College Hacks & Hot Takes
Why Timing Matters in College Planning
The earlier you start, the more options you have
When it comes to college financial aid, timing matters more than most families realize. Income
Paying for College Without Ruining Your Retirement
Why parents should start with retirement, not tuition
Most families assume they should drain savings or delay retirement to pay for
What NOT to Write About in a College Essay (And What Works Better)
Every year, we review college essays from students who are bright, thoughtful, and perfectly capable of writing something strong.
A...
How to Choose the Right Story for Your College Essay
Every year, we hear the same thing from students when it comes to college essays:
“I don’t know what to write about.”
Most students assume the h...
When Should Students Start Their College Essays? Why Junior Year Is the Best Time
Every year, we see the same pattern.
Some students start their college essays early and work on them gradually.
Oth...
Does Not Filing the FAFSA Help You Get Into College?
We’ve had two different parents ask us this question in the past week:
“Someone told me that if we don’t file the FAFSA, our student might have a...
2026–27 FAFSA & Pell Grant Rule Changes: What High-Income Families Need to Know
If you thought you could ignore Pell Grant rules because your income or assets are too high… well, you’re mostly right....
Colleges Are Watching: How Your Online Behavior Could Be Costing You Aid
(No, we’re not paranoid—and you don’t need to be either. But this is worth paying attention to.)
It almost sounds like a co...
📣 UPDATE: Senate Passes Bill—Here's What Happens Now
Last updated: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 1:30 PM PT
TL;DR
The Senate passed its final version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 1 (5
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FAFSA Identity Verification Tightens: What Families Need to Know Before the 2026–27 Cycle
TL;DR
The Department of Education is rolling out stricter FAFSA identity verification rules to combat fr
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College is $100K a Year—But the Bill Might Hit You Hardest
Why parents are footing more of the bill—and what it’s costing their future
If you're like most parents we talk to, you’re trying t
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Not All Colleges Play the Same Game
Some colleges offer generous aid to families making $200K+. Others expect you to pay full price—no matter your circumstances. The difference could be six fig
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