10 Things YOU DON'T KNOW About Free Government Money

Life is full of answers. You can Google any topic and get one million answers to almost anything. The hard part in life is asking the right questions. Our mission is to educate America about the facts about government programs so you get all the benefits you are entitled to. Start your education here:

1) 80% of Free Government Money Is Not Called Grants

Of the $2 trillion in free government money that is given out each year only about $378 billion is called grants. The rest of free money is called things like direct payments, venture capital or loans you do not have to pay back. So don’t call the government and ask for a grant, you will miss 80% of the free money that is given out.

We know the average American only thinks about grants. That’s why we put the word “GRANT” in the title, but the programs we list include all other sources of free money and help. We make sure you always know the right words to say when contacting government offices.

2) Don't Call Washington Looking For Money

Think local. Most money programs do originate from Washington; however, the money goes to the state governments, who in turn give out the money to local government and even non-profit organizations. Every state government has an office that tracks this money. Call the governor's office and ask for the state grants office to get started.

3) Free Services Are Better Than Free Money

Consumers are missing out on tens of thousands of dollars in free services like:

• free credit card help
• free help to start a business
• free health care

4) Government Applications Are Easy

This is where average Americans really miss out. They believe that grant applications are complicated, and they are right. But 80% of the free money the government gives out is not a grant so they do not require a grant application and all that is needed is three or four pages of fill in the blanks.

5) Your Congressman Provides The Best Help

Every elected official has someone on their staff that helps people take advantage of government programs. These are the most motivated people in government that want to help you because if they are able to make a call to a government office and get you $50,000 for your business or $8,000 to train for a new job, you will vote for them in the next election no matter what they do. (Find your elected official at: www.congress.org/)

6) The Government Doesn't Know What It Has

If you call a government office and ask if they have money to help you accomplish some goal, you can’t take NO for an answer. Government offices are too big for any one person to know what is in their office. Get the documents, check the websites, ask for suggestions for other sources. The best way to deal with the government it to find out what they have before you contact them. Then you call and tell them what they have. (Find your local government office: www.govengine.com)

7) Only 12% Goes To The Poor

Many people think they have to be destitute to receive government money. But that's not true. A bigger percentage of rich people are eligible for government money than poor people. And what's poor in today's economy? You can be working full-time at Wal-Mart and be eligible for food stamps.

8) Over $19,379 In Free Money Goes To Every Family

The U.S. Budget for 2018 shows that in 2017 $2.5 trillion was spent in free money programs and the U.S. Census shows there are about 129 million families. You do the math. (Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/historical-tables/page 223 and http://www.census.gov/popest/housing/HU- EST2008.html)

9) Government Programs Keep Growing Under Both Democrats And Republicans

Total government spending has increased every single year since 1948.

(Source: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BUDGET-2013-TAB/pdf/BUDGET-2013- TAB.pdf, page 347)

10) 75% Of Government Money Programs Have No Income Requirements

No matter what your income you can apply for money to do specific activities that the government wants to be done like create or grow a business, fix-up your home, work on an invention, or train for a new job.

(Source: “Running On Empty”, Peter G. Peterson, former Chairman of Federal

Reserve Bank of New York, Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, New York, page 151)

101 Of The Best Government Grants In America

1) $8,000 To Train For A New Job

You are out of work and need to learn some new skills in order to get employed. The Career One Stop can help you. They have information about Federal job training programs, Workforce Investment Act training, apprenticeships and more. Career One Stops can help you do a career skills assessment to see where you are and where you need to go. They will even help direct you to money sources to pay for the training you need.

For more information, check out: http://www.careeronestop.org/

2) $10,000 For Your First Business

Count Me In offers women access to business loans, consultation, and education. Loans of $500 to $10,000 are available to women who are trying to obtain their first business loan. The organization provides access to networks that expand contacts, markets, skills, and confidence. Loans can be used for working capital, purchase of inventory or equipment, marketing materials for a sales event, or other uses.

Contact: Count Me In, 240 Central Park South, Suite 7H, New York, NY 10019; 212-245-1245; http://www.makemineamillion.org/

3) $25,000 For Your Singing Group Or Jazz Band To Perform Overseas

The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will partner with American Voices to send approximately 10 American roots music groups in genres such as urban/hip-hop, gospel, bluegrass, and jazz to more than 40 countries to: conduct public concerts, perform interactive performances with local musicians, and attend lecture demonstrations, workshops, and jam sessions with diverse audiences.

For more information, contact: American Voices, PO Box 63421, St Louis, MO 63163; 314-732-1323; http://exchanges.state.gov/programs/cultural.html

4) Get $1,000 From Debt Collectors Who Don’t Treat You Right

There is a little incentive for debt collectors to follow the rules they have to follow. They cannot give false information about you to anyone. They cannot threaten you or say you will be arrested, your wages or property will be attacked or you will suffer a lawsuit. They cannot call you before 8 am or after 9 pm. There are ways to stop them from calling.

For more information, contact the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC- HELP or go to: http://ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm

5) Free Prescription Drugs At Any Age

Valium, Prozac, and Dilantin are just a few of the medications you can get for FREE directly from the drug companies themselves. That’s right; drug companies don’t want everybody to know this, but they will give certain people who can’t afford their medications their drugs free of charge if you participate in their “Patient Assistance Programs.” Your doctor needs to sign a form stating that you cannot afford the drugs that you need. Once the forms are filled out they are shipped directly to your doctor’s office.

Contact the Partnership For Prescription Assistance at 888-4PPA-NOW or go to: http://www.pparx.org/

6) Go On A Free Archeological Dig

Have you always dreamed of being an archaeologist? If so, Passport In Time (PIT) is the volunteer program for you. PIT is a program of the USDA Forest Service. Volunteers can work on projects including archaeological excavation, rock art restoration, survey, archival research, historic structure restoration, gathering oral histories, or writing interpretive brochures to name a few. Projects vary in length from two days to two weeks or longer.

Check the website or contact Passport in Time for current projects: Passport in Time, P.O. Box 15728, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-5728; 800-281-9176; http://passportintime.com/

7) Seniors Can Take Free College Courses And Earn Degrees

Believe it or not, more than 350 colleges and universities all across the country have special programs for seniors who are interested in going back to school. This often means auditing courses or taking courses for credit, for free, or at discounts up to 90% off the list price. They also offer discounts on fees and books, and even special deals on housing. You can attend just one course or get a PhD. Some states call it a Senior Scholar program. Anyone interested should contact the school they wish to attend to find out if they offer programs, and how to apply for a discount or waiver. Some limitations and restrictions may apply. Contact your local college or university and ask what programs they offer.

8) $50,000 To Study French Cooking, James Joyce, Or Anything

Over $30 billion a year is given out in scholarship money and it is given out to the young and old. Also remember that you do not have to be low-income to receive a scholarship or grant to attend college. The data shows that people making over $100,000 a year get more government money for college than people making less. Here is where to start your research to find them all:

Federal Government Grants, Loans, and Scholarships

They are described in a book called the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. This book is available at your local public library or the U.S. Government Printing Office at: http://gpo.gov/. You can also search the content of this book for free on the web at: https://www.cfda.gov/. You can also learn how to apply for some of the federal funds by going to the Federal Student Aid webpage at: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp

State Government Grants, Loans, and Scholarship

There are close to 400 programs worth almost $3 billion dollars in financial aid available through all 50 states. Did you know that there are state money programs that:

• Pay for a singing degree?
• Give you money to study wildlife?
• Give you $2,000 to go to vocational school?
• Give you $7,000 to study marine sciences?

Every state has grants and other money available for higher education. Look for the state office of higher education. You can find them by calling 411 and asking for your state capitol operator or by going to the web at: http://govengine.com/ and clicking on your state. You may also find the office at: http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_ID=SHE

Find All The Non-Government Money Programs

There are dozens of scholarship directories available. Because one directory cannot possible have everything, it is better to have a collection of scholarship directories, but this can become too expensive. So you can go to your local library or you can go into a local large bookstore that has a coffee shop and buy a cup of $3 coffee and spend an afternoon looking through all the books. You are only going to get a few scholarships out of any one book. Copy down the info and do your follow-up. This way for the price of a cup of coffee, you can have access to hundreds of dollars worth of directories. Most of the bookstores have big comfy chairs to encourage you to spend time there using their books. Such a deal.

