We recommend U.S. News online for articles on career advice. Here is a list of a few topics that will help motivate and answer some of your questions. Do your research and be successful!

The 50 Best Careers of 2010

Why the May Jobs Report is Better—and Worse—Than it Looks

How to Get a Job After a Year (or More) Out of Work

5 Things to Know About the Newest Jobs Bill

5 Things Your Boss is Thinking as You Ask for a Raise

Why BP’s Tony Hayward Could Work in HR

It’s Summer time and what more do we all want than a trip to get away, relax, enjoy the sun, and celebrate?!

The good news is you have a reason to celebrate, but the bad news is your running low on money and don’t have a lot of spare time with summer classes coming up.  Here are some trip ideas and tips if you are looking for a short getaway that won’t break the piggy bank!

First, keep it simple and make it a weekend getaway.*  Pass on locations that require air travel or car rental.  You will easily save at least $200 if you are willing to find a location that will be enjoyable even if you are there for a few days.  You will save money on air travel, night stays, and buying food.

Next, be willing to do some online research on good deals on a variety of websites. For example, Priceline.com will allow you to bid on hotels. You can even go high-end and bid on a nicer hotel, but make sure to keep the bidding amount within your budget. Other websites such as Hotwire.com, TravelZoo.com all have fantastic last-minute deals. Scroll through and find deals at specific destinations that might be of interest.

Be willing to pack sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks, and other non-perishable items to save money on those in-between meals or even breakfast.

Finally, keep in mind that a vacation is what you make out of it.  If you just focus on spending time with whomever you plan to take the trip with and simply enjoy the trail walks, cocktails poolside, or cup of coffee at a local restaurant, you will surely have a great time.

* For lists of good weekend getaway ideas in your area visit AllGetaways.com

Photo Credit: Scrap TV

College can be undoubtedly expensive. Many of us are simply trying to get by, let alone, having to worry about paying for college. Here are some simple tips that may help you cut those college costs. Read them through and click on each link to discover in-depth resources and information. Treat this like a check list and you may find yourself with some extra money in your pocket in the end.

1. Enroll in dual credit college classes in high school. (aka AP classes)
2. Attend a community college and then transfer to your school of choice.
3. Work part-time while in school. See our Top 5 Jobs for Students blog.
4. Ask for a college application fee waiver…and as many waivers as you can!
5. Complete FAFSA.
6. Know and understand your financial aid options.
7. Establish a college budget.
8. Get rid of unnecessary expenses: coffee shops, alcohol, dining out, shopping, etc.
9. Save your change and promise to save “all fives” or “all ones,” etc.
10. Constantly look for and apply for scholarships!

Try out these tips and you will find yourself with some money saved up. If anything, just understanding these options will help you become financially aware and responsible. Saving money and cutting costs don’t just happen over night. Keep going back to your checklist and get back on track even if you slip up. The more you focus on it, the better off you will be in the coming years.

Recently, President Obama proposed a new stimulus plan that includes a massive $150 billion increase in federal money for education. But what does that really mean for us?

According to Education Secretary Arne Duncan, this is an extraordinary opportunity.  Here is a top 5 list of what she expects (and what we can expect) from this stimulus.

• It’s going to help us a tremendous unmet capital needs and so it’s really going to be a huge opportunity to invest in infrastructure and several ready projects that we want to get to work on very early on, late spring and through the summer.
• It will continue to raise the bar academically, raise standards, raise expectations, and there’s opportunities in the stimulus package to do that.
• It will save literally hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs.
• We will have more of our high school graduates going on to college. So for the first time ever, we hope Pell grants will go above the $5,000 mark and give many, many more students a chance to go onto some form of higher education.
• And finally, the significant investment in the early childhood level as well. So this is an extraordinary comprehensive thoughtful package that the president’s put together and it’s a chance to take public education, higher education to another level.

Do you agree or disagree? We would love to hear your thoughts.

AidScholar is not only concerned about students paying for college, we are also here as a resource for those who have graduated.

