Next to retirement, saving for college is the number two savings priority for parents. (1) But despite the importance of having a college plan, many Americans feel ill-equipped to tackle their goals. On top of that, there are multiple ways to save for your child’s post-secondary education and not all savings vehicles are created equal. It can be difficult to know … [Read more...]
The Top Four Regrets In College Planning
June 15, 2018 by
When you first held your child in your arms, you might have dreamed of all the things they would do in their life. Was one of those dreams seeing them get a top-notch college education that would launch them into their career? According to a ChildTrends report, almost 90% of parents expect their children to go to college, (1) yet 35% of parents have not started … [Read more...]
Ten Questions To Ask About College Planning
May 17, 2018 by
Most people understand the importance of seeking help with their retirement planning or appreciate the value of investment management, but college planning is an often neglected piece of the financial puzzle. The average graduate leaves college with huge student loans (1) and parents also take on debt to cover the cost of higher education. According to a Sallie … [Read more...]
Five Steps to Get Your College Plan in Order
May 7, 2018 by
Regardless of whether your child is two or twelve, the thought of college has probably crossed your mind. In the busyness of life and never-ending financial pressures, it is all too easy to put saving for college on the back burner. But one thing in life is certain; time moves quickly. Don’t get caught unaware and unprepared for college. Your child’s education is … [Read more...]
What We Do and How We Can Help
April 11, 2018 by
By Dave Coen Just because your student is leaving the nest, it does not mean they have to take your nest egg with them. When it comes to the future of our children, as parents we all want the very best for them. We want to be able to send them to the best-fit schools for an education that will help them achieve their best in life as well as achieving the … [Read more...]
Giraffe, Finances and the Circle of Life
October 31, 2016 by
For many years I have taken teams of people to South Africa to do work among those less fortunate than most of us. This last month I was reminded once again that we often think we are going to faraway places to give of ourselves and our resources, but we end up receiving life altering insights and gifts as we connect with those in need and recognize our common … [Read more...]
Things to do on my College Campus visit
March 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Many parents and students of high school senior and juniors are currently visiting college campuses during spring break or will be during the summer. Here are some tips to help you with your choices: Gather Information Find out what you need to do to apply and see if the college’s class and major offerings are what you want: • Take part in a group … [Read more...]
EFC Calculation changes for 2013
December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
For those parents who have decided to try out their own EFC calculations, there are some updates that you will need to know for the 2013 calculations which begin on January 1st. The Parent Asset Protection Allowances have changed significantly for both Two-Parent and One Parent families. The APA’s have decreased across the board, resulting in an unfavorable … [Read more...]
Where to find College Money
November 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I often get asked the question – “Where can we find money for college education?” It could come primarily from 8 different areas. 1. Federal Programs – The majority of the money available is from here. 2. College need based awards. 3. State programs 4. The family’s EFC or “Expected Family Contribution” 5. Private, Local , and public funds. … [Read more...]
Under plan, UC tuition could rise by 16% a year
September 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The University of California would raise student tuition by at least 8 percent - or as much as 16 percent - every year through 2016 under a plan that UC leaders will propose to the regents Thursday in San Francisco. Basic tuition could top $22,000 in just four years, not including other mandatory fees, books, room and board, if the regents adopt the idea at … [Read more...]
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