December Newsletter 2013: Gearing up for the FAFSA, Middle Class Scholarship & More
It’s December! We reach the end of 2013 and what better time to get a head start on the FAFSA?
Because the application period for the FAFSA opens on January 1st 2014, the time sandwiched between the two holidays presents a fantastic opportunity to collect related documents. This includes tax forms and bank statements, among others fully listed in this month’s FAFSA-themed Senior Scoop.
Waiting until the 11th hour poses the threat of obtaining very little student aid. They cater to students in order of submission so it’s vital to apply as early as possible.
Middle class families may shy away from applying for the FAFSA because they believe they won’t qualify for any aid. For these families, this month’s featured find is for you. We indulge you on the requirements and details of the Middle Class Scholarship. For the 2014-15 academic year, it has the potential to award aid to students of families with up to $150,000 of income.
All the best,
Beatrice Schultz, CFP®
Westface College Planning
College Funding Specialist
650-587-1559
College Smart Radio: Tackling the Runaway Costs of CollegeTune in to 1220am KDOW – the Wall Street Business Network from 3:00pm-3:30pm every Saturday for my radio show, College Smart Radio – Tackling the Runaway Costs of College. The show can be streamed live at www.KDOW.biz, too!
Curious what College Smart Radio covers? Tune in Saturday, December 3rd when my guest Christine VanDeVelde, co-author of “College Admission: From Application to Acceptance”, reveals insight on the seemingly impenetrable fortress of being accepted. It’s not as impossible as many perceive.
Listen in to the College Smart Radio podcast of a show last week when I spoke with guest Dr. Neal King. He laid out the differences between non-profit and profit colleges, emphasizing which choice works in favor of your goals and financial benefit.
It’s all great information you won’t want to miss out on. Thanks for listening!
Featured Find: Middle Class Undergrads, Rejoice!
Thousands of middle class students suffer with a tremendous lack of financial aid simply because their household income lies above normal need-based aid. For those of you in this category, prepare for some amazing news! Governor Jerry Brown signed a California bill enacting the “Middle Class Scholarship” (MCS) program.It will help support undergraduate students with up to $150,000 in family income beginning the semester of 2014-15. Otherwise, loans have been nearly inevitable, but the MCS will lend students within the middle class bracket more leeway.
Continue reading article here.
Upcoming “Tackling the Runaway Costs of College” Webinars
Seating may be limited – Register to ensure your spot!
Our next upcoming workshop is:
- Tackling the Runaway Costs of College – Webinar:
Wednesday, December 11 2013, from 7pm to 8pm.
It’s reported that up to 70% of FAFSA submissions contain errors or remain incomplete. This leads to delays and possibly refusal of obtaining student aid. Don’t let yourself fall into this category!
- Get the Facts on the FAFSA – Webinar:
Wednesday, January 15 2014, from 7pm to 8pm.
Senior Scoop: The 5 W’s to Buckling Down & Gearing Up for a Successful FAFSA
As we approach December, dressing Christmas trees with festive ornaments and enclosing presents in colorfully decorated wrapping paper, some muse about the upcoming year’s resolutions.
One in particular should rank high on your list, particularly for those orchestrating a smooth transition from high school to college: preparing for the FAFSA.
FAFSA?
While the majority of parents are overly aware of the FAFSA and its benefits, some are entirely new to the world of preparing for college. So, what is the FAFSA?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) allows parents and students to submit a yearly application that leads to accessing and utilizing student aid money-grants, loans, and work-study, to name a few.
Continue reading Senior Scoop here.
Advice & Insight
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If you are a typical parent with college bound students, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the research necessary to help your sons and daughters make the right choices and prevent overpaying for their education.
You are not alone!
Get the facts. Educate yourself to potentially save tens of thousands of dollars on a single college education. Parents of more than one child heading to college in the next few years, can save even more.
At Westface College Planning we work with families to help you plan for and navigate the “paying for college” process. We teach you how to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses, maximize financial aid eligibility, understand the best way to navigate through the college selection process and prioritize your sources of college funds to protect your life savings!
Sign up for a free workshop or webinar or call to schedule a complimentary college funding consultation today.
More information at westfacecollegeplanning.com.
Ready for your own success story?
If you’re a typical parent with college-bound students, you’re probably overwhelmed. You want to help your sons and daughters make the right choices and prevent overpaying for their education. You’re not alone! We’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation today – click below to get started!
Catch our free, on-demand webinar:
How to Survive Paying for College
Join Beatrice Schultz, CFP® for our on-demand webinar, where she provides parents with the exact steps that often greatly lower the cost of college, even if there’s little time to prepare.