College Hacks & Hot Takes

What the New FAFSA Rules Mean for Your Family 12th grade college planning department of education fafsa financial aid student loans Sep 18, 2025

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....

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Colleges Are Watching: How Your Online Behavior Could Be Costing You Aid 10th grade 11th grade 9th grade college planning financial aid grants junior scholarships sophomore student loans Aug 15, 2025

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...

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Senate Revises ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: What It Means for College Aid in 2025 12th grade college planning college student department of education fafsa financial aid grants scholarships student loans Jun 19, 2025

📣 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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College Can Be $100k a Year - But the Bill Might Hit You Hardest college planning department of education financial aid retirement student loans May 08, 2025

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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Buyer vs. Seller: The College Edition best schools college planning financial aid grants scholarships May 01, 2025

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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Can Local Business Sponsorships Help Pay for College (and Be Tax-Deductible)? 12th grade college planning fafsa financial aid scholarships sponsorships Apr 04, 2025

A Quick Guide for Families Exploring Creative (and Legal) Funding Options 

Important Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not tax advice. 
Please consult a qualified tax profes...
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What Happens if the Department of Education Goes Away? college planning department of education fafsa financial aid grants student loans Mar 21, 2025

(And Should Parents Like Us Be Worried?)

If you’ve seen recent headlines about dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (DoE), you’re probably wondering what that could mean for your child’s fina...

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The FAFSA Rollercoaster: What You Need to Know for 2025-2026 12th grade college planning fafsa financial aid seniors Sep 18, 2024

As a parent of a high school senior, navigating the financial aid process can be daunting. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial to this process. This form, provided by the U...

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Start with the End in Mind: Prioritizing Your Retirement for a Secure Future college planning financial aid retirement Jul 18, 2024

Imagine yourself years from now. You've reached retirement age, ready to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But instead of golden years, you face financial anxieties. This scenario, unfortunate...

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Tick Tock: A Parent's Guide to Navigating Senior Year 12th grade college planning financial aid seniors Jun 14, 2024

The countdown to college is officially on! As the parent of a high school senior, you're likely feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. Don't worry – you're not alone. With careful planning and a l...

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Preparing for College: 11 Things for Parents of 11th Graders 11th grade college planning financial aid junior May 15, 2024

Don't Miss the Sweet Spot: A Guide to a Smooth Junior Year College Prep

As parents of a junior, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and, well, a healthy dose of "Oh no, college applications are ...

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