financial advice & planning

What Are The 529 Plan Rules?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

financial advice & planning

How The American Opportunity Tax Credit Can Save You $2,500 Per Year

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

financial advice & planning

Let’s Talk About Money: 6 Conversations Families Should Have Before College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

financial advice & planning

Dollars and Sense: Practical Tips for Managing Finances as a Student

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 8, 2025

College is a crash course in independence. This is most evident when it comes to managing your finances. Whether you’re choosing between meal plans or managing student loans, financial decisions can become all-consuming quickly. It may feel easier to ignore them and pass the literal buck down the road. But here’s the truth: what you …

financial advice & planning

4 Easy Steps to Clean and Organize Your Finances in College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

financial advice & planning

How to Lower the Cost of College Education with Fee Waivers

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

financial advice & planning

Which 529 College Savings Plan Is Right for My Family?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

financial advice & planning

From dependent to independent: filing taxes for the first time

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 10, 2026

Key takeaways: If you make above a certain amount, you must file federal taxes each year through the IRS. Filing as an independent could result in a larger tax return and additional tax credits. You can complete your taxes with paper forms, with tax preparation software, or a professional If you’re filing your taxes for …

financial advice & planning

Ways To Save Money In The College Search Process

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The one mistake many families make is budgeting for college is overlooking how much they spend even before their student leaves high school. And it’s not just the applications that cost. Families spend a substantial amount on the college search process itself. Here are some ways you can save money on the college search process. …

financial advice & planning

How Can I Stick To A Personal Budget In College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2025

One of the most important (and scariest) things you may experience as a college student is sticking to a budget. It doesn’t sound like much fun, but unless you happen to be independently wealthy, sticking to a personal budget is something you will have to get used to while you are in college. The plethora …