Research financial aid once your student enters 9th grade. Preparation is key. By setting aside some time to do your financial aid homework, you can be informed about what aid options exist! (Where your student attends college is a HUGE factor when it comes to determining the “real” cost of their education…it’s all about finding good match schools from the student’s perspective and from the college’s angle too.) That way you have a chance to investigate the best ways to get help paying for a good chunk of your student’s college education. College is a big investment so it’s important you be informed in advance.
Early preparation can help prevent unnecessary anxiety around financial issues once college time rolls around. It’s a wise idea to attend financial aid events at your student’s high school, although it’s important for you to make sure the event is being put on by financial aid officers (from colleges), rather than companies who tout themselves as “financial aid experts,” but who in reality are selling financial instruments. Always ask who the presenters are!
Our clients are well prepared. We suggest “financial safety schools” and explain the financial aid process making sure our students are consistently on track. We educate our families on the process of financial aid Many families are unaware that so many financial aid opportunities are available and that’s where we come in. We inform and educate families on how the process works. We can refer you to a financial planner who can clearly guide your family,ensuring you get all the support you need.
Financial Aid deadlines are critical: we supply a financial aid checklist so families know what they need to do and when they need to do it. Deadlines are crucial when it comes to qualifying for financial aid & scholarships, so we keep our families informed about when things are due. Applying early gives you the best shot at getting the best aid that’s out there.
Call us today at (818) 207-0263 to find out more about how we can help your family understand how financial aid works.
