Getting Around Without a Car: Practical Transportation on a Small Budget
Practical ways to plan essential trips, compare fares, ask about transportation help, and make a backup plan without owning a car.
Financial Aid Office
Free and low-cost programs that stretch your budget further.
On the Board Today
But first, here’s a message from Professor Ima B. Cheap:
The best things in life are free—and the second-best things are on sale!
Living in Your Car When You Have To: Where to Begin
A respectful starting guide for people facing vehicle homelessness, with practical planning questions and links to housing and food support.
Your First Visit to a Food Pantry: What to Ask and What to Expect
A welcoming guide to finding a food pantry, asking about its rules, planning your visit, and getting food that fits your household.
Student Loan Repayment and Forgiveness: Your Options After the 2026 Changes
The SAVE plan ended and new rules took effect July 1, 2026. What federal student loan borrowers need to know: IBR, the new RAP plan, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, teacher and disability forgiveness, getting out of default, and avoiding scams.
How to Pay for College: FAFSA, Pell Grants, Scholarships and Work-Study
How to pay for college or job training without drowning in debt: the FAFSA, Pell Grants and the new Workforce Pell, state grants like Cal Grant, free community college, scholarships, work-study, work colleges, and how to avoid financial aid scams.
Help With Rent and Housing: Section 8, Public Housing, Senior Housing and More
How to get help with rent: Section 8 vouchers and waitlists, public housing, HUD senior apartments, affordable income-restricted apartments, emergency rental help, free HUD housing counselors, and how to avoid housing scams.
Free Food Help: SNAP, Food Banks, USDA Senior Food Boxes and More
How to get free or low-cost food: SNAP (food stamps) and the 2026 rule changes, food banks stocked by USDA, free monthly senior food boxes, Meals on Wheels, school and summer meals, WIC, and ways to stretch SNAP further.
How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name (It’s Free to Search)
Billions in forgotten bank accounts, refunds, deposits, savings bonds, and old retirement accounts are waiting to be claimed. How to search official sites for free, claim your money, and avoid unclaimed money scams.
How to Get Affordable Hearing Aids (Including Over-the-Counter Options)
Hearing aids used to cost thousands. Now you have cheaper choices: over-the-counter hearing aids, warehouse clubs, Medicare Advantage and Medi-Cal benefits, VA care, free amplified phones, and help programs.
How to Get Free or Cheap Eye Exams and Glasses
Need an eye exam or new glasses on a budget? Free exams for seniors through EyeCare America, what Medicare and Medi-Cal cover, free glasses programs, and how to buy prescription glasses online for a fraction of the price.