College Hacks & Hot Takes

đź“° New ID Verification Rules for FAFSA Aim to Curb Fraud, but May Slow Down the Process for Families 12th grade department of education fafsa financial aid identity verification student loans Jun 09, 2025

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 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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Missed the CSS Profile Deadline? Here's What You Can Do 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade css profile fafsa financial aid junior seniors sophomore Nov 19, 2024

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...

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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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Preparing for College: 10 Things for Parents of 10th Graders 10th grade college planning financial aid sophomore Apr 15, 2024

Now that your child has settled into the rhythm of high school, leaving behind the growing pains of 9th grade, it's clear they're maturing rapidly. This transition marks an exciting and pivotal moment...

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