Marc Hill - Articles

FAFSA Simplification Could Get Complicated

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. Read

By: Marc Hill | 29/08/2009 | Finance

Credit Crunch Changes: Navigating the Potential New World of Student Loans

The biggest change in student loans since the credit crunch is the disapperance of private loan lenders and the interest rate reduction perks associated with timely payments and co-signers being released from the note after an allotted number of these payments have been received. However, the administration is intent on further changes in the landscape of student loan lending. This article takes a peek at how this landscape might change. Read

By: Marc Hill | 19/06/2009 | Finance

3 Mistakes Guaranteed to Increase Your College Costs

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. Read

By: Marc Hill | 05/04/2009 | Finance

Happy New Year, Class of '10! and Welcome to Your College Financial Aid Base Year

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. Read

By: Marc Hill | 12/02/2009 | Finance

The Congressional Money Tree's Focus on Education

In recent days the Democratic Leaders of the House of Representatives have publicized their plan to address the economy with a massive $825 billion dollar stimulus package. The congressional draft does shed light on what our elected officials are thinking in terms of providing assistance with higher educational costs. So let's take a look. Read

By: Marc Hill | 28/01/2009 | Finance

The Most Dangerous Christmas Gift to Give a High School Senior

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. Read

By: Marc Hill | 19/12/2008 | Finance