It does not seem like Government Money is going to do much to lower the price of gas at the pump but that crazy uncle does have quite a few government money programs hidden away that the average consumer can take advantage of to pay for gas, commute to work or even travel for free. Matthew Lesko, New York Times Best-Selling author and the America’s #1 Government Money Man, has identified over 21 government money programs to help with transportation costs.

Here are a few of the little-known Government Money Gas Saving Benefits that Lesko wants you to know about:

• Government Money for:  $105/Month From Your Employer For Commuting To Work…Through a program called “Tax Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits.”
• Government Money for:  Free Rides To The Doctor For Grandma…Most every community has government subsidized money programs that provide free rides for seniors to make a doctors appointment.
• Government Money for:  Free Rides To Pick Up A Sick Child At School…Communities all over the country participate in the “Guaranteed Ride Home” program that provides free taxies or rental cars to commuters with family emergencies.
• Government Money to:  Get Your Car Repaired for FREE…Before you pay for an expensive car repair bill you should check with the U.S. Auto Safety Hotline; your car may be subject to a recall that can get your repair done for free.

There are also government money programs that will give your free legal help to fight your auto dealer, free airfare if you volunteer as a currier, free rides to work, and cars at government auctions that go for 3 cents on the dollar. Get all the government money details below…

21 Government Money Programs For Gas Guzzlers

Get $105/Month From Your Employer For Commuting To Work Your employer can give you $105 a month to help pay for bus, train, ferry, or vanpool commuting expenses and neither you nor the employer has to pay taxes on this government money. Contact your local transit authority for more details on the program called “Tax Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits”, or contact: Commuter Check Services Corporation, 401 S. Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631; 201-833-9700; 800-727-9436; Fax: 201-833-8704; www.commutercheck.com. Get a copy of IRS Publication 15-B, Employer’s Tax Guide To Fringe Benefits and show your boss the section entitled “Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits.” The publication is available from your local IRS office or from 800-TAX-FORM or from their website at www.irs.ustreas.gov . Government money office

Free Rides To The Doctor For Grandma

Many seniors have to give up driving their cars, perhaps because of the cost or illness. But then how do they get to the doctor or the bank or the store? Many rely upon their friends and children to solve their transportation needs, but there are times when you need to come up with another alternative. The Eldercare Locator provides access to an extensive network of organizations serving older people at state and local community levels. This service can connect you to information sources for a variety of services including transportation. For more information, contact Eldercare Locator, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Washington, DC 20201; 800-677-1116 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST; www.aoa.gov. Free Rides To Pick Up A Sick Child At School Suppose your child is sick at school and needs you in the middle of the day, but you don’t have a way to get there because you go to work most days by some other way than using your car.  Don’t panic. You can probably get a free ride, taxi, or free rental car from the local “Guaranteed Ride Home Program.” You can also use the service for most family emergencies if your normal ride falls through, or if you have to work late unexpectedly. Call your local carpool or vanpool service to see if they have a similar program. Most of these government money programs require that you pre-register, but it is always best to plan ahead for emergencies anyway. If you do a computer search using the terms (including the quotes) “guaranteed ride home program,” you will find a listing of many of the government money programs offered.

DISCOUNTS on Buses, Trains and Subways

If you are a senior citizen, you can usually ride most forms of transportation for about half-price. Amtrak and Greyhound offer discounts of 5-15% for the senior set. Children even get to take advantage of discount government money programs, with the youngest group often getting a free ride. Don’t forget to ask about a variety of reduced fare government money programs, including student and military discounts. Often job training government money programs will compensate you for your travel, so before you begin training, inquire about support services such as transportation and child care.

Cheap Air Fare To See A Sick Relative

Not free, but at least you don’t have to pay full price. When a family member is very ill or has died, families have to make last minute airline reservations. Obviously you lose out on the 21-day advance purchase rates, but almost all airlines offer bereavement or compassion fares for domestic travel. Generally the fares are available to close family members, and the discount on the full-fare rate varies from airline to airline. Many require that you provide the name of the deceased and the name, address and phone number of the funeral home handling arrangements. In the case of a medical emergency, the name and address of the affected family member and the name, address and phone number of the attending physician or hospital are required. Contact the airline of your choice to learn more about the “Bereavement/Compassion Fares.” Full fare rate varies from airline to airline, but you could save up to 50%.

