Help! My college money is running out!

Dear Dr. Don,
My dad recently gave me the rest of my college money, and that's it. I'm financially cut off! It is $10,000 and, it's going fast because I haven't been able to find a summer job. There's enough for one more semester at my public university plus a little bit more. I know I can get loans and stuff for school, but what about my living expenses, what do I do when I get out of college, etc.? What do I do? Help me! Thanks.
-- Sara Solitaire

Dear Sara,
While standing on your own two feet financially sounds, and is, a little scary, it's an important part of growing up and making your way in the world. You didn't say what stage you are in your college education, but your father has made it clear that this is as far as he is willing or able to take you, and you have to find your own way from here.

Go talk to someone at the financial aid office at your school. Explain your situation and start applying for financial aid. If you haven't filled out a Free Application for Financial Aid, or FAFSA, you'll need to do that now. It's a little late in the year to start this process, but the financial aid office can explain what aid is available and what your options are for financing tuition, room and board. Bankrate's College Finance channel can give you an overview of the entire college financing process.

It's July. Stop thinking summer job and start thinking job as a way to keep up the cash flow. Look for something near school that you can take on part time. Working your way through school can take a little longer, but you get the same degree when you're finished and gain a talking point when you interview for your first job out of college.

Put together a spending plan to make that 10 grand go as far as it can. I don't like to call it a budget, but you need to map out your income and expenses. You're looking to maintain a measure of financial flexibility. That's why you're looking into financial aid and loans as well -- to keep as much of the $10,000 as you can as a cash reserve to keep your financial ship afloat while you make your way through school.

Your father has done you a favor. Start looking at it that way and figure out how to become successful, independent and accomplished by your own work.