Sep 23

Quirks of the Financial Aid Application: Answers to Some FAFSA FAQ

When you think about financial aid, “quirky” might not be the first word that comes to mind. However, with something so complex as finances and all the different personal situations for students, you might not be surprised to discover how “quirky” it can be. Check out some of the answers... read more →

Sep 16

All You Need to Know About the FSA ID

Part of the college application process for seniors is applying for financial aid and/or student loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The very first step students and parents need to complete before starting the FAFSA, is obtaining an FSA ID. What is it... read more →

Sep 13

Cwp Only 41% Of Undergraduates Finish In 4 Years

New Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

Recently, President Joe Biden announced a sweeping student loan forgiveness plan. We want to clarify what, exactly, this plan is, and the key information you need to know. Student Loan Forgiveness President Biden announced on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, that a student loan forgiveness plan would go into action this... read more →

September 13, 2022
Joe Messinger, CFP®
College, College Planning, Financial Planning

Sep 08

Only 41% of Undergraduates Finish in 4 years

Updated September 2022. If your goal is to keep the cost of college down, it's critical that your student graduates in four years. The average price of college tuition today is: $38,070 at private colleges $10,740 at public colleges (in-state residents) $27,560 at public colleges (out-of-state residents) Adding another year... read more →

Sep 02

The Most Dangerous Words in College Planning

"If you get in, we'll make it work." These 8 words are by far the most dangerous words in college planning. We hear from parents who have told their children this all the time. Suddenly, they find themselves faced with staggering college costs that they had not anticipated, and they... read more →

Aug 18

Today’s Colleges: Sophisticated Marketing Machines

We have to warn you. The competition for your student is fierce. Many parents already know what we’re talking about. When your student reaches high school (often after they register for their first ACT or SAT exam), the deluge begins. The snail mail, email, phone calls, social media, and more... read more →

Aug 12

Why Are Students Dropping Out of College?

This fact may shock you...as of 2022, the college dropout rate is up 32.9%. Undergraduate freshmen have a one-year dropout rate of 24.1%. These numbers are startling, especially for parents who have high hopes that their children will attend college and thrive. How can we make sure students are financially... read more →

Aug 05

Action Plan for College: Junior Year

Junior year is when students can start to see the finish line of high school. They are actively thinking about their next steps--college, career, or maybe military? Things have become REAL! It is the last full year that colleges will have complete grades to evaluate in the student’s application. Parents... read more →

Jul 29

Action Plan for College: Sophomore Year

Sophomore year is a time when high school students have settled in. They know the drill, and are comfortable with how high school works. At this point, they will start to think about life after college in a very generic way. Their path is starting to take shape. What are... read more →

Jul 22

Action Plan for College: Freshman Year

In your child's freshman year, everything about high school is new (and sometimes kind of scary). New school, new classes, new classmates, new teachers...your child is starting on the next part of their journey, and they know that things will continue to change for them in the future as they... read more →