9) $240 To Pay To Commute To Work

Your employer can give you $125 a month to help pay for bus, train, ferry, or vanpool commuting expenses and $240 for parking and neither you nor the employer has to pay taxes on this money. Get a copy of the IRS Publication 535 Business Expenses, and show your boss the section entitled “Qualified Transportation Fringe.” The publication is available from your local IRS office or from 800-TAX-FORM or from their website at: http://www.irs.gov/.

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 St., Englewood, NJ 07631; 201-833- 9700 or 800-727-9436; http://commutercheck.com/Home.aspx.

10) Free Auto Repairs

June Rapp of Massachusetts took her family van into a dealer to have it fixed and they wanted to charge her over $1,000 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:

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

The Consumer Report people have a searchable database for car recall information: Consumers Union, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703; http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm

11)Free Rides To The Doctor For Grandma

Many seniors have to give up driving their cars, perhaps because of the cost or due to 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 the 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 AM and 8 PM EST; http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx

12) Help Paying Your Student Loans

People with student loans now have a number of options in handling their debt during tough economic times, including:

• Decrease Payments by Extending the Life of the Loan
• Reduce Payments Because of Reduced Income
• Temporarily Stop Making Payments Until You Improve Your Finances, and
• You May Even Have Some of the Loan Forgiven http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/repaying.jsp

13)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 some educating to get a local group to give you a ride. Tell them to view the information on the website or contact the FTA. It’s available from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, 400 7th St., SW, Washington DC 20590 or on the web at: http://fta.dot.gov/grants/13093_3556.html.

To find groups in your area who receive the 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 Programs, 400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 202-366-4020; http://fta.dot.gov/

14) Veterans Get Free Honorary H.S. Diplomas

If you are a Veteran of Vietnam, Korea or WWII you may be eligible to receive an Honorary High School Diploma without homework, tests, or anything else. Families of deceased veterans may also be able to receive a diploma in their memory. The state of Virginia has a VA State War Veteran Honorary Diploma. See: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/veteran_diploma/index.shtml. Montana calls their program the Honorary High School Diploma Program: http://opi.mt.gov/pdf/VeteransEd/HonHSDiploma.pdf. And the state of Missouri calls their program Operation Recognition and the details are at: http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/ve_operation_recognition.htm.

Contact your state office of Adult Education in your state capitol by calling 411 and asking for your state capitol operator or go to: http://www.govengine.com/ or contact: Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202; 202-245-7700; 800-872-5327; http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/index.html. To find a local office, go to: http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html. If you don’t get a good answer from these sources contact your elected official, your congressman, senator or state representative.

15) Produce Your Own TV Show For Cable TV

Every community that has a cable station also has a local non-profit cable access channel which any member of the community can be trained to use and produce their own TV shows. You will have to pay for one class or a few classes depending on what you want to do. Most classes range from $50 to $200 each. You can train to just be a camera person, an actor or a producer. You can have your own sports talk show, foreign affairs show or even comedy hour and the entire cable system can watch it. This can be your first step to Hollywood. Contact your local cable company and ask for the cable access channel. If no one knows what you are talking about call the Mayor’s office or County Government Office.

16) $30,000 To Teach Overseas

U.S. Network for Education Information was created in the fall of 1996 as a national information and referral service to assist American educators, students, and parents with access to reliable information about international education and to provide basic information and referral contacts to resources within U.S. education. The United States Information Service (USIS) administers a worldwide network of overseas Educational Advising Centers (EACs) whose mission is to help persons and organizations in a particular country who are interested in education in the United States. While the main work of these Centers consists of advising local nationals, they can provide information and assistance to Americans living or working with the areas that they service. The website has links to study abroad programs, and for teachers interested in teaching overseas.

Contact: U.S. Network for Education Information, National Library of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202; 800-424-1616; http://ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/edlite-index.html

17) Train To Be A Master Gardener

Master Gardner classes are offered by the USDA County Cooperative Extension Service offices around the country. Programs vary, but typically, individuals attend at least 30-50 hours of classroom instruction and then contribute a minimum of 30-50 hours of volunteer service. The courses usually have a small cost to cover teaching materials. At least 20 hours of volunteering is required each subsequent year. Master Gardeners assist with garden lectures, exhibits, demonstration, school and community gardening, phone diagnostic service, research, and many other projects.

Contact your local County Cooperative Extension Service located in the blue pages of your telephone book. The American Horticultural Society keeps a database of all programs around the country at: http://ahs.org/master_gardeners/

18) Access To Health Info That’s Better Than Your Doctor

Want to find out the latest information on your health condition? All you need to do is pick up the phone or go online to get the most up-to-date information from the government’s team of health professionals. The latest cures and treatments to any condition are changing every day and it is impossible for people in the medical profession to keep up on the latest developments in any health-related area. There is plenty of free help available from the government and non-profit organizations who can even tell you what will be in the medical journals next year because they are involved in the research today. So, don’t settle for second best when you can get the best. Here is where you can go:

National Health Information Center, P.O. Box 1133, Washington, DC 20013; 800-336-4797 or 301-565-4167; http://www.health.gov/nhic/

National Women’s Health Information Center, U.S. Public Health Service, Office of Women’s Health, 8550 Arlington Blvd., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031; 800-994-9662; http://www.womenshealth.gov/

National Institutes of Health, Office of Communications, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-4000; http://nih.gov/

19) Free Treatment By Expert Doctors Who Get Government Grants

Bob Dole and Sam Donaldson knew where to go to get treatment – The National Institutes of Health (NIH). Each year close to 75,000 patients receive free medical care by some of the best doctors in the world.

To see if your diagnosis is currently being studied, you can contact the Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Patient Recruitment; 301-496-2563 or 800- 411-1222; http://clinicalcenter.nih.gov/ or contact: National Institutes of Health, Office of Communications, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496- 4000; http://nih.gov/

20) $2,000 Off Your Dental Bills

There are close to 60 dental schools in the country that offer quality care at a fraction of the cost of private dentists. I used them for years. An $800 crown can cost you only $200. Sure you get a senior student, but you also get a professor who is better than most private practitioners. Most also offer payment plans.

For a school near you, go to:

http://www.scholarware.com/dentalschools.htm?source=overture

Also, the Dental Lifeline Network started the Donated Dental Services program to help disabled and elderly persons who are low-income by matching them with volunteer dentists. Mentally compromised people are also helped. Volunteer dentists agree to treat one or two people each year with dental problems, and dental laboratories that make dentures, crowns, and bridges also donate services. The program now serves over 5,000 people each year with each patient receiving an average of $2,000 worth of services. In some areas of the country, Dental House Call Projects have been started where dentists will come to homes or centers to provide dental care.

To learn where services are located in your area, contact: Dental Lifeline Network, 1800 15th St., Suite 100, Denver, CA 80202; 303-534-5360; http://nfdh.org/

21) Learn How To Legally Transfer Your Assets To Get Gov’t To Pay For Long Term Care

A government report shows that up to 21% of seniors hide their assets to help qualify for Medicaid to pay for long-term nursing care (GAO-05-968). Nursing home care can cost up to $70,000 a year, so people can quickly deplete their savings accounts. Medicare only covers 100 days of skilled nursing care. Once all the patient’s funds are gone, Medicaid kicks in to cover the bill. There is a certain amount of income that is not counted in qualifying for Medicaid and when a spouse is involved there are even more rules and exemptions. Homes, automobiles, furnishings, and certain income are exempt, but all of this varies from state to state. You are legally allowed to transfer money up to 36 months and up to 60 months for certain irrevocable trusts. That is the time period Medicaid will review your finances to see if you qualify for coverage. It is illegal to hide assets from Medicaid, and to intentionally transfer the assets to qualify for Medicaid. You can do an internet search for “Medicaid Planning” which will turn up several publications and information regarding what the rules are for your state. Some basic rules can found at: http://www.medicaid.gov/index.html, although you will need to contact your state directly to find specifics for your state. You can also locate some specific information at: http://www.medicaid.gov/index.html, which provides rules for each state. Senior legal hotlines can answer your questions and put you in contact with people who can assist you in estate planning.

22) Free Scooters For Those Receiving Medicare

A recent study shows that when a senior calls the Medicare Hotline they get the wrong answer or told “no” 39% of the time. And when a physician calls they get the wrong answer 96% of the time. If you want to get a power wheelchair and contact Medicare to see if you are eligible, this report says that your answer should be “A physician must prescribe the power wheelchair or determine it to be medically necessary, and a power wheelchair requires a co-payment on the part of the Medicare beneficiary.” The study is called U.S. GAO Report Accuracy of the Responses from the 1-800-MEDICARE Help Line Should Be Improved.

