[kashi]

Just a note on the fasfa, it is income based to an extent, unless you are getting unsubsidized Stafford Loans, which means you are paying through the nose. One of the requirements states "You must have financial need (except for unsubsidized Stafford Loans)." Basically, you can't be making a ton of money or still be dependent upon parents who make a ton of money (and it depends upon last year's income, too). I am an alumni of a preppy private college with lots of trust fund babies (not me, I'll be paying back my loans forever), so I have first-hand knowledge. Weigh your college loan options carefully before diving in.

As for being broke...I think you are really on the right track, jacquelynrose!! You have so many different income ideas, and you're working so hard to make them work. I think one of the best things about "being broke" is learning to be frugal because you have to be. Someday, when you aren't broke anymore, you'll still have that frugal mentality, and you'll be the 60 year old taking a trip around the world (or whatever your fancy) because you frugally saved up that money.

You can do it!!