Perhaps it’s because it’s “that time of the year” for our household, with a son attaining our local community college, or perhaps my intuition is telling me that many people would appreciate either 1) the information (seen fresh) or 2) a reminder, but during these particularly trying times for many economically, going back to school should be on your radar.

While Nevada’s educational system is nothing to brag about – being 50th in the country is downright shameful from our viewpoint – the fact remains that they do offer Associate programs (and one Bachelors) degrees and certifications. The beauty is many of these courses can be taken directly and completely online.

The benefit to the online course is not only flexibility, but, should money be tight in your family, economical. No gas, no bus tickets, no “extra spending” involved. Just the pursuit of learning.

Which brings me to my purpose for posting today. It’s FAFSA time, and assuming your state has reasonable tuition for its residents, the Pell Grant (in our case) is covering 100% of our son’s pursuit to his (first) Associate’s degree. This means all his credits plus his books (at least here in Nevada) are paid for – and he has the opportunity to advance his learning while not accumulating loans.

If you find yourself and/or family members in a position where pursuing higher education would be most beneficial, be sure to head to FAFSA.ed.gov and get the ball rolling. Cutoff dates for Fall enrollment vary from State to State. Don’t get caught without the potential for assistance with yours or your children’s education.

Throughout the month of May, I’ve been an activist on behalf of the unemployed (primarily) and covering other news stories that just would not make that much sense on OIMS.

Here is a partial list of what I have written, which many visiting now may find useful. Many apply to current economic conditions, again stressing unemployment, unemployment extensions, Congress, job forecasting, and more. In a nutshell, they are:

Job Forecast Outlook Interesting Yet Misleading (May 8th)
DSCC Face Off GOP (May 8th)
Congress silence defeafening (May 10)

In addition I’ve covered 14 additional topics, including a petition drive to Washington on behalf of the unemployed, stories about mortgage fraud and… oh holy Toledo, just too many to list.

If you click here you’ll see the other news stories I’ve covered. Many may pertain to you and yours!

Just this morning there’s a new one up. It is an excellent, easy solution to cleaning up the oil spill environment. That particular one is definitely worth reading and watching. The idiots at BP still haven’t figured out how to shut Deepwater Horizon down, but two ingenious guys have a solution to surface problems.

So, as you will see I’ve been busy! I also highly enjoy writing. When (if) you visit, I have no problem asking you to visit some of the sponsors INSIDE the news articles. With a husband unemployed, it is a small way to help me and my family if you would.

Ah how life gets in the way of itself.

Recently, I’ve taken on an additional task of both Editor and columnist. And, the topic of the “day” (one long endless day consuming hours, days, even weeks of many millions of people’s lives) has been the antics of what happens when our government representatives get together.

One primary group of people struggling to figure out successful strategies to stay alive are the group becoming known as the 99ers. This no-where-to-be-found-with-representation group are those who have long since exhausted unemployment extensions and benefits. I’ve been covering a lot of news and options for them, because, living in Nevada, sooner or later this may have a direct impact on our family life as well.

So, as you travel the internet reading posts, news stories, articles and the like, remember those who have nothing.

Also remember that websites and blogs post “advertisements” for a reason. They are not just “pretty pictures” or “additional words” for many it is a form of financial livelihood.

Visit sponsors. You’re sure to find massive amounts of information, products, and services useful for you and yours by doing so.

This morning I received the following email – posted as I received it – from my father (remember the was-Republican, ain’t one now guy after 60+ years?). That statement isn’t to get your goat, but to show you that he’s on the mailing list to receive information directly from White House sources – not the rhetoric your “should be, but isn’t news channels” disseminate.

Anyway, as you can tell I’m a bit testy today… However, I urge you to take advantage of this information. We’ve already done our taxes (using TurboTax online which ensured we received all the advantages we could for filing 2009 taxes).

With a husband unemployed since last August 2009, and a family of four (plus two cats) to take care of – well let’s just say if this story sounds familiar to you, then you’ll want to use this tax saving’s tool referenced below: (more…)