Let’s “Get Real” About Financial Fit
When I meet with families, one of the first things I encourage is open, honest conversations about their financial situation. No shame. No secrets. Here’s how I support them:
Understanding the Full Picture: We get clear on what’s possible financially. How can we make this work for your family?
Building Financial Fit Into the College List: Together, we strategize how to prioritize schools that align with your financial goals.
Sharing Resources: I provide access to the BEST resources to empower families in these essential conversations. Our Funding College section on the Parent Community has buckets of resources to check out!
We also hosted a webinar with Liane Crane, our financial guru, last year (pssttt: scroll to the bottom to register for her upcoming event!)
Ready to Tackle the FAFSA? Here’s How
It’s that time of year when our inbox is flooded with questions about financial aid, the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarships. We’ve got you covered! The CSS Profile is available to fill out NOW, and the FAFSA will open on December 1, 2024.
What You Need to Know About FAFSA: Check out our helpful guide HERE
“The FAFSA is the application required by all schools to award federal student aid,” explains Brad Barnett, director of financial aid and scholarships at James Madison University. Nearly all students who apply qualify for some form of aid. It’s important to get started early because funds are often limited.
Here are some quick tips:
️ When Does the FAFSA Open?
The application opens on December 1, 2024, for the 2025-2026 school year. Submitting early increases your chances of getting the best financial aid package. Colleges set priority filing deadlines—usually in February or March—so don’t delay!
What You Need to Complete the Application:
- FSA ID: Request your FSA ID a few days before filling out the FAFSA. Both the student and parent will need one.
- Documents: Gather tax returns from two years prior, savings account details, and any other necessary financial documents.
- Including All Schools: Be sure to list all the colleges you’re considering. You can always add more schools later.
- Sign and Submit: Both student and parent (if dependent) need to sign using their FSA IDs.
Common Questions:
- Can you get school-based aid without the FAFSA?
Yes, but schools may still request that you complete the FAFSA. - How much do student bank accounts impact financial aid?
The FAFSA assesses student assets, including savings, at 20%. - Can a student request more aid if needed?
Yes! Students can appeal their aid package by contacting the financial aid office with clear, factual reasons.
For More Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to Mark Candler, a Wealth Management Advisor at Maia Wealth, for expert advice on planning your finances. Contact him at mark@maiawealth.com
Upcoming Event: Parent’s Guide to Financial Aid with Liane Crane
I’m excited to announce that Liane Crane is joining us again for a live event on October 28th at 1pm MST. She’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and smart strategies for funding college.
✨ Register Now: The Parent’s Guide to College Financial Aid: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and Funding Strategies ✨
Start preparing today, and let’s make sure you and your family have the knowledge and tools to tackle college expenses with confidence!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Laura Barr is a deeply experienced and passionate college consultant, founder of Emerging Educational Consulting, and creator of the Capstone Certification program. She is dedicated to helping families and professionals navigate the college application process with simplicity, deliberation, and joy. Want to learn more about our services? Tell us your story!