See: http://gao.gov/new.items/d05130.pdf

23) Free Financial Counseling Services

Your local cooperative extension service offers free or very low fee courses and workshops on all kinds of subjects, including personal finance, small business, food and nutrition, plants and gardening, pets and animals, and health care. Contact your Local County Cooperative Extension service listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory or you can also find your local office at: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/

24) Free Credit Repair

Here are some of the free reports you can get from the Federal Trade Commission dealing with free credit repair:

• Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be The Best
• Knee Deep In Debt
• How To Dispute Credit Reporting Errors
• How To Deal with Credit Problems
• Credit Scoring

For your copies, contact: Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, H-130, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222 or 877-FTC-HELP; http://www.ftc.gov/ or http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit.shtm

The following non-profit and government organizations provide free or low-fee credit counseling services. You can contact them to find the office nearest you. Some of these offices are financed by the bank and credit card industry, who are biased toward having you pay all your bills without using the bankruptcy option, so make sure that they explain that option to you.

• National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 2000 M Street, NW Suite 505, Washington, DC 20036; 202-677-4300; http://nfcc.org/
• Free internet credit counseling services from the non-profit organization Credit Counseling of America to Money Management International, 14141 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1000, Sugar Land, TX 77478; 866-889-9347; http://www.moneymanagement.org/
• County Cooperative Extension Service: to find your local office, see the blue pages of your phone book.

25)$10,000 Bonus To Teach If You’re A Vet

WOW, a $10,000 bonus to teach school. Troops to Teachers (TTT) was established in 1994 as a Department of Defense program. The program was transferred to the U.S. Department of Education but continued operation by the Department of Defense. TTT is managed by the Defense Activity for Non- Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Troops to Teacher’s primary objective is to help recruit quality teachers for schools that serve low-income families throughout America. TTT helps relieve teacher shortages, especially in math, science, special education and other high-needs subject areas, and assists military personnel in making successful transitions to second careers in teaching. Financial assistance may be provided to eligible individuals as stipends up to $5,000 to help pay for teacher certification costs or as bonuses of $10,000. Stipend and bonus recipients must agree to teach for three years in school locations that meet certain Department of Education criteria.

Contact: DANTES Troops to Teachers, 6490 Saufley Field Rd., Pensacola, FL 32509; 850-452-1320 or 800-231-6242; http://www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages/TTT/TTT_Main.html

26) Two Weeks Free Travel On A Government Weather Ship

Teachers from elementary school to college can climb aboard a NOAA research and survey ship to work under the tutelage of knowledgeable scientists and crew. Teachers can gain firsthand knowledge to help enrich their classrooms. Teachers may choose from one of 18 ships that conduct a variety of scientific research.

Contact: NOAA Teacher at Sea Program Office, 1315 East West Hwy., Room 14250, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301-427-8039; http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/

27) Free Rollercoaster Rides

Some of the nation’s top amusement parks offer seniors discounts on daily admissions. Check with the park before hand to find their best deal. You may need to be a member of AAA or AARP, but it never hurts to ask.

28) $25/Day To Be A Park Ranger In Idaho For The Summer

Volunteer.gov is a partnership among the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and many others. Freedom Corps aims to provide a single, easy-to-use web portal with information about volunteer opportunities. The site allows you to search for volunteer opportunities by keyword, state, activity, partner, and/or date range.

Contact: http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/

29) Get Paid To Be A Teen Counselor In Belize

Counseling teenagers in Belize, launching an Armenian computer center, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in Malawi or teaching chemistry in a Ghanaian high school. These are just some of the projects you may be able to volunteer for in the Peace Corp. Peace Corp volunteers work in the following areas: education, youth outreach and community development; health and HIV/AIDS; agriculture and environment; business development; and information technology.

Contact: Peach Corps, Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters, 1111 20th St., NW, Washington, DC 20526; 800-424-8580; http://www.peacecorps.gov/

30) Free Passports

The American Battle Monuments Commission administers, operates and maintains 24 permanent American burial grounds on foreign soil. They provide a number of services to the families of these fallen heroes. They offer letters authorizing fee-free passports and travel information for members of the immediate family traveling overseas to visit a grave or memorial.

For additional information, contact American Battle Monuments Commission, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201; 703-696-6897; http://abmc.gov/home.php

31) Free Hunting And Fishing Licenses For Seniors

Practically every state has a special license rate for seniors. States such as Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas and others do not require that people 65 and older carry fishing and hunting licenses. Other states offer seniors, on average, half off the cost of licenses. These rules change, so you will need to contact each state to receive specific details and discounts. States also sometimes offer free fishing to those under age 16, free fishing days, as well as free fishing sites.

Contact your local fishing license agency or you can find your state license information at: http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/license

32) Get Paid To Give A Speech In A Foreign County

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the U.S. Department of State offers a variety of exchange programs overseas. The Professional Programs Division demonstrates how Americans deal with the issues of professional interest to foreign participants. Subject areas vary. The Cultural Programs Division serves to highlight the creativity and dynamism of American society. Programs include professional American artists, musicians, and other specialists.

For information, contact: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, SA-5, 2200 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20522-0500; 202-632-6445; http://exchanges.state.gov/

33) $1,000,000 To Make High Tech Golf Clubs

You can contact your local Small Business Administration office to start working on your business plan and to learn more about financing options they may offer at: http://www.sba.gov/. You can also setup an appointment with your local Small Business Development Center which has a wealth of information, mentoring, and more to help you get your business off the ground. To find your local office, plug in your zip code at: http://www.asbdc-us.org/. Also look for the state office of economic development located in your state capitol. You can find them by dialing 411 and asking for your state capitol operator or by going to the web at: http://govengine.com/ and clicking on your state. Then start looking for websites on business or economic development. Every state offers a wealth of help and information on starting a business. Some offer job training funds, export assistance, technology resources, tourism promotion, industrial revenue bonds, revolving loan funds, and more. Most have a State Business Resource Guide to assist you in your search. Start looking at: http://govengine.com/

34) $250,000 To Work On Your Invention

The Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) stimulates technological innovation, encourages small science and technology based firms to participate in government funded research, and provides incentives for converting research results into commercial applications. Eleven federal agencies with research and development budgets greater that $100 million are required by law to participate. Businesses of 500 or fewer employees that are organized for-profit are eligible to compete for SBIR funding. All areas of research and development solicit for proposals and the 2009 awards for SBIR were over $26.9 billion. There are three phases of the program: Phase I determines whether the research idea, often on high risk advanced concepts, is technically feasible,; whether the firm can do high quality research; and whether sufficient progress has been made to justify a larger Phase II effort. This phase is usually funded for six months with awards up to $100,000. Phase II is the principal research effort, and is usually limited to a maximum of $750,000 for up to two years. Phase III, pursues potential commercial applications of the research funded under the first two phases, and is supported solely by the nonfederal funding, usually from third party, venture capital, or large industrial firms. SBIR is one of the most competitive research and development programs in the government today. To assist the small business community in its SBIR efforts, the U.S. Small Business Administration publishes the Pre-Solicitation Announcement (PSA) in December, March, June, and September of each year. Every issue of the PSA contains pertinent information on the SBIR Program along with details on SBIR solicitations that are about to be released. This publication eliminates the need for small business concerns to track the activities of all federal agencies participating in the SBIR program. In recognition of the difficulties encountered by many small firms in their efforts to locate sources of funding essential to finalization of their innovative products, SBA has developed the Commercialization Matching System. This system contains information on all SBIR awardees, as well as financing sources that have indicated an interest in investing in SBIR innovations. Firms interested in obtaining more information on the SBIR program or receiving the PSA should contact: Office of Technology, Small Business Administration, 409 Third St., SW, MC/6470, Washington, DC 20416; 202-205-6450; http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir-0

35) Free/Cheap Health Care at 8,000 Centers

These government funded health care clinics offer overall health care, dental and substance abuse services. Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide checkups and treatment when you are sick. Services include complete care when you’re pregnant, immunizations for your children, dental care and prescription drugs for you and your family, and mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.

Search your zip code at: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/widgets/

36) 0% Interest Loans To Fix-Up Your Home

No matter what your income and as long as your improvements will create a more energy-efficient home, you can save a lot on interest rates and finance charges by using a subsidized energy conservation loan program. These programs are typically available from your state department of energy, a local government office or your utility company. State and local government offices can be found by contacting your state or city operators or http://www.govengine.com/. Your local phone directory and library can help you locate your local utility companies. Be sure to check them all.

