So now that I have this "need-based" thing going on I should be able to get tons of money from FASFA that would put me through college.
Remember that when comparing university costs, compare them net of financial aid, since it is possible that a more expensive university may be more generous with financial aid, making the net cost less than a university with nominally lower tuition. Also, check what proportion is grants vs. loans vs. preferences for on-campus jobs.
Also pay attention to the financial condition of the university itself, since a university with less money may become less generous with financial aid later while you are still attending. State universities may face funding cuts if their states pull in less tax revenue during a recession. A private university's budget may depend on the performance of its endowment investments. Donations may be less during a recession.
And I'm also thinking about joining the military which will pay for my college as well.
ROTC?
And my parents cut our Gym Membership got canceled today which is a blow. I can lift weights at a friends house though but not all the time.
You might be able to make some dumbbells or kettlebells by filling empty containers with water or sand. The bodyweight exercises forum may be worth a look. Also, if you can afford it, there may be cheaper gym offers (some people are claiming that Costco has 2 year 24 Hour Fitness memberships for $289) than the one you canceled. Or look for used equipment, since many people buy exercise equipment, do not use it, and sell it cheap or give it away.
Other ideas to reduce the money burn rate in your household:
Go to a library and see if they have
Checkbook magazines for your area (web site , but you have to pay for content). If so, look around for surveys of which grocery stores are cheapest, and what various service providers (hospitals, dentists, optometrists, auto repair, house repair, etc.) are well liked and not expensive.
If you are not doing so already, try to do your best to conserve utilities. Turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use, replace incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs (and/or use fewer bulbs or lower wattage bulbs in some fixtures where the reduced light would not be a problem). A water jug in the toilet tank may reduce water use, but that is only effective if flushing performance is not degraded to the point that you have to flush twice. An automatic thermostat may save its cost in heating or cooling costs in one season -- you can set the temperature quite low at night when you are under blankets, but have it come up to a more comfortable temperature just before you wake up.
Look into whether phone service can be gotten cheaper. If phone use is low, some prepaid cell phone services can be very inexpensive, even cheaper than land lines (see ). Also check your internet service. While I would not suggest going completely without (since the internet is very helpful in finding the best deals and otherwise saving money), you may want to see if there are cheaper ways to get it (perhaps even public access at the library).
Make sure the car is in good working order, including proper air pressure in the tires. Anyone driving should drive with anticipation of traffic ahead to avoid wasting fuel. For example, if the light up ahead just turned red, get off the accelerator and coast until you need to hit the brakes to stop for it, instead of racing up to it and slamming on the brakes. Combine car trips as much as possible, ordering them to minimize driving and doing them in a clockwise direction (mostly right turns, which involve less waiting -- some delivery companies route deliveries this way to save time and fuel). Consider walking, running, or riding a bicycle for shorter trips (bonus cardio exercise). You may want to shop around to see if other insurance companies (car, homeowner/renter, etc.) can give the same coverage for lower cost compared to your current company.
Do income taxes as soon as possible. If you have overpaid and are due a refund, file as soon as possible to get the refund as soon as possible.
If you get a job, make sure that it will not interfere with your school work, and make sure that the net after taxes and expenses (including commuting and any clothing or equipment you have to buy) makes it actually worth it.
