Saving or raising money to pay for college can be a long and challenging process. There are a lot of elements that go into the planning, and so many affect one another. One of the biggest factors when it comes to financial aid is EFC. Let’s break it down. What is EFC? EFC stands for …
What Are The 529 Plan Rules?
When it comes to saving for college, 529 plans are often at the forefront of many parents’ savings research and goals. However, there are a lot of rules and information to digest. States offer 529 plans to give parents a way to save for their kids’ college tuition. Parents who start saving in a 529 …
How The American Opportunity Tax Credit Can Save You $2,500 Per Year
College is quite an investment, especially for families with multiple children. Saving up for higher education can be a challenge. There always seems to be one more fee to pay, another textbook to purchase, and so on… Luckily, there is some help available. If you are a parent with one or more children enrolled in …
Let’s Talk About Money: 6 Conversations Families Should Have Before College
Nobody really likes talking about finances and budgets, especially when things are tight. Money discussions between parents and their college-bound students navigate several delicate issues. Students may have their heart set on attending their ‘dream’ school. But what if mom and dad just can’t afford the high tuition fees? Should their child give up on …
7 Important Financial Tips College-Bound Students Need to Know
There’s a lot a college bound student needs to learn and top of this list is how to navigate finances. Developing money management skills before going to college will set the stage for lifelong fiscal responsibility. More importantly, it can help prevent common financial disasters such as bankruptcy. Here are 7 important financial tips all …
How to Save Money in College: 4 Easy Steps
There is absolutely no doubt that college is expensive. Everyone wonders how to save money in college. Even if you have a job it can be tricky. However, there are definitely ways to do it! Here how to save money in college in four great steps to get you on your way to a strong …
4 Easy Steps to Clean and Organize Your Finances in College
Cleaning up your finances while you’re in college may seem like a tedious or intimidating chore. Do you really need to do that now? Can’t it wait until after you graduate? You could, but the problem with ignoring them now is dealing with a bigger mess later. Over a period of time, minor financial issues …
How to Lower the Cost of College Education with Fee Waivers
Getting a college education is expensive and that starts right at the application stage. If you are looking at ways to lower your overall cost of college education (and you should be), start today by exploring ways to minimize your college app fees. Narrow Down Your College Choices It’s tempting to want to apply to as …
Which 529 College Savings Plan Is Right for My Family?
Everyone needs a little help when it comes to saving money and planning ahead for college. With tuition costs and student debt increasing every year, it may feel quite daunting. But don’t give up hope. There are college saving plans out there that can help you save for and afford college. But have you ever …
From Dependent to Independent: Filing Taxes for the First Time
If you’re filing taxes for the first time, you might not know how to feel about it. Some people are excited because they know a tax refund is waiting. Others are worried they’ll be audited or have to pay a tax bill. Here are some need-to-know tax facts to help you understand the process and …