Category: Financial Planning
Blog
How to Elevate Your Teen’s Resume and Give Colleges What They’re Looking For
As we start the new school year, this is the time for seniors to move into the final phase of college applications. The goal is to get an acceptance letter and attractive financial award from every school on your list. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when applying.
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4 Things to Figure Out About Your Student’s College Tuition Bill
For families with high school seniors, it can feel like the marathon is over. They have chosen their school and are getting ready for the transition to college. Transitioning includes being ready for the first tuition bill.
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How to Choose the Right College for Your Child’s Major
The data are pretty clear that college graduates, on average, earn more than people with only a high school degree. However, it is important to look beyond the averages when choosing to invest in college for your child.
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Don’t Get Caught Up in the Rush of College Planning Race
In the midst of the school year, I find that a lot of parents can get caught up in the rush towards college: hyper-focused on grades, making sure our kids check the boxes to be an “ideal applicant,” and single-mindedly working to get them into the best school possible.
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Lesser Known College Savings
As I have said many times, your child’s choice of college will have the biggest impact on the total cost of college for your family. This is due mostly to merit-based scholarships, tuition discounts, and the ability of the college to cover any financial need.
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Insights to Remember When Your Child Is Going to College
Now that National Decision Day (May 1st) has passed, it is time to start thinking about transitioning to college. Sending your son or daughter off to college is an epic shift that requires considerable preparation if it’s to go smoothly.
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Who Should Own the 529?
529 college savings plans can be a great way to put away money for college and get federal (and possibly state) tax benefits. However, who owns the 529 plan and when the funds are disbursed can impact financial aid eligibility.
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Why the Six-Year College Plan Isn’t a Great Idea
Every year as we approach May, a lot of students are eagerly anticipating graduation. High school students are looking ahead to college. College students are wrestling with the challenges of moving into the workforce. Surprisingly, a large number of college students at 4-year schools will not be graduating on time … if at all.
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Why Visiting Colleges Is Important
Visiting a college is a very important part of your student’s decision process. The glossy brochures from colleges do not really represent the experience on campus.
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Blog
What You’ll Have to Pay Can Be Higher Than Your EFC
Every family has an expected family contribution (EFC) that is calculated by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the College Board’s CSS Profile. It is the Department of Education’s estimate of the minimum amount your family can afford to contribute towards paying for college.
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