Not in school yet - I start in August.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. Please, email me @ janaspears@msn.com when you get a chance. Yes, you need to finish school. Are you in danger? Also, feel free to tell the in-laws to "stick it"...lol... in a good christian way, of course. What part of Florida are you from?

Hello, Memphis, from Centerville. If you find any financial aid sites for education, especially for mom's over 30 years old, can you please let me know? I promise to do the same for you. What are you entering school for? I am going to finish up my nursing license. Good luck to you, and God bless you!

If you look up mistress in the dictionary, it is actually "a man's wife".  So I guess my title is "Mark's Mistress" slightly for shock value, but mostly because I am super proud of my hubby and our little family.

If anyone reading this is able to help me, I would greatly appreciate it.  Here is our situation:

I am a 30 (argh!!!) year old step-mother of 2, who is looking to return to school to get my nursing license.  We have contemplated my return to school for years, and have finally decided to do it.  As my husband said, if we wait until we are able to afford it, I'll never go back.  Basically, there are not an awful lot of scholarships and grants out there for returning or "non-traditional" students.  I make "ok" money at my job, but won't be working while I am in school (as anyone who has gone through nursing school knows).  The biggest problem is that FAFSA and various other grant programs do not take this into consideration when you are filing (before school, ergo before I quit my job).

Does anyone have any suggestions of where to find grants?  Scholarships?  Or any generalized ideas on how to live on a tight budget, save money, etc.?

We have just opened a small ($100) savings account, but I just don't think that'll cover it...lol... Hopefully we can add to it over time.  Any government programs that can help us through tight spots when we get down to one income would be greatly appreciated, too.

Thank you all so much!

This sounds crazy, but you can go to this site called prosper.com and get a little extra cash. I have not tried it, but I have a friend that did and she was pleased with her results.

I can't quite figure this aidpage stuff out, yet, but fastweb is also a good place to sart looking for grants and scholarships. Also, I am going through the same thing. There aren't many scholarships for finaancial aid for 30+ year olds, cause we've had jobs, etc. But I won't be working while going to school, so if u find anything else out about financial aid, can you please pass it along to me? Oh, yeah! I am also seeking sponsorship from local businesses for help while in school. I'm asking each one to donate a little, putting it in an education fund, and promising to help out another student when I get finished. You may try that.

BLESS YOUR HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How long have you been married? I'm just asking because I have been married for almost 8 years, but only happily married for 5. Most people take that as a joke, but I am serious. I was MISERABLE for the first 3 years, and almost divorced x2. It took a long time to figure out what made us work. I am not encouraging you to stay, but I'd encourage you to figure out what makes you happy, relationship wise. My husband is not educated, per say, but he works hard. He makes very little money, but he earns what he is suited to earn. He didn't love me like I wanted him to, and it took a long, long time to figure out that he loved me the best way he knew how to. It wasn't what I wanted or needed, but he didn't know of any other way. I doubted that I even loved him, many, many times. Then, I took the time to "butt heads" at every waking opportunity, until I got out of him what I needed. I may not ahve done it the right way, but it worked for us. Please, please email me back. I have been right in your shoes, and was for 3 years until I figured out that it was me who had the problem. If he loves you, and is willing to work together with you, you can have a great marriage, even if it is in complete shambles right now. I swear...

Bless ur heart! I completely understand. I am not in a position to offer any money at this time, but I will say a prayer and hope that something falls in ur lap soon. It seems that you and I are quite a lot alike. Work, work, work and never get ahead, and then their are people who hardly do a thing and it all just seems to go there way. I am so sorry you are having a rough time.

Bless ur heart! I completely understand. I am not in a position to offer any money at this time, but I will say a prayer and hope that something falls in ur lap soon. It seems that you and I are quite a lot alike. Work, work, work and never get ahead, and then there are people who hardly do a thing and it all just seems to go there way. I am so sorry you are having a rough time.