37) Free Screenings For Cancer, Osteoporosis and Glaucoma

A government study shows that there are a number of screening and immunizations that are recommended for seniors, but both seniors and doctors are unaware that they are covered by Medicare. Nine out of ten seniors visit a doctor once a year, but don’t know that Medicare will cover immunizations for Influenza, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal as well as screenings for cervical cancer (pap smear), breast cancer (mammography), vaginal cancer (pelvic exam), colorectal cancer (fecal-occult blood test or flexible sigmiodoscopy, colonoscopy), osteoporosis (bone mass measurement), prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen test and/or digital rectal examination), and glaucoma.

38) Free Legal Help To Fight The IRS

If you have tried everything to resolve a tax problem with the IRS and you just can’t get your problem resolved, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help. TAS helps individuals and business taxpayers resolve their IRS tax problems. This service is designed to help taxpayers who are facing hardships or economic burden that have been unable to resolve their problem through normal channels.

For more information, contact: Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Room 3031, Washington, DC 20224; 202-622-4300 or 877-777-4778; http://www.irs.gov/advocate/

39) $2,000 If You Get Mugged

When you were mugged, your front teeth were knocked out and you don’t have the money to get them fixed. Or a member of your family was killed while your house was being burglarized, and you need help paying for the funeral.

Contact your state capitol operator in your state capitol and ask for your state’s Crime Victims Compensation Board or go to: http://ovc.ncjrs.org/findvictimservices/ to find a local office.

40) Free Copies Of Your Credit Report

You can get a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months and if:

• You have been denied credit, insurance or employment within the last 60 days.
• You’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days
• You’re on welfare, or
• Your report is inaccurate because of fraud.

Otherwise they can charge you up to $9 for a copy of your report. For copies of your report, contact the credit reporting agencies listed in the yellow pages of your telephone book or contact the three major national credit bureaus.

You can get a free copy of your report by going to:

http://ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/rights.shtm

41) Disadvantaged Businesses Get Money & Help To Get Government Contracts

To grow and compete in the transportation marketplace, the U.S. Department of Transportation offers a variety of programs to help small, disadvantaged and women-owned firms obtain short-term lending for transportation-related projects, bonding assistance to provide opportunities to obtain bid, payment and performance bonds for transportation related projects, and referrals to other sources of federal financial assistance.

Contact: U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 400 7th St., S.W., Room 9410, Washington, DC 20590; 800- 532-1169 or 202-366-5343; Fax: 202-366-7538; http://osbdu.dot.gov

42) 50% Airline Discount To See Sick Relative

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. Full fare rates vary from airline to airline, but you could save up to 50%.

Contact the airline of your choice to learn more about “Bereavement/Compassion Fares.”

43) Free Help Finding A Lost Loved One

When a loved one disappears, those left behind struggle and often spend thousands of dollars trying to locate their missing person. The Salvation Army received over 35,000 requests for assistance, and was able to trace over 10,000 missing persons.

To learn more about the services offered, contact the Salvation Army Office near you or Salvation Army National Headquarters, 615 Slaters Lane, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313; 703-684-5500; http://salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

44) $400 Worth of Free Firewood

Armed with a permit that can cost about $3.00 to $5.00, you can cut dead or downed trees on U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management Property for personal firewood use.

To find local forest service land containing firewood in your area, contact: USDA Forest Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; 202-205- 8333; http://www.fs.fed.us/ or http://www.fs.fed.us/specialuses/special_products.shtml

45) Free Christmas Trees

Permits cost only about $5.00 to allow you to cut and carry away a Christmas tree from the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management Property for personal use.

For more information, contact your nearest park: http://www.fs.fed.us/specialuses/special_products.shtml or http://www.blm.gov/

46) Free Concert and Theater Tickets

Many music and theater groups offer special programs to older adults in the form of discounted tickets, free concerts, transportation, afternoon teas, and/or daytime events.

Contact your state arts group, state Department of Aging or local senior citizens groups to see what is available in your area.

47) Free Legal Help To Fight Your Bank or Credit Card Company

If you are having trouble with your credit card company, remember that they are regulated by a banking institution. Different banks are governed by different agencies, but all take complaints and make efforts to assist customers. Your state Banking Commissioner handles complaints dealing with state chartered banks. For banks with the word “national” or “N.A.” in its name as well as Savings and Loans, contact: Comptroller of the Currency, Compliance Management, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 250 E St., SW, Washington, DC 20219; 202-874- 4900 or 800-613-6743; http://www.occ.treas.gov/. For FDIC insured banks, contact: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Consumer Affairs, 550 17th St., NW, Room F-130, Washington, DC 20429; 877-ASK-FDIC; http://fdic.gov/

48) Free Health Insurance Counseling

Free one-on-one counseling is available to seniors and in most areas, people with disabilities, to answer questions like: How much insurance is too much? If something sounds like fraud, where can I go for help? What’s the best Medigap insurance plan? The program is called Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and is sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In most states, it is usually run by the state Department on Aging or the state Insurance Commissioner’s office.

If that fails, contact the Eldercare Locator hotline at: 1-800-677-1116; http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx

49)Free Information Hotlines For Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes, Tobacco, Parkinson, Disability, Alzheimer, Mental Health, Osteoporosis

Helpful Health Hotlines

The National Health Information Center and the National Library of Medicine both offer an online database of health-related organizations operating toll-free telephone services. The databases also include information on services and publications available in Spanish. You can find out whom to call for almost any health issue.

Contact: Health Information Resources Database, Referral Specialist, P.O. Box 1133, Washington, DC 20013; 800-336-4797 or 301-565-4167;

http://www.health.gov/NHIC/Pubs/2012tollfreenumbers/tollfreenumbers1.htm or http://healthhotlines.nlm.nih.gov/

National Institute on Aging

The National Institute on Aging is the government’s leading effort on aging research. In addition to research information and professional training, NIA disseminates health information to the general public.

Contact: National Institute on Aging, Building 31, Room 5C27, 31 Center Dr., MSC 2292, Bethesda, MD 20892; 301-496-1752 or 800-22-4225; http://www.nia.nih.gov/

SeniorHealth.gov

The National Institute of Health offers an online information website for older adults. Their goal is to make age-related health information easily accessible to seniors, family members, and friends. The website is senior friendly, including large print, short easy to read segments, and simple navigation. There is even a “talking” feature which reads the text. Information is updated regularly. Contact: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/

50) $3,500 For Emergency Home Repairs

Cities, counties, townships, and even local non-profit organizations around the country offer grants to people who need emergency work done on their home or apartment. The income requirements can go up to $42,000 for a couple. To find programs you may qualify for in your area you must search: 1) your city or township government, 2) your county government, and 3) local non-profit agencies and local development corporations. Make sure you check with all of the following offices for help in locating appropriate organizations in your area:

1)your local library, 2) your local elected officials, 3) your local United Way, and

4)all housing agencies in your area. Local government offices can be identified at http://govengine.com/ and your local United Way can be identified at http://liveunited.org/.

Listed below is a sampling of similar local programs around the country. They should give you an indication of the kind of help that may be available in your area, too.

Free Minor Home Repairs for 62 or Older and Income Less Than $47,850 Los Angeles Housing Department

Los Angeles, CA http://lahd.lacity.org/lahdinternet/HandyWorkerandHomeSecurePrograms/tabid/8 6/language/en-US/Default.aspx

$5,000 Home Repair Grant for 55+ and 50% of Median Income First Ward Action Council, Inc.

Binghamton, NY

http://firstwardaction.org/Home%20Repair%20Seniors.htm

Roof, Plumbing, Heating-Cooling and Other Repairs for Seniors Making $42,200

Community Services of Arizona, Inc.

Chandler, AZ

http://www.csainc.org/emergencyassistance.html

$2,500 Grant for Emergency Repairs to Couples Making Less Than $46,400 City of Colorado Springs, Housing Rehabilitation Program, Emergency Repair Colorado Springs, CO http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=3215

$7,500 Grant to Fix-Up One- to Four-Family Units Margert Community Corporation

New York City’s Queens County, NY

http://www.margert.org/restore.htm

$20,000 Forgivable Loans to Fix Your Roof, Broken Windows, Water Damage, Structural Deficiencies for Seniors Making $46,680 Housing Program, Emergency Repair Program

Deltona, Florida

http://www.deltonafl.gov/Pages/DeltonaFL_Depts/DeltonaFL_CommDev/O-OHR

$2,000 Grant in Emergency Money for 55+ With $26,000 Income Dept of Housing and Business Development

Fontana, CA

http://www.fontana.org/index.aspx?NID=569

51) Free Phone Or $120 Off Your Phone Bill

Under the Federal Communication Commission’s Link-Up American and Lifeline programs, low-income households seeking telephone service are give a 50% discount on local connection charges, and may be able to pay installment payments on the remaining charges. You may also receive discounts up to $10 per month on the phone line charges. Many phone companies offer free cell phones and 200 minutes.

