Free Investment Advice

During this economic crisis, many lenders are withdrawing from programs designed to afford students the opportunity to attend a college or university.In an effort to ascertain what types of grants, or loans are available, it is necessary to research before you apply. The internet will afford you the ability to do so. If you have a son or daughter who will be attending college in the fall, now is the time to begin searching the many types of financial aid packages available.

One website you can begin with is FinAid.org at: http://www.finaid.org/loans/. This site features loans, scholarships, military aid, financial aid applications, and other types of aid as well.

Here are four additional sites you may wish to bookmark for future consideration:

http://www.salliemae.com/
http://www.staffordloan.com/
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/DirectLoan/index.html
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Another way to research financial aid for specific colleges is to go to their website. There you will find either information on the type of aid they are offering, or a telephone number that you can call. Most colleges and universities have a financial aid office on site. If you are beginning a college search by visiting the campuses, stop by the admissions office or the financial aid office to obtain as much information as possible.

Lenders are withdrawing from programs such as FFEL, and there may be more lenders who will follow suit. Thus, it is necessary to begin the research process now and stay up-to-date on the financial aid status of each college your son or daughter is applying to.

Once they have been accepted, begin the financial aid application process immediately. Remember that in addition to debts like loans, there are grants and scholarships as well. Research every alternative available.

These are difficult times and while colleges are attempting to ensure that students can afford to attend, anything can change.