This guide, which is intended for middle aged and older women who are interested in starting, resuming, or completing education and training, explains how and where to find financial aid. Chapter 1 discusses the importance of developing an overall financial aid search strategy and suggests procedures for identifying and pursuing possible financial aid sources. Chapters 2-4 describe the following: 32 financial aid programs set aside exclusively for midlife/older women; ways female veterans can locate information on hundreds of financial aid opportunities open to them and 24 financial aid programs available to women with family connections to the military; and 6 major federal financial aid programs open to midlife/older women. Listed in chapter 5 are the agencies responsible for awarding student financial aid and guaranteed loans in U.S. states and territories. Chapter 6 covers creative ways of reducing educational expenses (getting credit for life experience by preparing a portfolio or testing for credit, pursuing an off-campus degree, and attending a community college first). Chapter 7 contains an annotated bibliography of 34 directories of sources of general financial aid and aid for specific subjects and special population groups. (MN)