the grand total of approximately $12 to my name.

My basic question is: what should I know before taking out student loans? I'm looking for personal experiences, warnings, recommendations, etc. I want to make sure I do this right so a few years from now I won't be posting an AskMe question about trying to get out of my many-times-deferred loans. I'm not hardcore set on taking out student loans, but it's an option that seems favorable at first glance and has been recommended and pursued by many of my friends. [MI]
posted on Jan 26, 2005 - 17 answers