Free Cars To Go On Vacation

Not quite as easy as it sounds, but there are government money programs out there to help people move their cars. Most of the cars need to be driven across the country and in exchange, many car moving companies offer free gas and airline travel home. This is not to say that you can take your family on a minivan vacation across the country. Certain rules and restrictions apply. But I have known many a college kid that has gotten to drive across the U.S. for free. Obviously, you do not get to pick your make and model, and you need to be flexible as to the departure time and destination, but this is one way to see America. Contact local moving companies to see what they have to offer. There is even a website for those interested in having their cars moved at www.movecars.com and they may be able to provide you with information.

Fly Free As A Volunteer Air Courier

Air courier services operate the same way, but you are required to have a valid passport. Most air freight services don’t do enough business to send a plane overseas each day.  As a courier, you carry a package checked as baggage to an overseas destination. There have been no incidences of contraband problems, and customs is familiar with this service. You deliver the package to a company representative in the customs section of the airport, then you are on your own. In exchange, you get to fly to exotic ports for FREE or cheap. Children are not allowed to accompany couriers. Contact companies listed in the air courier section of your phone book, do a web search using the terms “air courier service,” or contact the Air Courier Association at 800-339-7556; or online at www.aircourier.org. Office of Government Money

Is Your Car Green?

A guide developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information to consumers about the environmental performance of vehicles.  The larger the number either in score or in fuel economy is better for our environment.  You can look up a specific vehicle, a type of vehicle, or find a cleaner vehicle.  Contact: Green Vehicle Guide, Certification and Compliance Division, National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; 734-214-4200; www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/. Government Money Office

Free Gas Savings Tips

Government money will help you become as fuel efficient as possible.  Their fuel savings website can do everything from helping you determine which fuel efficient car to buy, where to find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood, tips on saving gas, and a printable fuel guide to keep track of your car’s consumption.  You can view information on the website or order copies of the fuel guide by contacting: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center, 656 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; 877-337-3463; www.fueleconomy.gov/. Government money office

Free Publications About Car Buying, Repairing and Saving Gas

1. “Gas Savings Products – Find Out Why Most Don’t Work”
2. “Good, Better, Best: How to Improve Gas Mileage”
3. “The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline”
4. “Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle    Fuels”
5. “Tips for Buying a Used Car”

These five publications are available from the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania, NW, H-130, Washington, DC 20580; 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/automobiles/index.html. Government money office.

Tax Deductions For Your Car

• 37 ½ cents per mile if you use your car for business (IRS Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gifts and Car Expenses)
• 14 cents per mile if you use your car during charity work (IRS Instructions for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions)
• 14 cents per mile if you use your car for medical care (IRS Instructions for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions)
• 14 cents per mile if you use your car to move to a new job (IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses)

These publications are free from your local IRS office or you can download and print them right at home.  Contact: IRS, 800-829-1040; www.irs.gov. Office of Government Money

Government Money to Improve Your Gas Mileage

With fuel prices so high do everything you can to save gas.  The Federal Trade Commission has published “How to Improve Gas Mileage” that gives dozens of ideas to improve fuel efficiency.  Check out the article online at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/fuelalrt.pdf or call 877-FTC-HELP. Office of Government Money

Drive Wise

Transportation consumes about 25% of the total energy used in the United States.  If you think before you drive you can help lower pollution and at the same time save yourself in transportation costs.  Read the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Drive Wise” to learn more.  Contact: EPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460; 202-272-0167; www.epa.gov/air/actions/drive_wise.html. Governemnt Money Office

Improve Air Quality and Save Gasoline

The Environmental Protection Agency publishes several brochures to improve both air quality and gas consumption when it comes to driving your family car.  Titles include:

• Your Car and Clean Air: What You Can Do to Reduce Pollution
• Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage
• Your Car and Clean Air: What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution
• Clean Cars for Clean Air: Inspection/Maintenance government money programs

Contact: Transportation and Air Quality, EPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460; 202-272-0167; www.epa.gov/otaq/. Office of Government Money

Free Saving Tips

Edmunds.com has a great list of musts if you want to save money on your gasoline consumption.  They list the top ten things that you can do right away to improve your gas mileage. See www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/103164/article.html.

