So, you are not too old to chase your dreams. Yes, masters degrees cost money. No, money doesn't grow on trees (I think anyway, if you find a money tree, please let me have one of the seeds).

I think it's great that you are going ahead and finishing the AA and then planning to transfer. At that point you might be able to get full time work and go part time to work on your masters. So don't give up, look around and see what your options are. Information and knowledge are power here. I also didn't finish my degree "on time," but I will finish it in this coming December, and I'll start my masters after that.

Here's something to think about, a lot of companies will pay for part of their employees continuing education, so once you finish your bachelors, look for a job with tuition reimbursement on your masters.

Best of luck to you.