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?
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
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?
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
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
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.”
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?
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...]
10 questions Parents should ask themselves early when thinking about College?
(For the sake of brevity, I have included 4 here and the rest will follow the next time.) 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 … [Read more...]
College – What is my Money Strength?
Our main reason for helping families with the College Planning and Financial process is to identify areas that might be inefficient and to educate parents and students on how to correct that. One of the BIG areas where families end up spending $1000’s of dollars more on college is with the choices that are made with potential schools and career and major … [Read more...]