More Free Articles

MotherEarth.com’s online site offers several articles that may help you choose the right car to buy or simply help you save some money on your gas consumption in the car already in your driveway.  The online articles include:

• Pay Less at the Pump: The Hybrid Revolution
• Fuel Economy and Ecology: Green Means Go
• Making Wiser Transportation Choices: Average Gas Mileage

You can view all of these at www.motherearthnews.com/top_articles/2005_October_and_November/Fuel-Economy-and-Ecology-Green-Means-Go . Office of Government Money

What is the Best Car to Buy?

Buying a new car is usually the second most expensive purchase you make, after the purchase of your home.  So getting the most for your money is important.  Knowing information about fuel efficiency can save you even more over time.  There are several buying guides and publications available to help you choose the car that is right for you and your wallet.  The most common resource guide is Consumer Reports.  They publish automobile review guides that are available at your local library.  Consumer Reports Online allows you to search through a variety of reports.  They do charge a fee for some of their services.  Contact: Consumers Union, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY  0703-1057; www.consumerreports.com Office of Government Money

• “Buying a New Care and Buying a Used Car” are available for free from the Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580; 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov .
• NADA Guides provide information on a variety of car buying subjects.  Browse their web site to learn all you can about the best car for you to purchase.  National Automotive Dealers Association, www.nadaguides.com/autohome2.aspx?Lnk=1&wSec=10&wPr=0&wPg=2111 Office of Government Money

Take the Bus

If gas prices are getting too high for your budget, take the bus or train.  Senior citizens can usually ride most forms of public transportation for about half-price.  Check your local transportation company online, as many have a trip planner to help you get to where you want to go.

To Hybrid or Not to Hybrid?

That is the question.  If you are wondering if hybrids are here to stay or just a fluke, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Freedom Car and Vehicle Technologies can help you decide.  They develop more energy efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation.  Contact: Office of Freedom Car and Vehicle Technologies, EE-2G, Room 5-G-030, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-8055, Fax: 202-586-7409; http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/index.html Office of Government Money

FREE or Low-Cost Rides To Work, School, or Day Care

North Carolina has government money programs where counties are given vans to transport people back and forth to work, with lower costs than driving your own vehicle. York County, Maine will let you ride the WAVE, a job access and education transportation service.  Transportation provides: home pick-ups, day care drops-offs, major employee and education drop-offs in the Sanford area.  Costs are low and discounted for children and seniors 62 years and older. Dial-A-Ride in the City of Modesto provides specialized transportation seven days a week for persons 65 years old and those with disabilities.  Although this is primarily for the disabled and seniors, the general public may also ride during specific times. To start looking for government money programs like this in your area, contact your local congressman’s office or your local social service agency. You should also find out about local vanpool and rideshare government money programs. Your local chamber of commerce or library may have this kind of information for you. Office of Government Money

Get One Month of Free Bus Passes

Detroit’s Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) has a government money program called “Get a Job/Get a Ride” that gives a month’s worth of free rides to anyone in the Detroit area who gets a job. The only requirement is that you have started a new job within the last 30 days, work at least 32 hours a week and never have received the pass in the past.  New Jersey will give a free one-month pass to those on low income that get a job or are going to training. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Transit Authority.

