While America's big three auto makers have been struggling with the worst auto market in recent memory, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has so far insisted that it would not need government aid in order to survive. One analyst, however, is not so optimistic that this will prove to be true.

Brian Johnson, an analyst for Barclays Capital warned today that he believes there is a good chance that before the end of 2009 Ford will be changing its tune and looking to cash in on a little government aid.

Today's opinion came as the analyst slashed his price target on the stock from $4 down to $1 (stock is currently trading at $1.90), and lowered his rating on the company from an "equalweight" to "underweight".

In this multi-part personal finance series, readers will learn various ways to help save money for a college education, from off-the wall-scholarships and 529 programs to the right time to refinance your loans. Parents and students alike who read this series will find something to help reduce the costs of a higher education before, during and after it takes place.

Part IV: Financial Aid

Last year, 1.8 million low- to moderate-income families missed out on help from the government because they did not fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA for short, which is needed to qualify for any federal, state and some institutional financial aid awards, according to the American Council on Education. In addition, the Council estimated that 1.5 million families missed out on the Pell Grant, an award of $4,310 that does not have to be paid back, just because they failed to file the proper paperwork.

If I told you the government would give you $4,310 if you simply filled out a form, you'd do it in a heartbeat right?