A common mistake with families is they wait too long to plan for college and end up un-prepared, misinformed and without the many opportunities to get free money. Summertime is perfect college planning time and working with a College Planning Expert can offer immediate benefits.
Number One: Know Your Expected Family Contribution Costs
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the minimum amount of money any school expects you to pay towards college. The sooner you know this number you can accumulate enough to cover this amount. Fact – The government expects you to pay your share towards college regardless of schools you apply to. Take action now to learn to save versus borrow to cover college costs. Visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com to calculate your EFC or contact my office for a free consultation and we’ll help you.
Number Two: Get Your Financials In Order
Determine which assets you have accumulated in the “wrong” places to either gift or reposition them before applying for aid. It could cost as much as seven times more heavily than money saved correctly. Change your financial picture for this year resulting in thousands of dollars lost in eligible future aid.
Number Three: Select Schools Based On Their Record of Giving Free Money
Pick schools that have the best ability to meet your financial needs and avoid costly expenses when there is no way to afford the schools even if your child is accepted. Find schools with the best histories of giving quality financial aid packages – more free money, less loans!
Number Four: Go Private and Start A Year In Advance
Private Scholarships are sources of free money with no repayment offered based on talents, skills, interests, athletics, ethnicity, and religious affiliation, etc. and only available if you can locate and apply for them if you start looking in your child’s junior year. Let us help find you free money!
Brian Safdari is a Certified College Planner with offices located at 28494 Westinghouse Place, Suite 206 in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-295-9946 or visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com for a free consultation.