Squealing and grinding noise

Noise is pretty loud when starting the car, has both periodically become louder and nearly stopped while driving. Thought the noise could have been the alternator belt was loose or needing to be replace, but it appears to be fine. And I hear the noise coming more from the passenger side of the car. I am just fixing what I can gal who hates getting in trouble when something goes wrong that I can be blamed on me. Any suggestions as to what possibly is the problem and maybe the cause of it as well is greatly appreciated and I thank you.