Marc Hill

The Obama administration has made it clear that college affordability for the less fortunate is a high priority on the presidential to-do list. One of the major stumbling blocks in getting economically challenged students into college has been complete and utter frustration when it came to applying for federal funds throught the FAFSA application. This article gives you a glimpse into the items being considered in the simplification process.

Believe it or not, the decision to reduce your college expenses is entirely in your hands. While it's commonly believed that there's nothing you can do to reduce these expenses, as a financial planner and as a parent, I can assure you that the strategies not only exist, but are also very effective. But on the flip side of the college funding coin, there are some pricey mistakes that any parent can make. This article discusses three.

As they were ringing in the New Year on January 1, high school juniors and their parents were also ringing in their college financial aid "base year." Understanding the pros and cons of any financial moves made during your base year - or any year in which financial aid is applied for - from both a tax and financial aid standpoint goes a long way toward determining what you pay for college. So, let's take a look.

Too many times I've seen grandparents or other loved ones give money to a student to "help" with college costs- but the gift ends up whacking the parents in the wallet when it comes time to fill out the FAFSA and apply for financial aid. This article discusses the pitfalls of cash gifts and better ways to receive the gift money correctly so families can make the most of it.