<p>Hi, I need some clarification on the question where the FAFSA asks the total cash, savings and checkings account balance for the student.</p>
<p>I know that it says not to put any financial aid into the balance. However, I actually had money (say amount x) in there before I received my aid this past year. Over this year, I've used that "x" amount and some of the financial aid I've received.</p>
<p>Thus, in total, I have less than the total aid I was given from last year. Do I count it all as aid even though some of that money spent wasn't aid? I don't want to be penalized for trying to save my past year's financial aid for next school year.</p>