For more information, contact your local phone company or check out the Federal Communications Commission at: http://www.lifeline.gov/

52) Grants For Alzheimer Caregivers

If you are a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s or memory disorder patient, you may be eligible for a grant to pay for adult day care or a private caregiver, take a short respite, or pay for housekeeping. For programs in your area, contact your nearest Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/ or contact the Eldercare Hotline at 800-677-1666; http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx

53) 55+ Get Paid 20 Hours A Week To Learn A New Skill (income up to $20,112 per couple)

Seniors all across the United States are getting the help and training they need to get better paying jobs through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. It provides temporary, paid, community service jobs to low-income persons age 55 and older so that they can develop marketable job skills while searching for permanent employment. The program is designed to benefit both individuals and their communities. Participants help to meet community needs by performing necessary services at non-profit organizations and government agencies, while at the same time receiving on the job training and employment assistance. Program services include an assessment of skills; a program orientation; an Individual Employment Plan that identifies barriers to employment, recommended assignments, training, and services to overcome these barriers; help in setting employment goals; résumé preparation; referrals to employment opportunities; and follow-up meetings, reviews and evaluations to determine progress and the next step. These jobs are part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and pay at least the current minimum wage. The average amount of time spent in a temporary assignment is nine months. Types of job assignments vary, but can include educational support and assistance, general office and computers, clerical, home health, food service, and building maintenance at government agencies and non-profit organizations such as day care facilities, schools, libraries and recreational centers.

To find your closest SCSEP office, you can check the America's Service Locator site at: http://servicelocator.org/. Simply type in your zip code and use the drop down menu to choose "Older Worker - SCSEP." You can also find more information at: http://www.doleta.gov/seniors/html_docs/AboutSCSEP.cfm

54) $5,000 Grant To Get Rid Of Lead Paint In Your Home (income up to $24,135 per couple)

If you are living in a house or apartment that was built before 1978, you or even your landlord, may be eligible for grant money and other assistance to make sure that you do not suffer the effects of lead poisoning from lead-based paint. Chips or dust from this type of paint can be highly dangerous to humans, especially your grandchildren. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development operates the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program providing grants to state and local departments of housing to help homeowners and apartment owners eliminate the problems associated with lead paint.

Contact your state or local department of housing to see if you qualify for free inspections, free guides or even free lead paint removal. To obtain information about the grant program, contact: Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, 451 7th Street S. W., Washington, DC 20410; 202-708-1112; http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes

55) $980 Tax Refund For Seniors In Massachusetts (income up to $78,000 for a couple)

The credit for real estate taxes paid for persons age 65 and older, also known as the “Circuit Breaker” allows certain senior citizens in Massachusetts to claim a credit on their state income tax returns for the real estate taxes paid on their Massachusetts residential property.

Contact: Massachusetts Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 7010, Boston, MA 02204; 617-887-MDOR or 800-392-6089; http://www.mass.gov/dor/. For other states, check with your county tax assessor regarding homestead exemptions.

56) $6,500 To Pay For New Insulation (income up to $44,700 for a family of 4)

Storm windows, insulation and even weather-stripping can help reduce your heating and cooling bills. The U.S. Department of Energy offers the Weatherization Assistance Program. Many people are eligible for this program from renters to homeowners, from those who live in single-family or multi-family housing to those who live in mobile homes. Preference is given to the elderly and those families with children. You must apply through your state weatherization agency. States allocate dollars to non-profit agencies for purchasing and installing energy-related repairs.

For information on eligibility and where to apply in your state, contact your state’s office below or the National office at Department of Weatherization, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Mail Stop EE-1, Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-9220; http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.html or http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap_apply.html

57) $2,800 To Pay For Heating Bills

Even if you are not approved for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, you might still be eligible for short-term assistance on your utility bill from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP offers heating and cooling subsidies and energy crisis intervention to assist in weather- related or fuel supply shortages and household energy-related emergencies, such as utility shutoffs.

To find your local office, contact the national office at Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance, Administration for

Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW, 5th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447; 202-401- 9351; toll-free 866-674-6327; http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/

58) $8,000 To Improve Your Home So It Cuts Your Utility Bills

This program is called the “Energy Efficient Mortgages Program” and can be used to make energy-efficient improvements in one to four new and existing homes. The improvements can be included in a borrower’s mortgage only if their total cost is less than the total dollar value of the energy that will be saved during their useful life. The cost of the improvements that may be eligible for financing as part of the mortgage is either 5 percent of the property’s value (not to exceed $8,000) or $4,000, whichever is greater. The maximum mortgage limit for a single-family home is $160,950, plus the cost of the eligible energy-efficient improvements. (Limits may be lower in some areas of the country.)

Contact: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th St. S.W., Washington, DC 20410; 202-708-1112; http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/eem/ener gy-r

59) $500 To Stop Utility Cut Offs

Heating bills are going up and the winter months can create financial havoc with a senior’s utility bill payments. There are many programs around the country that help people financially and legally from having their utilities turned off. To find programs you may qualify for in your area you must search: 1) your city or township government, 2) your county government, and 3) local non-profit agencies and local development corporations. Make sure you check with all of the following offices for help in locating appropriate organizations in your area: 1) your local library, 2) your local elected officials, 3) your local United Way, and 4) all housing agencies in your area. Local government offices can be identified at: http://govengine.com/ and your local United Way can be identified at: http://liveunited.org/content/splash

Listed below is a sampling of similar local programs around the country. They should give you an indication of the kind of help that may be available in your area, too. You can also contact your local Area Office on Aging by calling 1-800- 677-1116 or go to: http://eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx. You should also seek out your local community action agency near you to see if they have a program to help you. You can find your local agency at: http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/index.php?option=com_spreadsheet s&view=search&spreadsheet=cap&Itemid=188 or by contacting Community Action Partnership in Washington, DC at 202-265-7546. A lot of Local Utility Programs can be identified on the web by going to: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD then choose your state under the title “Information by State.” Most state pages have a link called “Renting Help Page.” Click there even if you are a homeowner. Most Rental Help pages have a link called “Help with Your Utility Bills”, which describes programs for both renters and homeowners. Payments Made to Utility Companies to Avoid Shut Off Charlotte Neighborhood Development/Crisis Assistance Ministry Charlotte, NC http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/MeckCARES/resources/Documents/Co mmunityResourceGuide.pdf

$500 to Pay Utility Bills for Seniors Making $22,453 Utility Emergency Services Fund

Philadelphia, PA

http://uesfacts.org/

Hardship Funds for People Who Fall Through the Cracks Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/consumer_ed/energy_assistance_tips.aspx

Up To $500 in 5 Funds to Stop Utility Cut Offs

Mid America Assistance Coalition-Managed Utility Funds

Kansas City, MO

http://maaclink.org/

60) $5,575 Grant From IRS (income up to $49,078 per couple)

It’s not really a grant, but it looks like a grant, it walks like a grant and it even smells like a grant. They are called tax credits. It is extra money the IRS will give you that’s better than a refund because they will give it to you even if you don’t pay any taxes. You just have to have some income and the less income you have the bigger the check you get. You can make up to $49,078 and still be eligible. To learn more get the free publication, IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Tax Credit: Call: 1-800-829-3676 or download: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs- pdf/p596.pdf. This is just one grant from the IRS that millions are missing.

61) Get Free Child Support Enforcement

The Office of Child Support Enforcement will fight for you to establish paternity, set up a court order for child support, track down a missing parent, collect child support, and get the courts to adjust child support orders. The government collects child support money from tax refunds, employers, sale of property etc. but cannot always find the custodial parent to whom the money is owed. Check if your money is sitting in your state child support agency.

To locate your state office, go to:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/extinf.html

62)$100 To Buy Fresh Fruits And Vegetables (income up to $27,214 per couple)

It’s called the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and provides vouchers to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers’ markets and road side stands.