Buy A Car at 3 Pennies on $100

The government estimates that their auctions give them 3 cents for every $100 they spent on the original item. I’ve never seen those Jeeps for $1 advertised in the back of magazines, but one official said that he has seen vehicles with less than 3,000 miles being sold for well under $1,000. Cars and trucks can go for as little as $100. The price of cars varies depending upon who attends the auctions. The two major agencies that sell vehicles at auctions are the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense. To find the auctions nearest to you contact:

U.S. General Services Administration Personal Property Disposal Solutions 1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20405 703-605-5610 www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/home.do?tabId=3 Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service 74 N. Washington Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49017 1-888-352-2255 www.drms.dla.mil Office of Government Money

Free Legal Help to Fight A Car Dealer or Repair Shop

When you can’t get satisfaction from the manager or owner, then it is time to bring in the big guns:

• Your state attorney general’s office is set up to handle automobile complaints. Sometimes all you have to do is send a letter to the attorney general with a copy to the business owner.  The office is in your state capitol which you can find by calling the state capitol operator or going to www.govengine.com and clicking on your state.

• Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP) is a complaint handling system sponsored by the automobile industry for new or used car purchases from NEW car dealers only. AUTOCAP is conducted by many State Automobile Dealers Associations.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line is a FREE, out-of-court arbitration program, paid for by the business community to handle automobile complaints between consumers and most auto manufacturers. Contact your local Better Business Bureau or BBB Auto Line, Dispute Resolution Division, Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22202; 703-276-0100; www.dr.bbb.org/autoline/index.asp/. Office of Government Money

Free and Low Cost Seminars On How to Buy A Car

You can’t just go on color alone! You need to become savvy as to what options to look for and how to negotiate with the dealer. Do you really need rust proofing? What is the difference between the invoice and the sticker price? How can I find out what the dealer paid for the car? Don’t be intimidated by salesmanship. The dealer wants your government money, so they don’t want you to leave without signing on the bottom line. Many different organizations and groups offer classes on how to buy a car. Contact your county cooperative extension service, your local adult education department, or women’s organizations in your area to see what they may have to offer.

Get Your Car Repaired for FREE

June Rapp of Massachusetts took her family van into a dealer to have it fixed and they wanted to charge her over $1000 to make the repairs. She called the U.S. Department of Transportation and found out that her problem was part of a manufacturer recall. Recalls have to be fixed for free and the repair shop didn’t know that. To find out about recalls for any car, contact: Office of Government Money

• Auto Safety Hotline, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 888-327-4236; www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Office of Government Money

• The Consumer Reports people have a searchable database for car recall information. Contact Consumers Union, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703; www.consumerreports.com. Office of Government Money

What’s The Safest Car To Drive?

Let the crash test dummies help you learn the safest car to drive. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has been using these guys for years to analyze the crash protection of various automobiles. The DOT operates the Auto Safety Hotline that dis—tributes the Vehicle Crash Test report showing the crash protection provided to front-seat occupants in accidents for all new cars each year. It also lists types of protection available in the cars, such as air bags or anti-lock brakes. An interesting feature of the Hotline is that you can search the Technical Service Bulletins by make and model to see what kinds of problems or issues have come up for the car you are considering. You can also search the consumer complaint listings and recall information as well. If you are having a problem with your car, register your complaint with the hotline. Yours may be just the call they need to start a recall! For your free copy and more information, contact National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Auto Safety Hotline, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 888-327-4236; www.nhtsa.dot.gov/. Office of Government Money

Should You Buy or Lease A Car?

“A New Car with No Money Down” may sound enticing but beware of the fine print when you are considering leasing your next car. The Attorney General in the state of Maryland warns that a couple returned their Chevrolet at the end of a 5-year lease in good condition but received a bill for $3,251 for reconditioning. An Annapolis consumer was surprised to learn that every time she took her car in for repair she was charged a $50 deductible. Leasing may be an interesting option if you like changing cars often and making car payments forever. But be sure you get all the facts before you decide.

