Other Peoples' Money

I finally have most of my financial aid in order... and I got to take some of YOUR money to do it¹... granted I have to pay U.S. back... plus I have to get another $14,000 in private loans to make sure I don't starve and end up on the street next year², but I can be fairly sure that my school won't throw me out for lack of funds³.

Doesn't financial aid feel like your'e playing with Monopoly money? None of the figures seem real, and you never actually see the cash.

I guess you could see the money by cashing your financial aid check after receiving it instead of doing the smart thing and depositing it in the bank... but I think the temptation would be too great to take that cash down to a local casino and feed a newly acquired Hold 'em Poker fetish. Something tells me that using your book money in a foolish attempt to become the next Chris Moneymaker may not be a good idea.

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¹ Via your tax dollars and the good ol' Department of Education Ford Federal Loan Program.
² Minnesota is cold in the winter, and the street is no fun
³ Lack of brains? Lack of perspective? Maybe? Lack of an iPod? I wish... then I could get one... "Honey, I have to get an iPod, the law school requires it."