To find your local office for this program, contact the national office at: Supplemental Food Programs Division, Food and Nutrition Service – USDA, 3101 Park Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22302; 703-305-2746; http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/SeniorFMNP/SFMNPmenu.htm

63) Get An Extra $1,200 (income up to $17,892 per couple)

Each year over 43% of eligible seniors and people with disabilities fail to apply for a little-known program that will give them close to $1,200 extra in their Social Security check. That’s how much the government deducts for Medicare Part B payments. There are three programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries Plan, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Plan and Qualified Individual. For Medicare Savings, contact your local Medicare office by calling the Medicare Hotline at 800-MEDICARE or go to: http://www.medicare.gov/default.aspx or http://www.medicare.gov/navigation/medicare-basics/medical-and-drug- costs.aspx. Request information about Medicare Savings Programs by getting the publication “Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare”.

64) Extra $12,000 For Over 65 Or Disability (income up to $12,576 per couple)

If you are over 65, blind or disabled and if you have limited income and limited resources, be sure to check because you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Studies show that only about 53% of eligible seniors apply. This means at least one million seniors are out there who can get the money but don’t know it exists. And that’s not counting the blind and disabled, which could double that number.

To apply, call 1-800-772-1213 or go to: http://ssa.gov/pgm/ssi.htm

--Income Eligibility Requirements: $8,376/yr for single, $12,576/yr for couples

with many exceptions. See: http://ssa.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm

65) $3 For Every $1 Dollar You Save (income up to $25,660 per couple)

Triple your savings by taking advantage of Individual Development Accounts. These accounts are currently available in 350 communities with more in development. Designed to help low-income people save for a down payment, college, or a small business, funds are matched with one dollar from the government and one dollar from private funds. A short course on money management is usually required.

To learn more about the program or to see what may be available in your community, contact: Corporation for Enterprise Development, 777 N. Capitol St., NE, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20002; 202-408-9788; http://cfed.org/programs/idas/

66) Discounts On Vets Bills (determined case-by-case)

Veterinary teaching hospitals can be an excellent place to take your pet, and most of them will take new patients directly or as referrals from other veterinarians. But as research and teaching institutions, they have access to a lot more resources than your average veterinary hospital. Many, but not all, of these hospitals provide services like: Free Services and Drugs for People Who Can't Pay, Free Medical Treatment for Strays in Need Brought in by Non-owners, Free Answers to Questions Over the Telephone, Free and Discount Treatment for Companion Animals and Assistance Dogs, and Discounts for Seniors.

Call to see what services your local Veterinary Teaching Hospital may offer.

67) Free Mammograms And Breast And Cervical Cancer Treatment (usually $57,625 for a family of 4)

An estimated two million American women will be diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer in the next decade, and half a million will lose their lives from these diseases. Screening could prevent up to 20% of these deaths for women over

40.The government's Center for Disease Control will spend about $200 million a year to maintain a state-by-state program to establish greater access to screening and follow-up services. To find the program contact for your state, go to: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp. Each state runs their program a little differently. Most states have the following requirements: women starting at 40 or 50 years old, are underinsured or have no insurance, and have income below a certain level. Some states can adjust eligibility requirements for special cases. States vary in the array of services covered, but they normally include: breast and cervical cancer screening, mammograms, treatment if diagnosed with cancer, breast reconstruction or prosthesis. States that don't have direct funds for treatment often make arrangements with other facilities to provide treatment for free. If your screening has been done elsewhere, you can still receive free treatment under this program. Men diagnosed with breast cancer can also receive free treatment.

Contact your county office of public health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health. You can also contact the main office of this program at Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Center for Disease Control and Prevention,4770 Buford Highway, NE,MS K-64, Atlanta, GA 30341; 770-488- 4751 or 888-842-6355; Fax: 770-488-4760; http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

68)$10,000 To Buy A Talking Computer (determined case-by- case)

People with disabilities now have a place to turn to learn everything they need to know about how the latest in technology can improve their lives. It can be a specially equipped van, a talking computer, a special kitchen or eating aid. A project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, called Technical Assistance Project has established an office in each state that can provide:

∙Information Services: will help you identify the special products that are available to help you cope with your disability.

∙Equipment Loan Program: allows people to borrow new technology devices for a number of weeks before they purchase them.

∙Recycling Program: matches up people with needs for products with people who want to sell or donate products.

∙Funding Information: collects information on the various sources of funding for this equipment from public and private sources.

∙Loans: many states are offering special loans to help people purchase the necessary equipment; Ohio offers low-interest loans up to $10,000, North

Carolina has loans up to $15,000, and California offers loan guarantees up to $35,000

Contact your state information operator and ask for your state Office of Social Services or Vocational Rehabilitation. They should be aware of your state Assistance Technology Office. If you have trouble locating your state office, you can contact the office that coordinates all state activities: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), 1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209-1903; 703-524-6686; Fax: 703-524-6630; TTY: 703-524-6639; http://resna.org/ or http://www.resnaprojects.org/allcontacts/afpcontacts.html or http://askjan.org/cgi- win/TypeQuery.exe?735

69) Let The Navy Help You Pay Off Up To $65,000 Of Your Student Loans

The Navy can help you manage your college debt with special loan repayment programs for qualified students. The Navy will pay for up to $65,000 of loans acquired from a post-secondary education for college students and graduates who qualify. To be eligible for the program, the loan cannot be in default and it must be the applicant’s first enlistment. The LRP is available to all active Navy enlisted positions.

To learn more, contact the U.S. Navy at 800-872-6289;

www.navy.com/jsp/explore/education/summary.jsp?cid=4&pid=5

70) $6,480 To Pay For Groceries (income up to $44,700 for family of 4)

Government studies show that over 16 million families are eligible for this money, but are not applying. It is estimated that in cities like Galveston, TX nearly 50% of the people eligible to receive this money are not aware of the program and do not apply.

For information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP- formerly Food Stamps), contact your state office or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Ctr. Dr., Park office Center Bldg., Alexandria, VA 22302; 703-305-2276; http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ or http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm

71) Free Help Paying Your Bills, Rent Or Mortgage

There are now programs that will make your mortgage payments for you when you get into financial trouble. Counseling agencies are located throughout the country where you can sit down with an expert to help look through your finances and keep you from losing your home. One of the best ways to find out if there are programs like this in your area is to contact the local HUD-approved Housing Counseling agencies.

To find your closest agency, contact your state housing office or the Housing Counseling Center locator at 800-569-4287; http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselo r

72) $10,000 For Down Payment, Closing Costs Or Rehabilitation

The American Dream Downpayment Initiative offers grants up to $10,000 to first- time single parent homebuyers.

For more information on this program, find a local U.S. HUD- approved housing counseling agency in your area by calling 1-800-569-4287 or go to: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselo r.

For the national office contact American Dream Downpayment Initiative, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/contacts/ --Income Eligibility Requirements: up to 80% of median family income, $56,000+

73) $12 Million To Start A Real Big Business

No matter how much money you need there probably is a program for you. You can also collect large amounts of money by putting together money from a number of programs. The government also offers venture capital through the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC). Over 75,000 entrepreneurs received money from this source to get their dreams off the ground, including the big guys like Compaq, Apple, Federal Express and Staples. See how they can help you at Associate Administrator for Investment, U.S. SBA, 202-205-6510 or http://www.sba.gov/inv . Many states also have venture capital programs or will help you locate private venture capitalists and state governments can also help you prepare the necessary paperwork. A good place to look for this kind of help is your State Government Office of Economic Development located in your state capital. You can call 411 and ask for the state capital operator in your state capital or go to http://govengine.com/ and click on your state and find the office that is listed under business and/or economic development.

74)World’s Best Diet Info

Look better, feel better, and have energy to spare. The only thing you might need is more time off. Diets are a dime a dozen, but the government has the facts on which systems work and which don't.

For information about losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight contact: Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835; 888-INFO-FDA or 888-SAFEFOOD; http://www.fda.gov/Food/default.htm or President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Department W; 200 Independence Ave., SW, Room 738- H,Washington, DC 20201; 202-690-9000; Fax: 202-690-5211; http://fitness.gov/ or the Weight-Control Information Network, 1 WIN Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; 877-946-4627; Fax: 202-828-1028; http://win.niddk.nih.gov

75) Find A Lost Loved One

The Social Security Administration will be glad to forward an unsealed letter that is accompanied with a letter explaining your request (the request must be for humanitarian reasons). You need to supply the name and social security number of the recipient, or the person’s date and place of birth. Send to Office of Public Inquiries, Social Security Administration, Windsor Park Building, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235; 410-965-2736. The County Board of Elections (also called the Registrar of Voters) has public information from voter registration forms. You can look here to find someone as well. They can do a search to find out if a voter is registered in their district. They may be able to verify the person’s full name, date of birth, current address, and political party. The State Department of Motor Vehicles in most states can help your search with public information from driver’s license and car registration forms. You will need to provide them with the person’s full name, date of birth, and maybe the person’s driver’s license number. You also may need to put your request in writing, and there might be a fee for this service. Your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles is in your state’s capitol.