• “Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide” and “Look Before You Lease” are available free from Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference Room 130, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222, 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov. Office of Government Money

Free and Low Cost Seminars On How To Fix Your Car

What do you do if you are driving on a freeway and you get a flat tire? How often should you change the oil and can you do it yourself? How do you jump start a car? It is better to plan ahead for emergencies, but where do you go for help? Many different organizations and groups offer classes on how to fix a car. Begin by contacting your local car insurance company, automobile road service company, or department of motor vehicles. I have even seen classes being offered by automobile dealerships. Once you are there, maybe they can sell you a new car as well. Other places to check include your county Cooperative Extension Service, your local adult education department, or women’s organizations in your area. You can save yourself worry, stress, and money if you are prepared and knowledgeable regarding your car.

The Bank Messed Up Your Car Loan

If you can’t get satisfaction from the bank, then go to those who can put the bank out of business. Your state Banking Commissioner handles complaints dealing with state chartered banks. For banks with the word “national” or “N.A.” in its name, contact Comptroller of the Currency, Compliance Management, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 250 E St., SW, Washington, DC 20219; 202-874-4900; 800-613-6743; www.occ.treas.gov. For Savings and Loans, contact Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1700 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20552; 202-906-6000; 800-842-6929; www.ots.treas.gov. For FDIC Insured, contact Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Consumer Affairs, 550 17th St., NW, Room F-130, Washington, DC 20429; 877-ASK-FDIC; www.fdic.gov. Office of Government Money

Your Child Has A Doctor’s Appointment And Your Car Won’t Work

The Federal Transit Administration provides over $50 million a year to over 1,000 local organizations to provide free non-emergency transportation for people who are old or have a disability. But the groups who get this federal money can also provide free transportation services to Moms who are in a jam. The regulations state that the vehicles can also be used to “…serve the transportation needs of the general public on an incidental basis.” You may have to do some educating to get a local group to give you a ride. Tell them to view the information on the web site or contact the FTA. It’s available from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20590 or on the web at www.fta.dot.gov/legal/federal_register/2004/16290_17856_ENG_HTML.htm To find groups in your area who receive these FTA Section 5310 grants for Elderly and Persons With Disabilities, contact your state department of transportation or the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management, Office of Resource Management and State money programs, 400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 202-366-4020; www.fta.dot.gov. Office of Government money programs.

Government Money by Government Money Club

Student Loan Consolidation

Consolidation student loans allow you to combine different types of federal student loans to simplify repayment. Even if you have just one loan, you can also choose to consolidate it. Both the FFEL and Direct Student Loan Programs offer consolidation loans. There are several advantages to consolidate or rehabilitate your student loan as described in the categories below.

FFEL Consolidation Student Loan

A FFEL Consolidation Student Loan is designed to help student and parent borrowers consolidate several types of federal student loans with various repayment schedules into one loan. With a FFEL Consolidation Loan, you will make only one payment a month. Under this program, your consolidation loan will be made by a commercial lender, credit bureaus will be notified that your account has a zero balance, and you will sign a new promissory note that will establish a new interest rate and repayment schedule. To receive a FFEL Consolidation Loan, you must be in repayment on your defaulted loan (that is, three voluntary, on-time, full monthly payments). Depending on the balance due, the repayment period may extend up to 30 years. If you owe no other delinquent or defaulted debts to the United States, you will again be eligible for other federal funds, including FHA loans, VA loans, and Title IV student financial aid funds.

Borrowers Currently Enrolled in school can no longer Consolidate Their Loans

The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 eliminated the provision that allowed a FFEL or Direct Loan borrower who is enrolled in school on at least a half-time basis to request to enter repayment early on his or her Stafford Student Loan, if the lender approves. Repayment is now defined as not beginning until 6 months and one day after the date the student ceases to carry at least one-half the normal full- time academic workload, as determined by the school. Therefore, a FFEL or Direct Loan borrower who is still enrolled in school at least half-time may no longer request to enter repayment early to apply for a FFEL or Direct Consolidation Loan.

