Affording College Archives - College Countdown

Counting (ALL) the Costs

While these are the main expenses during college, it is helpful to budget for other costs your student may incur during their college journey. Planning for these “unexpected” expenses will…

Jason Castles, Ed.D.December 15, 2024

Close-up of Benjamin Franklins eyes on the U.S.

Affording College

6 Financial Steps to Avoid When College Costs are Around the Corner

While some routes are better than others, others can have an adverse impact on your family’s financial health. Here are six financial missteps to avoid when college costs are soon…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.November 11, 2024

Affording College Junior Student Parenting

5 Reasons to Talk With Your Kid About College Financing Now

As a parent of a high school student, however, there’s no time like the present to have a candid conversation about college costs and the resources you have available to…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.September 24, 2024

Affording College

Insider Tips for Parents Navigating Financial Aid

1. Start your scholarship search early. The best time to search for scholarships is during your child's junior and senior high school years. Most scholarship deadlines fall between January and…

Anna PetersJuly 22, 2024

Affording College

4 College-Saving Tips from a Seasoned Pro

Developed from more than two decades of experience in the higher education financial aid space, these tips may make paying for college more bearable. Start Saving Early. Higher education is…

Anna PetersJuly 1, 2024

Affording College

When 529 Funds Are Not Needed As Planned

The reasons parents find themselves no longer need to fully utilize the value of their 529 account most typically relate to the student’s receipt of a full or partial scholarship,…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.June 15, 2024

Affording College Videos

Four Considerations When Borrowing For College

Insights about borrowing $$$ for higher education from college savings advocate, Patricia Roberts. Tips from someone who’s been there – done that. FGN-3267044PR-Y1223W

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.May 27, 2024

Affording College

ScholarShare 529 Beneficiaries Poised to Receive Over 100,000 Gifts of College This Year

Last year ScholarShare 529 beneficiaries received 92,777 gifts of college through the plan’s online giving platform, ugift® ̶ ̶ a figure that has more than tripled since 2020.1 If current…

Mitchel A. BaumApril 1, 2024

Affording College Parenting

But How are YOU Feeling?

I recently had the opportunity to ask over 1,000 parents who are saving for college about their feelings ̶ were they confident, anxious, or somewhere in the middle and…

Mitchel A. BaumMarch 28, 2024

Affording College Senior Student

Staying Positive Amid Uncertainty: The Financial Aid Factor

Here are ten tips to keep a level head at this time of uncertainty while awaiting final admissions decisions and offers of financial aid. Be certain to file the Free…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.March 6, 2024

Affording College

What’s New On the 2024-25 FAFSA?

Find answers to your pressing questions about the Better FAFSA and get connected to resources: betterfafsa101.com. FAFSA changes Each year, almost 18 million students complete the FAFSA. Do you know…

National College Attainment NetworkDecember 8, 2023

Affording College Senior Student

3 Reasons to Fill Out the FAFSA

As the name implies, the FAFSA is completely free and gives you access to federal aid to make paying for college easier. Three reasons to fill out the FAFSA: 1.…

ScholarShare 529October 8, 2023

Affording College

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