Happy 2009 to you! Thank you to everyone who reads Financial Aid News for your continued support over the years. Without your readership, we would not be able to bring you this valuable financial aid educational resource. This month, we’re talking about private student loans, scholarship opportunities, the 2009-2010 FAFSA, and more.

Prepare for Spring: Apply for a Private Student Loan

Back to school credit offers A private student loan is a great way to cover any expenses you’re bound to encounter throughout the semester – including books, supplies, housing, transportation, and more.

Learn more | Apply Now »

Exciting Scholarship Opportunities for 2009!

ScholarshipPoints.com has had a wildly successful year growing by over 200,000 members. They have recently added a monthly $2,500 scholarship, additional $1,000 scholarships in January and February and two $10,000 scholarships – Sign up today!

Here are some other great scholarship opportunities for you to check out:

• Student Loan Network $10,000 Scholarship »
• ScholarshipPoints Monthly Scholarship »
• ZoomPanel $1,000 Monthly Scholarship »
• Free College Scholarships $10,000 Scholarship »
• FreeMilitaryScholarships.com $10,000 Scholarship »
• $2,000 Online Degree Scholarship »
• Universum Employment Survey $1,000 Scholarship »
• College Prowler Monthly $2,000 Scholarship »
• Campus Discovery $10,000 Scholarship »
• Winning Surveys.com $50,000 Scholarship »
• Fast Web Scholarships »

More Scholarship Search Secrets

Our free Scholarship hunting eBook, Scholarship Search Secrets, has spawned numerous success stories about students and parents getting creative in their scholarship search. Here is one of the most powerful tips:

“This is the deal I made with my daughter and my son who is 13. Every scholarship you can attain I will give them 10% cash as incentive.”

This is a brilliant motivational idea. Creating incentives for scholarship hunting helps create immediate gratification for time invested in looking for scholarships.

Search for scholarships now!

Reader Q&A

Susan:

The school said if I get declined for the Parent Plus loan my child becomes eligible for additional money. Is that true?

Yes. If a parent is declined for a Parent Plus loan the student is able to take out additional unsubsidized Stafford loan funds in their name, with a denial letter.

Find more information about the Parent PLUS Loan.

More answers to your questions at the FinancialAidForum.com