To apply for a Direct Student Loan Consolidation or an FFEL Consolidation the borrower must contact the lender and complete an application.  Most lenders provide borrowers with the ability to apply on-line or request an application over the telephone.  Once an application is completed and submitted, the lender will request information from the borrower’s other lenders or from its own system to determine the amounts outstanding on the borrowers Student Loan.  The borrower will then receive notification about the consolidation Student Loan, normal consumer disclosures, the amount owed, and if appropriate, where to make payments.

FFEL Consolidation Student Loan Weighted Average Interest Rate

Consolidation loans have fixed interest rates that are based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated. A lender can provide a new consolidation loan borrower with the lowest statutory weighted average interest rate for loans by using the lower of the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated as of July 1 or the date the lender received the borrowers consolidation loan application. The lender should apply a consistent method of determining when an application is received.

Most federal education loans are eligible for consolidation, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, SLS, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, and Health Education Assistance Loans. PLUS Loan borrowers (parent and graduate/professional degree students) can also consolidate their loans. Private education loans are not eligible for consolidation. To obtain a complete list of the federal student loans that can be consolidated

• contact the Direct Loan Origination Center's Consolidation Department if you’re applying for a Direct Consolidation Loan. You can reach them by visiting www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov.
• contact a participating FFEL lender if you’re applying for a FFEL Consolidation Loan.

Eligibility rules

All FFEL and Direct Stafford Loan borrowers are eligible to consolidate after they graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. PLUS loans are eligible for consolidation once they are fully disbursed. Borrowers who are delinquent or in default must meet certain requirements before they may consolidate their loans. Contact your loan holder for more information.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. To qualify for a Direct Consolidation Student Loan, borrowers must have at least one Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) that is in grace, repayment, deferment or default status. Loans that are in an in-school status cannot be included in a Direct Consolidation Loan.
2. Borrowers can consolidate most defaulted education loans, if they make satisfactory repayment arrangements with the current Student Loan holders or agree to repay their new Direct Consolidation Loan under the Income Contingent Repayment Plan.
3. Borrowers who do not have Direct Loans may be eligible for a Direct Consolidation Loan if they include at least one FFEL Loan and have been unable to obtain a Federal Consolidation Loan with a FFEL consolidation lender or have been unable to obtain a Federal Student Consolidation Loan with income-sensitive repayment terms acceptable to them or intend to apply for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
4. Borrowers who have only a Direct Consolidation Loan cannot consolidate again unless they include an additional loan.

Interest rate

The interest rate for FFEL and Direct Consolidation Student Loan is set according to a formula established by federal statute. The fixed rate is based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans at the time you consolidate, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent. The interest rate does not exceed 8.25 percent. The Student Loan consolidation rate is fixed for the life of the loan, which protects you from future increases in variable rate loans but prevents you from benefiting from future decreases in variable rates. Borrowers with Stafford a Student Loan issued on or after July 1, 1995, can reduce the consolidation
rate by up to half a percentage point or more by consolidating before the end of the grace period. The interest rate you would receive, however, depends on which federal student loans are being consolidated. For example, your rate would be higher if you consolidated a 5 percent Federal Perkins Loan along with a
6.62 percent Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan. For the new interest rates in effect from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 for variable rate Direct Subsidized Student Consolidation Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Student Consolidation Loans, Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans, Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.

Obtaining a Student Consolidation Loan

For a FFEL Consolidation Loan, contact the consolidation department of a participating lender for an application or more information. (Your parents should do the same thing if they want to apply for a FFEL PLUS Consolidation Loan.) For Direct Loans, you (and your parents, for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan) can contact the Direct Loan Origination Center’s Consolidation Department at the Web site given above. Note that if your parents want to apply for a FFEL PLUS Consolidation Loan, no credit checks are required. If they want to apply for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan, they are subject to a check for adverse credit history.

Repayment period

Repayment of Student Consolidation Loans begins within 60 days of the disbursement of the loan. The payback term ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the amount of education debt being repaid and the repayment option you select. Education loans not included in the Consolidation Loan are considered in determining the maximum payback period. You may elect to repay your loans under a shorter period than the maximum allowed.

