Cash for Clunkers Program Ends Tonight

If you want to get a rebate for trading in your old gas guzzler for a new fuel efficient vehicle, you have until 8 o'clock tonight to do it.

That's when the federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), as it is officially known, comes to an end.  As of last Thursday, the CARS program has recorded more than 457,000 dealer transactions worth $1.9 billion in rebates, according to the Department of Transportation.

Now you may be wondering:  What does this have to do with college planning?  Well, if you're thinking of getting a new car anyway, this program will save you up to $4,500 in rebates.  Would an extra $4,500 help put a dent in some of those college costs?  I'd say so.

Sometimes you have to think outside the box when it comes to planning for college.  It's more than just looking for financial aid or getting student loans.  Sometimes it's a matter of finding ways to free up money you might otherwise be spending to use toward your college costs.  It's all about cash flow folks.

The program provides rebates of up to people who turn in their clunkers for fuel-efficient vehicles. Most consumers have turned in trucks and SUV’s in exchange for passenger cars, according to the DOT.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the Monday night deadline will allow car dealers and buyers plenty of time to finalize purchases and submit applications for rebate from the remainder of the $3 billion provided by Congress.

Applications for rebates will not be accepted after 8 p.m. EDT Monday.  So if you've been thinking about taking advantage of this rebate program, today's the day!  You've got no more time to waste.

For more information, visit the program's official website at www.CARS.gov.

If you want to get a rebate for trading in your old gas guzzler for a new fuel efficient vehicle, you have until 8 o'clock tonight to do it.

That's when the federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), as it is officially known, comes to an end.  As of last Thursday, the CARS program has recorded more than 457,000 dealer transactions worth $1.9 billion in rebates, according to the Department of Transportation.

Now you may be wondering:  What does this have to do with college planning?  Well, if you're thinking of getting a new car anyway, this program will save you up to $4,500 in rebates.  Would an extra $4,500 help put a dent in some of those college costs?  I'd say so.

Sometimes you have to think outside the box when it comes to planning for college.  It's more than just looking for financial aid or getting student loans.  Sometimes it's a matter of finding ways to free up money you might otherwise be spending to use toward your college costs.  It's all about cash flow folks.

The program provides rebates of up to people who turn in their clunkers for fuel-efficient vehicles. Most consumers have turned in trucks and SUV’s in exchange for passenger cars, according to the DOT.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the Monday night deadline will allow car dealers and buyers plenty of time to finalize purchases and submit applications for rebate from the remainder of the $3 billion provided by Congress.

Applications for rebates will not be accepted after 8 p.m. EDT Monday.  So if you've been thinking about taking advantage of this rebate program, today's the day!  You've got no more time to waste.

For more information, visit the program's official website at www.CARS.gov.