For those struggling to pay off student loans, check out this site http://www.ibrinfo.org/ to learn about Income Based Repayment plans and click to view the video below.

Income Based Repayment Information

To enhance our branding, PR, image, and most importantly, to give back to the community, AidScholar has partnered with the American Lung Association.

We are proudly supporting and sponsoring the 2010 Cars for the Cure in Lake Mary, Florida on Saturday, February 6th 2010. Check out the website and the sponsor page for our logo listing at: Cars for the Cure

Here are a few suggested ad-tos for your New Year Resolutions list.

1.  I will study smarter, not harder.

Students are often caught up with the frenzy of technology.  Make an effort to turn off that iPhone, iPod, TV, laptop, blackberry, blackjack, etc. and study more efficiently by avoiding distractions.

2.  I will pay attention in class.

The more you pay attention in class, the less studying you will have to do later. It is so easy to dose off and get distracted, but at the end of the day, your professor is teaching you all you need to know.  The more you absorb, the less memorizing you have to do come exam time.

3. I will go talk to my professor.

Making an effort to talk to your professor will help motivate you to do well. Not only you can get help when you need it, you can get extra tips, tricks, and the boost of motivation needed right before exam time.

4. I will get help as soon as I need it.

Oftentimes, students get help when they are already too behind with class material.  As soon as you have a question or need clarification, ask your teacher, tutor, or friend immediately.  You will find yourself relieved and right back on track.

5. I will find balance.

No matter how much time you need to put into studying, you will always need balance in your life. Make an effort to take out 10-15 minutes every few hours to take a breather or stretch break. You will find yourself being able to focus and study longer.

There are many benefits that students get while they are enrolled in school that every student should be aware of. Here are some recommendations from AidScholar to make school work for you in the long run:

1) Student credit cards- of course we do not recommend you load up on credit cards especially if you have loans to pay, but some credit card companies will offer credit cards with 0 % or no APR/interest so if you can be responsible and pay off the balance every month, a student credit card can be a great way to build your credit before going out in to the working world.

2) Discounts- companies give student discounts for many items from electronics, clothing, to travel. Take advantage of this while you can and save a few dollars.

3) Job searches- take advantage of the free job searches that have a special portal just for students. You will be able to get a leap before other students in your job search and get valuable experience before you start work full time. Also many companies will have entry level jobs or internships for students only, this can be invaluable to your career so take advantage of it while you can.

4) Research- many professors will allow you to do research on certain projects or perhaps partner up with a local business or organization. This can help you network in your local community, build your resume, and perhaps even land you an internship or a full time job later on.

5) Student organizations- college campuses have so many focus groups and student organizations that will allow you to network with students, build relationships with the community and even give you access to different speakers, seminars and trainings. If you have a particular focus or interest, join some of the bigger organizations on your campus and see what they have to offer.

Countless of students are having a hard time paying for college or simply want extra spending money.  Have no fear, you’re not alone. First off, you must visit our website for daily posts of scholarships waiting for you to apply for and claim. It’s free money!

Secondly, here’s a list of top 5 jobs that will allow you to be flexible enough to balance work and school.

1.  Retail stores.  These jobs are easy to get since they often hire part-time employees. A nice discount doesn’t hurt either!

2.  Restaurants. At most restaurants, you will find yourself around plenty of other students and you’ll have a lot of fun doing it.  Chain, quick serve, and fast food restaurants are known to hire students. Easy, fun, and flexible.

3. Coffee Shops. You probably spend plenty of time studying in them or are already spending plenty of money in them so why not work at one?  Coffee shops are a great place to get your caffeine fix and make some easy money.

4. Libraries. They are a convenience place to work especially if your school has one. In addition, libraries are quiet and slow-paced enough where you can find time to study in between helping visitors.

5.  Tutoring Centers. Your expertise as a student will allow you to pass it on and help other kids.  Tutoring centers are often very flexible…perfect for your student schedule.

So next time you find yourself in a money jam, consider these easy, fun, and flexible jobs.  And even if you’re not in a money jam, you’ll find that saving up early will really pay off later! Good luck!

Photo Credit: American Falls High School