All the FFEL repayment plans are available to FFEL Consolidation Loan borrowers. For Direct Consolidation Loan borrowers, most of the Direct Loan repayment plans are available, except that Direct PLUS Consolidation Student Loan are not eligible to be repaid under the Income Contingent Repayment Plan and might not be eligible for some discharge/cancellation benefits. Check with the holder of your Student Loan.
You can also read more about repayment plan choices in the Repaying Your Student Loan section of Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid.

• Fees – Borrowers who consolidate a Student Loan will not pay any application fees or prepayment penalties.
• Credit checks – Unde a FFEL Consolidation Student Loan, no credit checks are required, even for PLUS borrowers. Under Direct Loan consolidation, PLUS borrowers are subject to a check for adverse credit history.

Always Consider the Cost

You should keep in mind that although Student Loan consolidation can simplify loan repayment and lower your monthly payment, it also can significantly increase the total cost of repaying your Student Loan. Student Loan Consolidation offers lower monthly payments by giving borrowers up to 30 years to repay their loans. So, you'll make more Student Loan payments
and pay more in interest. In fact, in some situations consolidation can double your total interest expense. If you don't need monthly payment relief, you should compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans against the cost of repaying a consolidation loan. You also should take into account the impact of losing any borrower benefits offered under Student Loan non-consolidated repayment plans. Borrower benefits, which may include interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some Student Loan cancellation benefits can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans. Once made, Federal Student Consolidation Loans cannot be unmade. That's because the Student Loan that was consolidated has been paid off and no longer exist. Take the time to study your Student Loan consolidation options before you submit your application.

Government Money Club on the Student Loan Consolidation process.

Small Business Opportunities

Small Business Entrepreneurs, for the most part, have very big ideas but their budgets don't quite match. The result is that many of these businesses have a difficult time competing with their larger, more established competitors. How then can an entrepreneur start a Small Business with limited funds? The new entrepreneur has to be creative. An internet Small Business is an excellent option. Today with Web 2.0 there are an abundance of new Internet Business Opportunities. A Home based Small Business can take full advantage of this inexpensive way of getting their name and brand out into living rooms across America. Or for that matter, Worldwide. Web 2.0 comprises of the social networking media. including websites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Squidoo and literally hundreds more websites that are all free.

Websites, and hosting for Internet Small Business Opportunities

are also very inexpensive. Having your own blog is a wonderful Small Business opportunity. If you use WordPress for your blog, then everything is taken care of for you. You will have the best success if you use WordPress and pay to host your own blog. It can be as inexpensive as 5-6 dollars per month. Many host specialize in WordPress, and have software that will install your blog for you. This way, you will then have complete control over the blog and it's content. You can use article marketing to promote your Internet Small Business Opportunity and create incoming links, which will help you develop organic listings in the search engines. This will also bring you customers.

Sometimes fear or plain ignorance holds a person back from pursuing a Internet Small Business Opportunity. It is important to do research, and find out which of the many Internet Small Business Opportunities appeal to you. Then you will need to research the best way to establish and market your chosen Internet Small Business Opportunity on the internet using Web 2.0. There is so much free information on the internet about Internet Small Business Opportunities. Just make sure you are researching using credible sources. You will find all sorts of help waiting on the internet for you. There are also so many good instructional books that you can find at inexpensive places like Amazon.com. Many are written for the beginners and are very easy to understand.

Small Business Opportunities

Even though you can become your own boss with very little financial investment, there is still going to be alot of, hard work, investment of time, perseverance and patience. Yes, this is indeed the age of the new entrepreneur. The experts have gone on record as saying that more millionaires will be created in the next ten years, than at any other time in history. Don't let this golden Internet Small Business Opportunity pass you by. There has never been a better time to be a Small Business entrepreneur.

