WASHINGTON -- Throughout the year, I receive hundreds of e-mails and questions by way of my regular online discussion from people hoping for an answer to their most pressing personal finance issues.

I can't possibly answer every one. But over the next few weeks as 2009 comes to a close, I'll try to answer some that cover recurring money issues.

Today's first question comes from a public-sector attorney who is struggling to pay off huge student loan debts.

"I manage to save every month by cutting down on every possible expense," the lawyer wrote. "But it's hard to stay motivated. Should I get a second job for the weekend? Do I quit the public sector, which I love, and go to a private firm although I hate the idea?"

The reader didn't say how much debt he or she was carrying, but if it's like many others who have gone to law school, it's more than six figures.

I think it's a good idea to take on another job to get rid of this debt as soon as possible. I wouldn't suggest leaving the public sector; we need talented people serving in these positions.

But there's another option. There is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, "one of the most significant breakthroughs for public interest lawyers in a generation," according to Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to help provide a pipeline of lawyers entering public service.

The program is for federal student loan borrowers who work in certain kinds of jobs. To qualify for loan forgiveness, a borrower must have made monthly loan payments for at least 10 years. Equal Justice Works has a free online resource center at equaljusticeworks.org that provides information to cope with student debt. Go to the site and click on the link for "Resources." Under that heading you will see a link for "Student Debt Relief."

Lots of people also have questions about the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

A representative inquiry: "Is there an income cap to receive the first-time homebuyer's $8,000? I make over $125,000."

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the deadline to qualify for the $8,000 credit meant for homebuyers who have not owned a primary residence during the three years up to the date of purchase.