We’re almost there: acceptance letters are arriving and the May 1 decision day is right around the corner. For most families, how much schools cost is part of the decision making process. But comparing award letters from different schools might seem like comparing apples to taco salad. The good news is, all offers need to show total cost of attendance,…
Annuities are, too. And yet, insurance salespeople love to prey on parents trying to juggle college, retirement and other savings priorities. Claims that “It’s better for financial aid since you don’t have to report it on the FAFSA!” and “You don’t have to decide whether to save for retirement or for college because you can use it for both!” have…
Outside scholarships can be a great way to stretch your college budget. And sometimes they offer more than just scholarship dollars: my daughter receives an outside scholarship that includes a career mentor who helped her find an internship that led to a full-time job offer when she graduates this spring. Outside scholarships can also be an exercise in frustration with…
If your financial aid award includes work-study, you should understand what it is. Work study falls under the self-help column of financial aid, meaning it’s not free money. You have to find a qualifying job and work at the job to earn this portion of your financial aid award. Work-study is a federally subsidized job at your college or university….
Last week I bumped into a friend whose daughter is a high school senior. Like many of her peers, she’s very caught up in the college application process and eagerly awaiting acceptance letters. Needless to say, her enthusiasm is infectious and my friend is so excited about her next steps. I’m in a similar spot, with my two in their…