There is so much speculation going around about the death of pop star Prince last week. Yesterday in the supermarket I saw tabloid headlines that he was murdered, he was killed by drugs ………and the speculation goes on and on. Initial estimates are that Prince’s estate is worth over $300 million and that does not even start to count in the value of unreleased … [Read more...]
Forgiveness or Refinancing – a blessing or a mistake?
April 21, 2016 by
OK so I have graduated from college, now what is the most efficient way of paying off my student loans? I have received a few questions about the best way to repay my student loan. PS – DON’T MISS THE WARNING AT THE END OF THIS! Please note that there are pro’s and con’s to each option of paying off your loan and will affect each family’s unique … [Read more...]
10 Mistakes families make when appealing Financial Aid
April 3, 2016 by
The Parent calling the financial aid office Your student is now being treated as an adult (in many cases for the first time) and the college does not want to communicate with the parent. Who asks for more help and how they do it is vital to your student’s success in appealing their financial aid. We have experienced a number of times where schools will … [Read more...]
Market Volatility – what should I be thinking?
March 1, 2016 by
Obviously we are all watching what is happening in the market and how it affects our finances and retirement. Many are concerned as to what to do in this environment of volatility. As I mentioned to a client last week – “This is your money and obviously we will do whatever you want” Most people however have engaged SageView Advisory for advice, and although … [Read more...]
5 Critical things Parents need to know TODAY about College Planning
February 18, 2016 by
There are always two sides to the College Planning story. Here are some tips on the Financial side. Even if I have high Net worth or High income, it’s possible to get the cost of college reduced by 1000’s of dollars - if I have the correct plan in place before I apply. Many families have been told that they make too much money or have too many assets and … [Read more...]
Do I have the sharpest tool in the box for Finances and College?
February 9, 2016 by
Growing up on a farm in Africa had it’s benefits. We had a whole room where we stored all of our tools and bench vices and various parts for piping and tractors and vehicles and bricklaying. We also had the privilege of having my grandfather living with us after my grandmother had passed away. He was a man of integrity that had fought for the Allies in the … [Read more...]
10 Simple Steps to completing the FAFSA for College
February 2, 2016 by
Firstly, I would like to encourage parents to not be stressed by the form – it is fairly simple, but if this does stress you out, feel free to call and we will help wherever we can. Our advice is to always check in BEFORE you complete and sign the FAFSA to see if you would be able to qualify for better benefits with some proper … [Read more...]
12 questions Parents should ask themselves early when thinking about College? 9-12
January 14, 2016 by
To see questions 5-8 click HERE To see questions 1-4 click HERE The answers to these questions are different for each family and there are no right or wrong answers. Your family is unique and your needs are different from your neighbor. All we want is for the parents and the student to be on the same page so that there are no surprises once the student … [Read more...]
“That’s it! I’m taking your car keys away.”
December 15, 2015 by
Who is going to speak with Mom and Dad about driving and when is the right time to stop? Growing up on a farm in Africa we really had a lot more flexibility with many things compared to living in a city in America. My grandfather lived with us on the farm after he had retired and it was a wonderful experience – especially because he was someone who could … [Read more...]
Stop trying to make me make a decision – why can’t it be like we always had it?
December 15, 2015 by
The Holidays could be a stressful time! For those families who have worked with our Financial and College Planning services, you are aware that one of the ways that we save families money is to help students identify their strengths in order to make wise decisions on the college and career choices. In many cases, this could save an extra year or two at … [Read more...]
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