| Did you know that if you happen to be a single | | | | moms and women in general. Now it's time to make |
| mom, or even just a woman living in the United | | | | sure you understand the difference between a grant |
| States for that matter, you are positioned to receive | | | | and a loan. A loan is by definition money that must |
| additional and unique financial assistance from the US | | | | be paid back. Whereas Grant funds are given free of |
| Government? | | | | any obligation to repay. |
| For example, single moms in particular have been the | | | | If possible, grants should be the first financial aid |
| target of several recent legislative motives to | | | | pursued, and thankfully, they come in almost any |
| improve the financial future of those women seeking | | | | category of need. Housing, health, transportation, |
| to balance raising their children and managing an | | | | education, business and commerce are just a few of |
| income. It should be noted as well that the range of | | | | the more popular niches you can find grants available |
| financial aid can range from aid to buy a home, to go | | | | for financial aid. So this leads to the obvious question. |
| back to school, to start a business, or even to help | | | | Just who is allowed to apply for a grant? |
| pay everyday bills. | | | | Who can apply for a grant? |
| If you're interested in obtaining federal financial aid | | | | If you are a US citizen or are a foreign national that |
| either through grants or loans, take the next couple | | | | has lived in the US for at least the last three years, |
| of hours you have available and become familiar with | | | | you are eligible to apply for a grant. Now I would be |
| the sorts of financial aid that may be available to you. | | | | remiss if I didn't offer a word of caution to be |
| Here's what I recommend as a quick action plan: | | | | careful for scams. Unfortunately, this "free money |
| 1. Find websites that specialize in Financial Aid | | | | from the government" industry has a bad reputation |
| information to help separate fact from fiction. | | | | of being one where many capitalize on the needs of |
| 2. Join forums and bulletin boards that allow | | | | others. Always check sources against the US |
| contributors of like mind to share best practices and | | | | Government websites and if you feel skeptical about |
| ease the learning curve. | | | | any financial aid opportunity, bring others into the |
| 3. Be sure to never let the red tape associated with | | | | decision making process. |
| applications become a deterrent. This is time well | | | | There is money available to you, but you must |
| spent in terms of return on investment. | | | | initiate and take action. Act now while the new |
| At this point, you'll have a good grasp on the | | | | stimulus package and financial guidelines are in place |
| different types of financial aid made available to single | | | | to help ensure your needs are met. |