March means acceptance letters are arriving—and that means it’s time to start interpreting financial aid award letters. With ongoing uncertainty around federal education policy and student loans, it’s more important than ever to make thoughtful financial decisions about college. For most families, cost plays a major role in the final college decision. But comparing financial aid offers can feel like…

One provision of last year’s OBBBA created a new account type: the 530A, sometimes called a “Trump Account.” It’s being promoted as a way to save for college, a first home, or retirement. But what exactly is it—and does it make sense for college savings? What Is a 530A? A 530A is a new IRA-style account for children under 18….

If your financial aid award includes work-study, it’s important to understand what it actually is — and what it isn’t. Work-study falls under the “self-help” category of financial aid. It’s not free money. Instead, it’s an opportunity to earn money through a qualifying on- or off-campus job. You only receive those funds if you find a job and work during…

Buying I Bonds was a smart move back when they were paying 9%. But with interest rates much lower now, they might feel more like a high yield savings account with extra hassles attached. Good news: you can use your I Bonds to pay for college– and like a 529 distribution, the interest could be tax-free. You have a couple…

When I talk with families about building a college budget, I often hear:“Well, our household expenses will go way down once our student goes off to college.” And yes—some expenses do go away. But others pop up to replace them, including costs that don’t appear anywhere in the school’s official Cost of Attendance. If you want a realistic picture of…