You can choose to obtain a business degree, a marketing degree or specialize in an even more focused field so that you will be properly prepared to run a winning industry. There are so many options available to you today through traditional or online schools to obtain the business degree that will be the most beneficial to your trade. Go after the area that interests you. The sky is the limit!

That’s where financial aid comes in. Yes, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a great place to start, but don’t let that be your only avenue, especially if you’re a military veteran or enrolled in active military service. Two of the most overlooked sources of financial aid for veterans and service people are the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill pays up to the maximum instate tuition for an honorably discharged veteran who has served at least 90 days in the military (post September 11, 2001). The amount of aid a person receives depends upon the state in which he or she lives and what kind of degree they’re pursuing. Specific financial benefits for those who qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill include:

• Tuition and fees paid directly to the school (so you don’t have to front the money).

• A housing allowance for veterans with families who live on campus (not applicable for online degree programs).

• An annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.

Plus (and this is huge), as of August 1, 2009, for the first time in the history of the military, service members enrolled in the Post 9/11 GI Bill can transfer their education benefits to their spouse or children. Yes, you heard that right. Now if you decide not to use your education benefits your family can have them. Of course, there is a list of qualifications you must meet if you want to give your education benefits away, the biggest being that you must commit to at least 10 years of military service. But even so, the fact that there is now a way to put your kids through college as a result of your military service is a very big deal.

But sometimes even the Post 9/11 GI Bill won’t cover all the tuition costs of your degree, and in that case you can turn to the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon program is a supplemental tuition plan for schools that cost more than the Post 9/11 GI Bill will pay for. For example, if you want to go to a college or university where the tuition is higher than the Post 9/11 GI Bill tuition cap, you can apply to the Yellow Ribbon Program to lower the tuition cost for you. If you qualify the college or university will recognize you as an honored veteran and thus reduce the tuition fees down to those covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. However, you must qualify for the Post 9/11 Bill in the first place, as the Yellow Ribbon Program is an add-on.

Other considerations of the Yellow Ribbon Bill include:

• You must choose a college that participates in the Yellow Ribbon program (a list can be found on the program’s website).

• There is an annual limit on the number of students who can apply (so apply early, if you think you qualify).

• The Yellow Ribbon Bill is administered through each college’s financial aid office. So each school handles it differently, even though the outcome is the same. (Therefore, pick a school that efficiently administers financial aid paperwork in a timely manner.)

• The money from the Yellow Ribbon Program is a tuition waiver and therefore never has to be repaid.

Time and space limit me from getting into all the logistics of military financial aid however, the Veterans Administration has produced a great short YouTube video on the details of the The Yellow Ribbon Program.

So what are you waiting for? If you’re a military veteran working at a job that doesn’t exactly thrill you (or even if you just want a better education), now might be the time to go back to school. After all, you did your part for our country, why not let our country give back to you?

When people are struggling themselves and have less money the first thing to do is get rid of unnecessary spending. Generally, they start by cutting out the vacations, expensive clothing, eating out and when that isn't enough then they cut donations and other spending in order to make ends meet.

Because of tighter pocketbooks food banks and charities this year are struggling because there are more people needing help and less people donating. Especially, with the holidays coming food banks may not be able to feed some of the needy, many of which are families. The situation is dire and charities are trying to find more ways to get people to contribute.

Charities are now asking Congress to create a tax incentive so that more people will donate. They also want the government to expand federal nutrition programs and spend more on programs to help people prepare for work. Charities believe that with the governments help there will be more donations which means enough food to go around.

At one Seattle food bank they have over 2,500 visitors on busy days which is up from 1,800 just last year. Josh Fogt the manager of Northwest Harvest in Seattle reported that "In our 42-year history, we have never witnessed a demand for our services like we are seeing now." The nonprofit groups are being forced to handle more people with fewer resources.

Even though many of us have a decreased incomes, or even no income we can still find a way to contribute. It doesn't have to be money, it can even be a couple cases of Top Ramen or whatever you can afford. It doesn't have to be much, but every little bit helps. However, if you can't give even a penny, you can go and contribute your time. Volunteer to help out at a nonprofit organization.

It doesn't matter how dire you think your circumstances are, there are always people that are worse off than you. Take the time this Thanksgiving to remember everything that you have and the importance  your loved ones play in your life. Give of yourself and you will feel better, because you helped someone else in need.

But if you are struggling this season there are organizations out there that can help you. And if you have enough food on your table and clothes on your back give thanks by donating. There is a dire need out there and more than 14.6 percent of U.S. households are lacking the food to lead a healthy life.

Hunger affects everyone. Donations are not only used to help the homeless,but seniors, children, along with many of your friends and neighbors. This recession is affecting everyone including the lower and middle classes. Give what you can because fellow Americans are lacking the basic necessities and the government can't do everything.