Paying for college can be a daunting task. Before the bill arrives, the idea is theoretical. But when it hits your inbox, it’s all-too-real. And it must be paid. Don’t panic, do this: Understand the bill The college bill should be very clear about: How much is owed for tuition, housing, meal plans, mandatory fees, lab fees, health insurance and …
SAVE Plan Ends: 8 Key Steps for Borrowers
If you’re one of the 7.7 million on the SAVE plan, you should be aware that it’s ending. Recent changes from the new bill may feel discouraging, but taking steps now helps protect your credit, finances, and emotional well-being. Before diving into the action steps, let’s clarify what the SAVE Plan actually is. The SAVE Plan (Saving on a Valuable …
On Campus vs. Off Campus: How Your Housing Choice Impacts FAFSA
Choosing to live on or off campus is more than just a lifestyle decision; it can also impact your financial aid. Many students rely on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for loans, grants, and work-study programs. However, few realize that it also factors in your living arrangement while at school. Whether you stay …
How the “Big Beautiful Bill” Will Affect Your Student Loans
Change is coming to federal student loans, and whether you’re a current borrower, planning for college, or helping your kids pay for school, the “Big Beautiful Bill” is about to reshape the rules. Here’s what’s changing, what isn’t, and how you can plan ahead to protect your financial future. 🚦 Big Dates to Remember July 2026: New rules for borrowing …
Federal Loan Interest Rates Are Lower – But Are They the Right Choice for You?
Good news: starting July 1st the interest rate for Federal Loans is lower than the borrowing rate for Academic Year 2024-25. This year, students will be charged 6.39% and parents will pay 8.94% for Federal Direct and Federal Direct Plus Loans respectively. The Origination Fees are unchanged for each: 1.057% for Direct Loans and 4.228% for Plus Loans. Students and …
Protect Your College Savings from Inflation with a 529 Prepaid Plan
Saving a Dollar Today is Better than Borrowing One Tomorrow®. But, HOW should you save? Over 17 million families have saved more than $500 billion in 529 saving plans and another $26 billion in prepaid 529 plans. Unlike the better-known savings plans, prepaid tuition plans allow families to lock in current tuition rates for future use. This article compares 529 …
What’s the Fuss about 529s?
Headlines abound about the value of college. So, what about saving for college? Why bother saving if there is question about the value of college to start? And what about the argument that saving for college will kill my kid’s chance of getting financial aid? First, that last argument is no argument at all. It is nothing more than a …
Two Financial Hacks to Wring Long- and Short-Term Risk out of Paying for College
College is expensive. Parents would feel better about investing for their child’s education if they could mitigate some of the future financial risks. Two of the most concerning risks: run-away inflation and fear of a student unexpectedly leaving college. But these fears can be alleviated or even eliminated! How? Prepaid college savings plans can help control future run-away inflation costs. …
Financial, Academic, Social Fit and Timeliness (FAST) = a Great College Fit
Choosing the right college is one of the most significant decisions in a student’s life. Most counselors and families immediately think of Academic and Social Fit. But the bookends to the FAST acronym are equally important: Financial Fit and Timeliness. A great college fit includes: Financial Academic Social Timeliness This article explores these four essential components to help students make …
A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating College Admissions Deadlines
Choosing colleges and then deciding when to apply are at the heart of the college admissions process. Each type of deadline serves different student needs, may lead to binding decisions, and can significantly impact your student’s application strategy. In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common types of college admissions deadlines to help you and your student make …
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