Free Fafsa Application "Season" Opens January 1, 2009

It's that time of year again. Time to sharpen your pencils and put fresh batteries in your calculator. Time to dig out the tax returns and bank statements. Time to try and make sense of the most confusing form on the face of the planet.

That's right, it's time to start filling out your free FAFSA application for the 2008-2009 school year.

For those unfamiliar with the free FAFSA application, it's the basic form required for Federal financial aid as well as many school-specific programs. If you're hoping to get Stafford, Perkins, or PLUS loans, you're going to need to fill out this form.

The free FAFSA application season runs from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009. And considering the number of people who are going to want financial aid this year, you should get your free FAFSA application in sooner than later.

To learn more about completing the FAFSA form and its effect on the Expected Family Contribution calculation that is the basis for financial aid, be sure to visit the Financial Aid section of the Saving for College channel.

To get all the important updates on the free FAFSA application, filing deadlines, and tips and tricks, sign up for our free newsletter.

To get your FAFSA questions answered, visit or Saving for College message board and ask our community members.