76) Videos About Great Artists

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. lends more than 150 teaching packets, videos, video-discs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and slide sets about great art and artists.

You can also tour the gallery by visiting the website: http://www.nga.gov/education/. Order forms can be found at: http://www.nga.gov/education/learningresources/. Send orders to: Department of Education Resources, Extension Programs, National Gallery of Art, 2000B South Club Drive, Landover, MD 20785; Fax: 202-842-6937

77)Hangover Hotline: Sideswiped By The Holidays? Uncle Sam's Got The Best Remedies

Christmas parties, New Year's Eve parties, hair of the dog, leftover eggnog...This time of year parties stack up like flights over LAX airport and self-control flies out the window without a parachute. If you become a victim of holiday crash and burn, let Uncle Sam's HANGOVER EXPERT help you back into the pink. Even if moderation is your forte, holiday stress can bring MASSIVE HEADACHES. Here too, you're in luck. Uncle Sam's HEADACHE HOTLINE has all the answers and information on the latest medical studies.

Contact: The Headache Expert, The National Institute of Neurological Disorders, NIH, P.O. Box 5801, Bethesda, MD 20892; 800-352-9424; 301-496-5751; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

78) Free Photo Of The President

Want a picture of the President or the First Lady? It is as simple as cut and paste. The White House used to mail out copies, but now everything is online.

Just go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/ and you have your pick of hundreds of photos to choose from.

79) Free Canoeing Lessons

Don't get lost up-a-creek without a paddle. The Army Corps of Engineers can teach you the proper way to handle a canoe or tie a line. They even have maps and brochures on great canoeing spots all over the country.

So paddle over and contact: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 441 G Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20314; 202-761-1228; http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation.aspx

80) Find $2,000 In Your Own Missing Money

Well, actually it is your money that you or someone in your family lost and it is just sitting there waiting to be claimed. According to reports, there may be over $32 billion dollars in abandoned money. This money could be old forgotten utility deposits, bank accounts, insurance payments, stock dividends, utility deposits, or even the contents of a safe deposit box. In 45 minutes, one of our researchers found $2,000.

All you need to do is contact the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, c/o National Association of State Treasurers, P.O. Box 11910, Lexington, KY, 40578-1910; 859-244-8150; Fax: 859-244-8053; http://www.unclaimed.org/

81) Free Speakers For Your Club

You have experts living all around you, and many are more than willing to come give talks on various topics to your group or organization. Want a Top Gun pilot to come talk? Contact your nearest military base or armory and submit your request. You can also check online at: http://www.defense.gov/ to see what the U.S. Department of Defense has to offer. You can also have a local artist come and explain Picasso to you (or actually any art subject). Contact your nearest art museum, arts council or your state arts council. These can be found by calling 411 or by going online to: http://govengine.com/ A master gardener can come help your group with their roses. Contact your nearest arboretum, botanical garden or gardening organization. These can be found by calling 411 or by going online to: http://govengine.com/

82) Free College Or Career Help

There is a wealth of information and a mess of money to help people change careers or just get ahead by taking some college courses. It is also a great way to meet new minds and make more money. Congressional Research Service reports are FREE from the office of your state Representative or Senator. Ask for Financial Aid for Students (or go online to: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33451.pdf) or Internships, Fellowships, and Other Work Experience Opportunities in the Federal Government (or go online to: http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs- publish.cfm?pid=%26%2A2%3C4Q%2CO%3F%0A).

If you cannot find your Congressman or Senator locally, call the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or go to: http://www.congress.org/

83) $10,000 To Take Entrepreneur Training Courses

Each state has established local job-training centers that provide money to job seekers to upgrade their skills and get better jobs. Many of these local centers allow residents to use this money to train to become an entrepreneur.

Contact your state’s One-Stop Labor Information Center headquarters located in your state capital and they can direct you to a local office. Check them out at: http://doleta.gov/usworkforce/onestop/onestopmap.cfm or go to: http://servicelocator.org/

84) $100,000 To Become A Freelancer Working From Your Kitchen Table

My wife got over $100,000 of government money to do consulting right out of our home. My sister got over $350,000 from the government to frame pictures. They are both government freelancers. There are free offices around the country that will help any freelancer get government contracts. The government buys: legal services, web design, aerobics instructors, landscaping, cleaning, and even stand-up comics. Contact the state Office of Economic Development located in your state capital or your local Procurement Assistance Office who can match the product or service you are selling with the appropriate agency, and then help you market your wares effectively.

To find the office nearest you, contact: Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office, Cameron Station, Room 4B110, Defense Logistics Agency, Alexandria, VA 22304; 703-767-1660; http://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/Pages/ptap.aspx

85) Get $75,000 In Trees And Bushes

If you are a landscaper/orchardist and had plants damaged or destroyed by natural disaster, you can be reimbursed up to $76,000 for the cost to replant eligible trees, bushes and vines.

Contact: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-0506; 202-720-7809; http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=landing

86) $5,000 Worth Of Free Health Care For Kids

There are over 6 million families who are eligible and don’t apply for this program that gives free health care services for kids. Almost every state now has a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS), which extends medical coverage to many children who may not be covered.

For more information on a national level, call: 877-KIDS-NOW; 877-543-7669

or go: http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/

87) Free Help Filling Out Money Applications For Your Business

The government supports over 1,000 offices all over the country called Small Business Development Centers. They will sit down with you and help tackle any problem you may be having with your business, like: finding money, filling out forms, taxes, marketing, technical problems, contracting, etc. All their services are free or for very little cost. These Centers do not have money for entrepreneurs, but will know of local money sources available.

For a Center near you, contact: 1-800-8-ASK-SBA or http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs

88) Free Coloring And Activity Books

Teach your kids about the environment in a fun way. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has several coloring and activity books to help you increase your child’s awareness of the earth and recycling. Titles include: Happy Earth Day, Thirstin’s Wacky Water Adventure and Save Our Species as well as others. Copies are available online or from the National Center for Environmental Publication and Information, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419; 800- 490-9188 or 513-489-8190; Fax 513-489-8695; http://www.epa.gov/students/index.html

89) Get Free Boating Safety Lessons

If sun bathing is boring, how about spending some time out on the water? Many boating safety courses are offered for all types of recreational boaters of all ages. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and others sponsor many courses, and many state boating agencies also provide classes.

For more information, contact: U.S. Coast Guard, 7323 Telegraph Rd., Arlington, VA 22310; http://www.uscgboating.org/

90) A Greeting Even Hallmark Can’t Match

The White House Greeting Office will send a 50th Anniversary card or an 80th birthday card to your special someone from the President of the United States. What a way to show that you care enough to send the very best! They will also send a card for weddings, births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold Awards. You must send your request at least six to eight weeks prior to the event with the recipient’s name or names, their return address, and the occasion for the card. In the case of a wedding or birth, send your request in after the event.

Send your request to: The White House Greeting Office, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20502-0039; Fax 202-396-1232

91) Free Help Working On Your Invention

Don’t call an invention company that will charge you thousands of dollars to work on your invention. There are free and low-cost services provided by government offices and non-profit organizations that are likely to do an even better job than they will do. A good place to start is by contacting your local Small Business Development Center, which is supported by your federal and state tax dollars.

To find a center near you, contact: Association of Small Business Development

Centers, 8990 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015; 703-764-9850; Fax: 703- 764-1234; http://www.asbdc-us.org/

92) When Your Money Blows Up In The Microwave

Never fear – don’t throw the money away. The Office of Currency Standards, within the Bureau of Engraving and Printing redeems partially destroyed or badly damaged currency as a free public service. Every year the U.S. Treasury handles approximately 30,000 claims and redeems mutilated currency and will approve the issuance of a Treasury check for the value of the currency determined to be redeemable.

To learn more, contact: Office of Currency Standards, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Currency Residue Request, 14th and C Streets, S.W., Room 344A, Washington DC 20228; 866-575-2361; http://www.moneyfactory.gov/damagedcurrencyclaim.html

93) $50 Bags Of Money For $3

Or better yet, $10,000 worth for only $45. No, it’s not too good to be true. For the first time online the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is offering a 5 lb bag of shredded U.S. currency. This bag contains a minimum of $10,000 worth of shredded U.S. currency notes and costs only $45. The smaller sized shredded money bags are only available in the gift shop of the Bureau.

