Next Steps FAFSA

What should I do now (October 2024) while waiting for FAFSA to open

1. Now – Register on FAFSA website to get SAI (Student Aid Index) Actual completion of FAFSA occurs this year from Dec 1^st
2. Go to – https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
3. Create your FSAID account – one for the parent and one for the student

You will need

• Full Name
• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Your own e mail address (The Student and the Parent need separate email addresses)
• Cell number (For Verification) The student and the parent each need their own Cell number and e mail address

2. Work with Counselor on list of schools and likely acceptance to schools

3. Get accurate “Estimated SAI” (Free 90-min appointment with College Planning America available)

4. Use School list and SAI to get “College Report” from College Planning America no-cost appointment

This will include Estimated Cost of Attendance, possible Grants and Scholarships, reports on school graduation rate, number of students etc)

5. Work on Financial Retirement Plan                                                                  

               – How much do I have set aside now?

               – How much am I saving now?

               – How much will I need in retirement?

               – How long will the money last?                                                                            

6. Decide on College Budget, based on Financial Plan above – THIS IS WHERE MOST MONEY IS SAVED

7. Discuss outcomes and desires with student, counselor to possibly add options to your list with this info

8. Start College Applications

9. December 1^st – Start FAFSA application

10. Check e mail regularly – almost all communication and instructions are via e mail

Scholarships:

If you do a “College Report” with us (no cost) then you will have some school – specific scholarship info

Or you can search online

• Scholarships.com
• Fastweb.com
• Cappex.com

Myscholly.com

If you would like to discuss how you can make wise decisions for Retirement Planning and College Planning for your family? Please don’t hesitate to contact Dave Coen to set up a no-cost consultation.

You can see more about my role as a Financial Advisor with SageView Advisory  HERE

Tel:714-813-1703
dcoen@sageviewadvisory / davec@collegeplanningamerica.com