College Hacks & Hot Takes
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....
📣 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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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...
After we shared our recent post about the possible dismantling of the Department of Education, we got some thoughtful questions from parents—especially about student loans.
One that stood out was thi...
(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...
For many families navigating the college financial aid process, the CSS Profile can feel like an unpleasant surprise. Unlike the FAFSA, which is relatively straightforward, the CSS Profile dives deepe...
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...