<p>I am an older student who is putting himself through school. I live on my own.</p>
<p>I only work 1 or 2 days a week (very heavy course load makes it hard to work).</p>
<p>I have had to rely on credit cards more than I want too, and the interest rates are terrible.
My credit card debt is approaching 17k. (Most of it is old debt, from emergencies and moving costs from coming to California before school) I am thinking of taking out a private student loan to wipe it out, and get better rates. Any pointers on this?</p>
<p>Also I may actually get a Pell Grant this year. But if you get a Pell Grant can you still take out the Stafford Loans? I want to max my Fed loans out before I take a private loan out.</p>
<p>I need about $1000 a month to survive. So far it has been through savings, the small amount I earn every month, and scholarships. However I am digging myself into a hole slowly and still have 2 more years of CC before I transfer, but I have a lot of promise on getting Merit Awards when I transfer (3.9 honor student).</p>
<p>Any pointers, tips, or feed back?</p>