When it comes to finding funding for college the answer may be as close as your back yard. Everyone considers federal government sources of aid to make their college dreams come true but overlook what their state has to offer. State financial aid sources exist to help students who are reaching for a higher level of education. Here is some information to point you in this possibly lucrative direction.

Start with your high school guidance counselor. Any information about grants, scholarships, loans, and other programs offered by the state will be funneled through their office. Make an appointment to talk with them and gather as much information as you can on the options available.

Contact your state educational office. Every state has one. If they have a website, visit and see what they can tell you. States are ready to help students, especially if they plan on attending a state school.

Ask the state educational office for a financial aid handbook. Any scholarships, loans, and grants that are provided by the state can be found in the pages of that book. Study it carefully. Apply for all of the programs that even remotely apply to you, your situation, and your skills.

Scholarship monies are available for attending a state school. A state college or university may not be your first choice, but don’t count them out. One distinct advantage of a state-supported school is the cost. The average cost per year could be half that of a private college or university in another state.

States set aside money for students pursuing certain fields of study at college. The funds encourage students to stay within state to receive their education. This doesn’t mean that you have to attend the same college for all four years. If you truly want to study elsewhere, you can transfer after the first year or two, but understand that these funds more than likely will not follow you to your new school.

Counties issue grants based on their need for graduates to pursue a specific discipline. Teachers and nurses are in high demand. Areas where there is a significant shortage offer students the chance to go to college for little or nothing in return for a certain number of years of service in the needy area.

States provide grant money for minority students. These grants give money to qualified students based on race, religion, and sex. If you fall into one of these categories, apply for the grant and get the money you need for college.

The best thing about grant money is that it does not have to be paid back. It is important to check with the grant foundation on the renewal particulars of the grant. You don’t want to miss out on money in subsequent years because of a failure to renew the grant.

Local businesses and civic organizations offer scholarships for students planning on attending college. For some of these scholarships, students are chosen based on their academic record in high school. Other ones require an application to be filled out for consideration.

Banks in your state may offer college loans for parents and/or students. The loans supplement any costs that are not covered from other financial aid sources. Loans should always be a last resort when considering all forms of aid, but they are available if you need them.

Another avenue of inquiry is the financial aid office of a state college. After deciding to attend a state school visit or call their financial aid office to learn about any state grants or scholarships that are available on their campus. The state government or corporations may partner with state-funded schools or private colleges to offer money to students in need.

With all of the state sources that you find, be mindful of application deadlines. Many of the deadlines will be around the same time so staying organized is a must to get all of the information in on time. Late applications will not be considered.

State financial aid sources do exist. Check with state educational offices and your high school guidance counselor for more information.

Find out where to locate money for college in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and student loans. Mark B. Allen knows where to get money for college he is an expert writing a regular column for Financial Aid Finder. The topics Allen covers include state government aid programs, 529 College Savings Plans and fellowships, and federal student loans. Financial Aid Finder is an expert source of information for high school and college students who need help filling out forms, advice on using their financial aid counselors, and assistance locating money for tuition and books.

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment that most of us will make. The roof of our house plays an important role in preserving our house and maintaining its value in the resale market. The life of the roof depends on the roofing materials used, the local weather conditions, care taken during the installation process and the level of maintenance applied to it. Asphalt and wood shingle roofs can last for 30 to 40 years, respectively. Clay tile rofs have a lifespan of 20 years whereas metal roofs can last for more than 40 years.

The sun has a detrimental effect upon the roofing material, regardless of what type of roof it is. The rays cause the material to expand, contract, warp, curl, and lose strength and shape. Elements such as rain water, high winds, snow, hail, etc cause further damage to the already weakened roof resulting in leaks, damage, mildew and fungus growth.

If an inspection of a roof reveal that there is a leakage problem at several points and that the shingles are worn out, replacing the roof is a better idea than making repairs. A new roof offers the benefits of providing sturdy protection for your house preventing damage to the structural systems inside the home from leaks as well as a new roof can provide improved insulation and a change in the appearance of your home.

Types of roofing materials

There are many different types of materials that are used for the purpose of roofing.

Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are usually made from western red cedar and are popular because they are easy to manufacture, light weight and have a very distinctive appearance.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is one of the most commonly used roofing materials around today. It has a lifespan of 15-25 years. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass body that is coated with asphalt and mineral granules for added protection. When the edges of the asphalt begin to crack and warp, it indicates that age has caught up with the material, which is beginning to dry and may no longer be a good weather proofing material. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be used with a variety of flashing and edging products without any special accessories for roof edges, wall cuttings, and chimneys.

Tiles
Tiles can be either ceramic, clay, or concrete. Ceramic tiles are favored in warmer climates. Tiles lend style to the roof but are difficult to install because of their weight. The roofs need to be reinforced before tiles can be laid out.

Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years with periodic maintenance, they need to be painted and protected from moisture. Metal roofs are available in sheets at home improvement stores in a wide range of colors and can be crafted to give the appearance of traditional tiles. They are sturdy and durable.

Slate
Slate is another durable roofing material that is almost non-absorbent. Slate has been used for centuries. It is a naturally occurring product that is resistant to wind, sun, rain, and other forces of nature. Its gentle colors and unique textures coupled with its durability offer a great mix of utility and beauty. However, slate roofs are difficult to install and the material is expensive.

Cost comparison between roofing materials

Factors affecting the cost of the roof include the area to be covered; the material used, layers of shingles placed; effort involved in removing the existing roofing; and any work required on the gutters and siding. The cost of roofing materials is usually quoted in terms of squares. One square is equal to an area of 10 feet x 10 feet.

Costs of common roofing materials are given below. These costs are exclusive of the installation charges.

Fiberglass coated with asphalt:
It comes with a warranty of 25-35 years and costs between $30 - $35 per square foot. The weight per square can range from 200 to 300 pounds.

Wood shingles:
These carry a warranty of 20-30 years and cost between $100 - $200 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 300 to 350 pounds.

Clay/Concrete tiles:
The warranty for tiles can range from 25 to 75 years. Tiles can cost between $150 - $500 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 500 - 1200 pounds.

Steel and Aluminum:
These come with a warranty of up to 50 years and can cost between $150 - $250 per square foot. The weight per square is in the range of 50 - 100 pounds.

Natural Slate:
It carries a warranty of over 100 years and costs between $300 - $600 per square foot. It weighs between 600 - 2000 pounds per square.

How long does a new roof take to install?

Roofing is a seasonal business, so if you intend to get it done by a roofing contractor, it is possible that your turn may come after a week or two of your agreeing to get the work done. Other important factors include the weather conditions, area of the roof and the roofing material. An asphalt roof can be finished in 2 - 3 days. A wood shingle roof can be laid in 3 - 4 days. Metal roofing can be completed in 2 - 4 days.

Can a homeowner do the roofing by himself?

Some types of roofs lend themselves more easily as a do it yourself project than others. Roofing is a very physical job that requires a fair amount of brawn and some brains too. The work involves moving a lot of material and nailing it in place, installing the flashing requires skill. If you wish to get it first-time right, it is advisable to take the help of someone who has done it before. A roofing project requires the efforts of more than one person. An important consideration is the weather, if you get a spell of clear weather, try and finish the work, if the weather changes you must be equipped to protect the unfinished roof against the elements. Also, you need to be careful about your own safety while handling various tools, a slip from roof height is potentially fatal.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com, http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

I could not believe my ears when the ESPN sportscaster announced that Shaquille O’Neal had been traded to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Two years removed from an NBA Championship, Shaq is being moved again. Yes, the Heat are a dismal 9-40, but those are pretty lofty standards - trading someone after winning the championship a mere two seasons earlier. That’s kind of harsh. But then again, if the price is right, in this case Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, you gotta make the deal happen.

So, who is this deal good for? Well, it is good for both teams, but maybe not how you think:

Suns: For the Suns, this trade is a good thing for the immediate future. I think that D’Antoni and Coangelo are thinking that Steve Nash only has a few more good years in him before he starts going south, and they want to win a championship before that happens. So, they bring in Shaq, who for the immediate future can help the Suns. Shaq still has a little left in that old, worn down body of his to contribute in the playoffs.

In order for Phoenix to finally compete with the big boys of the West, they really need a big, powerful center. Shaq is just that. Also, with the whole Shaq vs. Kobe drama rearing its ugly head again, Shaq may have an chip on his shoulder. A 7-foot, 350-lbs hall of famer with something to prove is a dangerous thing. If the Suns’ sole goal is to win a championship this year or maybe the next, the trade was a good idea. However, as for the long-term, this trade was stupid. Shaq will be gone in a couple of years and now Marion is gone as well.

Heat: For the Heat, this was a very good trade. One that may salvage their season as Shawn Marion is sure to revitalize a very demoralized Miami team. Since their Championship, the Heat have gone down hill, to say the least. I don’t think any team has ever fallen from grace as fast as the Heat have. Two years ago, they were the best team in basketball. Now, they are the worst, being beat out by the likes of the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. But now that Marion is in Miami, the Heat will be getting a full dose of what they have needed all season - energy and defense. Wade and company will be able to score enough points to win games. But the question is whether they can put up enough of a defensive effort to avoid being outscored every game.

Furthermore, not only will Marion help this season, but he is the type of player you can build a strong team around. With him, Haslem and Wade in Miami, the Heat will right the ship.

So, I’d say for the short-run, the Suns made a pretty good trade. However, the Heat definitely got the best of this transaction as Marion and Banks will help in the short-run and long-run.

Nishan Wilde is VP of Sales at RobbinsSports.com, an online resource for Baseball Uniforms, Track Uniforms and Stopwatches.