For more information, contact: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Mail Order Sales, Room 515M, 14th and C Streets, SW., Washington, DC 20228; 800-456- 3408; http://www.moneyfactorystore.gov/premiumproducts.aspx

94) Copyright Your Song, Book Or Poem

Think you have the next big hit? Before you share it with anyone, protect your rights. You can do it simply by filing a form and paying a small fee to the Copyright Office at the Library of Congress. This is the place where you can also copyright your poetry, photographs, games, visual arts, books, and even recipes. For more information, contact: Library of Congress, Copyright Office, 101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington DC 20559-6000; 202-707-3000; http://www.copyright.gov/

95) Get A Copy Of The Census Form That Grandma Filled Out

Your grandma’s Census records can provide a wealth of information. Census data starts in 1790 and can get you started on your family tree. From 1850 to 1930, details are provided for all individuals in each household, such as:

∙Names of family members

∙Their ages at a certain point in time

∙Their state or country of birth

∙Their parent’s birthplaces

∙Year of immigration

∙Street address

∙Marriage status and years of marriage

∙Occupation(s)

∙Value of their home and personal belongings

∙The crops they grew.

The data is available on microfilm.

For information on how to access this information, contact: National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Rd., College Park, MD 20740; 866- 272-6272; http://www.archives.gov/. The following website at the Census Bureau also provides some basic search facts: http://www.census.gov/prod/2000pubs/cff- 2.pdf

96) White House Commemorative Certificate For All Vets

You can commemorate the honor of a deceased veteran by requesting a Presidential Memorial Certificate, an engraved paper certificate expressing the nation’s recognition of the veteran’s service. The veteran’s name is inscribed and the certificate is signed by the current president. Eligible recipients include next of kin, loved ones and friends. More than one certificate may be issued. To apply, you must submit copies of the veteran’s discharge and death certificate. You can request the Presidential Memorial Certificate by mail or in person at any regional office.

Contact: Presidential Memorial Certificate (41A1C), Department of Veteran Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3903; 202-565-4964; http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp

97) Let The Government Be Your Collection Agency

Do you have a supplier in another state that owes you money and won’t pay you back? Well, you don’t have to hire an attorney and pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get back your money. Try calling the attorney general’s office in the state of your supplier and complain about how a company in their state mistreated you. Many of these offices will investigate, for free, by contacting the business in question. No matter who is right in the matter, the supplier does not likely want a government office on their back because this government office can put them out of business. The smartest business decision is to just give you the money owed and have the problem go away. Maybe your credit card company does not treat you right and holds back money you think is due to you? Maybe your insurance company will not pay a claim you think is covered in your policy? Maybe the package delivery service or airline shipping your product did you wrong? Maybe the radio station running your ads cheated you? All of these problems can be handled more effectively, and FOR FREE, by contacting the government agency that regulates the business you are dealing with. All businesses are regulated by some agency. If your customers have a problem with you they can contact the state attorney general’s office or the postal inspector if you sent a product by mail. So why hire an attorney who will charge you $200 an hour to get you satisfaction, when you can call a government office who will do the job for free. And don’t forget, a business can fight an attorney because the worst they have to lose is that they have to pay what they owe you. It does not pay a business to fight a government agency, because a government agency has the power to put them out of business.

To find who regulates a specific business call 411 and ask for your state capital operator. Then ask for the office that regulates the profession or organization that hurt you. Or go to: http://www.govengine.com/ and start by looking for the office of attorney general. You can also try the Consumer Action website at: http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer.shtml

98) Photos Of Elvis With Richard Nixon

The National Archives and Records Administration has many historical documents on their website in the online exhibit hall. For example, you can see a picture of the first meeting between Elvis and President Nixon, and also a letter written from the King (Elvis) to President Nixon. You might also wish to look over the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, or the Bill of Rights. You can view all the documents and many more by going to the National Archives and Records Administration’s website at: http://www.archives.gov/index.html

99) Video Of The News Of The Day When Grandma Was Born

Newsreels were popular before movies, and many have been donated to various libraries to preserve these historical records. The National Archives can help you locate the resource you will need to locate a copy. There is a fee involved that varies by the different sources.

For more information, you can contact the various Newsreel archives listed here: http://www.archives.gov/research/

100) Fly A Flag Over U.S. Capitol On Your Friend’s Birthday

If you are at a loss as to what to give someone, then what about purchasing an American flag? These flags are flown over the Capitol and cost between $13.25 to $22.55 plus shipping and handling, depending on the size of the flag. The flags also come with a certificate, listing the name of the person for whom the flag was flown and the date. You can request a specific day, such as a birthday, anniversary or even the day someone was discharged from the military. The flags are available for purchase through your representatives in the House and Senate. The program has become so popular that the government has set up a website to provide information on ordering a flag, http://www.capitolflags.gov/. Or you can contact your Representative or Senators at: http://www.senate.gov/, http://house.gov/. You can also check your local phone book for the numbers to your Representative or Senators.

101) Money From The Department Of Veterans Administration For Nursing School

VALOR, the Veteran’s Administration Learning Opportunities in Residence Program, is for rising junior baccalaureates. Students are placed in Veteran’s Administration facilities and given 80% of the salary rate for an entry-level nurse. The following academic year is subsidized. Candidate must be willing to work at a VA facility for three years to pay back tuition payment.

You can apply to this program directly through your school’s nursing program or contact: Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Care Staff Development and Retention Office (10A2D), 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1971, New Orleans, LA 70112; 504-589-6267; http://www.vacareers.va.gov/va- you/students/nursing/valor-program.asp

102) Serve Your Country And Slash $10,000 Off Your Student Loans

Be on your way to loan forgiveness and buff up at the same time! If you join the Army Reserve or the National Guard after graduation, you can receive up to $10,000 to pay off your student loans. If you’re the sort of person who doesn’t mind the occasional brush with death, ask to be stationed in areas of hostility and you could get even more money.

For more information, contact: United States Army Reserve Command (USARC), 1401 Deshler Street, S.W., Fort McPherson, GA 30330-2000; 800- 359-8483; http://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/pages/default.aspx

103) Where To Find The Best Customers For Your Business

Or where is the best place to put up a store? Or which surrounding zip codes offer the best potential for increasing sales? Or where can I get a list of all the accountants in my area to tell them about my new product or service? You don’t have to hire a high priced marketing consultant to get answers to questions like these. You can tap into the government’s free marketing data collected by the Bureau of Census and other government agencies. This is where the multibillion dollar companies get their marketing data and it’s where the high priced consultants also get it and then resell it to clients at outrageous fees. That is what I used to do when I was a consultant.

To get detailed information about data available for your state, contact your local Census State Data center in your state capital by calling your state capital operator at 411 or going to: http://www.census.gov/sdc/. You can also get lots of free and low-cost marketing help from your local Small Business Development Center. You can find them by calling 800-8-ASK-SBA or going to: http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs

104) Money For Teenagers To Start A Business

You can be as young as 12 and get $5,000 to start a business. The program is aimed at youth in rural areas, but you never know where you can use this. Maybe you can set up a distributorship for your products in a small town using your nephew who lives in that small town you never visit. Put this aside, you never know when someone in your family may need this. It’s part of the Farm Operating Loan program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more details, call: 202-720-1632 or go to: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=dfl-yl

105) $100,000 Direct Loans To Buy Or Fix-Up Homes In The Country

Want to buy a home in the country, but don’t think you can afford it? Think again. Rural Housing Service provides financing for individuals and families who cannot obtain credit from other sources to purchase homes in rural areas. Applications are received at USDA offices. Funds may be used to purchase suitable existing homes, new site build homes, approved modular units, and new manufactured units from an approved dealer/contractor. Funds may also be used to repair or remodel homes, or to make the home accessible and usable for persons who are developmentally disabled. Loans may be made for up to 100% of the appraised value of the site and the home. Maximum repayment period is 33 years, or under certain conditions, 38 years. Down payment is not required if your net assets do not exceed $7,500. Certain fees must be paid and you cannot currently own a home. Applicants for direct loans from RHS must have very low or low income. Very low-income is defined as below 50 and 80 percent of AMI; moderate income is 80 to 100 percent of AMI. Form required: Uniform Residential Loan Application. Over 17,000 homes were purchased through this program. The budget for the program is $1,076,988,750. (Section 502 Direct Loan Program- 10.310 Very Low to Moderate Income Housing Loans).

For more information, contact your state, area or local Rural Development office or contact: Single Family Housing, Direct Loan Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250; 202-720-1471; http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=HOUSING_ASSISTA&n avtype=RT&parentnav=RURAL_DEVELOPMENT