Financial Aid Question -- procedure, results, scope, etc

[rickyjo]

For those of you who have been helping me verify and refine my plan to get an A.A.S in one semester, I am grateful. Here's the final hurdle.

My parents tossed me out at 15 for religious reasons, and I make a tremendously low amount of money. They make a fabulous fortune. They have sworn not to help me in my college endeavors--I suppose that's their perversion of the Christian way of helping me get my life together? Point being the FAFSA will rape me.

I had the money to pay for a semester, or at least really close; however, things changed.
I purchased a very expensive ring for my fiance that racked up to nearly 25% of my total income last year. I purchased a warranty, and the stone fell out. Do to a technicality of which I was unaware I have to buy a new diamond as the place claims the warranty is void a mere 5 months after I gave it to her, 7 months after purchase. My college money is about to completely disappear.

I need financial aid or a loan to get this one stupid semester out of the way.
I know a whole lot of nothing about the FAFSA, but since I'm not married yet and I'm not 23 yet either, and it's the middle of the year and my parents probably won't give me their tax info anyway, what are my options? Do I have to go to a bank? Would a credit union be better? I have a great credit score but a limited history. I want to start right away.

Additionally I would like to focus on school and get enough money to work only part time. Again, just for ONE semester. How much do people usually borrow? The tuition and the transfers for this one semester is going to be close to 3,000 dollars.

Any advice concerning this matter would be great. I have given it very little consideration to this point as I thought I would be able to pay cash up until yesterday.
One afterthought: Do i need to be enrolled to get the loan? Or do i do it before I'm enrolled? How do I prove I'm going to go if I'm not there yet? I really hate and know nothing about this stuff.

[LeekyLeek]

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Financial Aid for College, 2nd Edition (2008).

Here's the download link

MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

[rickyjo]

Sweet. Thanks!

[P00057870]

This may seem off topic for you but let an old broad ask what may be an unpopular question......

Would your loved one not understand and temporarily delay gratification (getting the ring repaired) until after your schooling is completed, thus enabling you (hopefully) to move forward with your career choices, increase your income, and better afford this loving gift and many more to come?

Realize, I myself, have never walked to the same beat of other women, whether in my own age group or not. Therefore, this may not be the way your lady thinks but it is something you need to discuss with her at the very least.

Once upon a time, my fiance and I had a soul searching discussion and made decisions that impacted us financially as we were starting out. We went without an initial engagement ring, went for a small family wedding, bought a house with the downpayment instead and....are still married 30+ years later. Not an easy feat, but definitely based on being realistic about our financial obligations, being careful to not bite off more than we could chew, and realizing that some wants need to be put off until a time when they could be accomplished more comfortably.

In the meantime, I want to wish you well--both with the love of your life and your educational pursuits.

Judy

[rickyjo]

She likely would say it was OK, but I would not believe it after seeing how crushed she was when it happened. I don't want her to walk the aisle with an empty setting.

I am a stingy guy, and this is the only thing of any real value I have ever given her. I am going to fix this immediately.

Thanks though for the idea and concern.

[marianne202]

You need to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for most any aid. But once your school financial aid office gets it you can ask to complete the supplemental special circumstances forms. It will allow you to have them consider your current situation and base aid on that. I also believe that the parent info is optional on the FAFSA, you just file as an individual independent not dependant on parents. That may help too. I'm new to this too, but have learned this much since I have special circumstances too. I hope this helps, but it all starts with the FAFSA. Good luck!

[rickyjo]

Thank you for the quick reply.

From what I have heard I cannot fill it out independently until I am 23 or married for one year. That's what countless advisers/counselors from my high school and college have told me at least. That is why I am attempting to find alternate ways. I have been to every college in the city to ask for a way around, but I don't think there is one. I was told i would need my parents information so if you have information to the contrary that would be incredible!

[marianne202]

I'm not an expert, but I would have to believe that if you produce emancipated minor paperwork they would have to consider you as no longer their dependent. You may need to have copies of their taxes to show they no longer claim you as a dependent, but I find it hard to believe if you are not claimed by them or supported by them you can be entitled to their money! I knew someone who did emancipation paperwork years ago and it wasn't that hard or expensive. I hope you are able to get through this mess.

[rickyjo]

Unfortunately Colorado is a difficult state to become emancipated in, I was never emancipated legally. I am now 20, but still cannot fill out the FAFSA. It's very frustrating. I don't want my parent's help or support, I only want to be allowed to act on my own. I thought that at 18 I would be out of the woods, but now at 20 years old this struggle still comes back to bight me.

Perhaps somebody has experience working with a bank or credit union? I am OK with drawing a small loan, it would only have to be a few thousand I think.

[LeekyLeek]

Unfortunately Colorado is a difficult state to become emancipated in, I was never emancipated legally. I am now 20, but still cannot fill out the FAFSA. It's very frustrating. I don't want my parent's help or support, I only want to be allowed to act on my own. I thought that at 18 I would be out of the woods, but now at 20 years old this struggle still comes back to bight me.

Perhaps somebody has experience working with a bank or credit union? I am OK with drawing a small loan, it would only have to be a few thousand I think.

Ever thought about becoming a volunteer firefighter? The 40+ FEMAS will look good in your application and most if not all departments offer 100% tuition reimbursement for fire-related classes and guess what Emergency Management falls into that category.

Red rocks community college is in Colorado too so it will be covered since you live there...

just giving you a idea