Small Business Opportunities by Government Money Club

Government Money For Bills

Is Obama Government Money Available? Yes, the government is granting billions of dollars of Government Money assistance in 2009. Now is the time to apply for some of the billions of dollars in free grant money that is available. U.S. citizens are receiving checks for thousands of dollars to help them pay their bills. With the help of Government Money Club you can to. Why the Government Money Club? Because Government Money Club is the largest database of current government programs. Over 10,000 government money programs and growing. Government Money Club also provides free grant researchers to answer questions! Plus free video training programs, and free expert help filling out any application! All for $19.95 per month. Get up to date on Obama's Grant Programs, then with the help of Government Money Club, just submit an application for free grant money. You can get a check in as little as 7 days.

This level of Government Money spending

won't be around for long. At the movement there is more money available than people applying. Mostly because the average Americans don't know that these programs exist or how to request the grants to help them pay off their bills. Once it catches on, or time passes and the funds are no longer available, it will be harder a program that you qualify for that still has Debt Relief Grants.

The first thing that people have to realize is that the

government money programs are available

, but you have to first find them, then apply for the government assistance. The government does not advertise these programs, you have to be proactive. Take the initiative. For most people, that is the harders part. This is where Government Money Club really starts to pay for itself. With its database of over 10,000 government money programs, and free grant researchers to help you find those Debt Relief Grants that you qualify for. Then with free expert help filling out any application, you are set! Those that have the resources that they need to identify the proper programs and then apply and receive these grants will have an opportunity to cash in quickly.

Because there is no limit at this time on the number of grants you can apply for and receive, you could apply to one government money program to help with your debt and also apply for a small business grant to start a home business. It's just a matter of locating the program and then asking for federal financial aid. The best news is that you never need to repay the government money. It is yours to keep and use. See how much you may qualify to receive in debt grants and other government money. Claim your share of this government money that you never have to pay back, while it is stiill available!.

Government Money For Bills by Government Money Club

Debt Relief Grants

Debt Relief Grants from the Government

can be used to pay off all your consolidated debt. It may seem like a fantasy to you if you are in a particularly bad financial situation. But Government Money Club will make the process much easier for you. The fact of the mater is that once you have consolidated all your debt you can get a government debt relief grant and pay it off once and for all. It helps you reach a happy ending instead of being stuck in a bad financial situation indefinitely into the future

Government debt relief grants

are available to everyone who has debt and is unable to repay it. Government Money Club will show you how. When trying to resolve the debts that you have do not consider bankruptcy as your first option? In fact it should be the last option that you consider. Among the first options should be getting grant money to pay your bills.  The Government Money Club can help you study the federal debt relief grants on offer, see what applies to your situation and then fill out the appropriate application form.

First Government Money Club will helped you locate and apply for the grant. As your situation is considered and you qualify, then you will be able to get debt free by paying off all your old debts. You can do this by using the government debt relief grant that you qualified for. The government uses this technique in many cases of small businesses, struggling to get debt free and stay alive. Part of the reason why individuals do not think of applying for a personal debt relief grant is that they think that this type of government relief grants are available only to small businesses.

This is a fallacy that causes many individuals to apply for bankruptcy when all they actually had to do was apply for a government debt relief grant and solve the problem right away. One of the best features of the debt relief funds offered by the government is the fact that they are free. Unlike when you take a loan to pay off old debt you do not have to pay back a government debt relief grant. There is no monthly return payment or extra interest rates to mount up new debts for you when you avail of the option of getting debt free using government debt relief grants.

This makes debt relief grants a much more attractive solution than taking out a personal loan to ease your self out of lingering debts. The federal debt relief grants even help you out with old and massive credit card debts that you might have. Naturally the correct reasons to receive the debt relief grant expressed. Also to stay debt free some amount of sincere change will need to be made. Some times you will find that the debt relief grants that you receive are not enough to wipe out the full debt. Still you will agree that it is good to be able to reduce the debt to a more manageable scale. And by the way, check out our article on Double Home Buyers Grants. Some careful financial planning will be necessary to help you to stay debt free. Government Money Club can help you with this also.

Debt Relief Grants by Government Money Club