The Complete Guide to FAFSA Dependency Status and Parent Contribution Rules
Understanding FAFSA dependency status is one of the most important steps in securing financial aid for college. Your dependency status determines whether your parents’ financial information must be included on your FAFSA and directly impacts how much aid you may receive. By knowing how parent contribution is calculated and what qualifies you as a dependent […]
The Difference Between Need-Based and Merit-Based College Financial Aid
Choosing the right college funding path starts with understanding need-based vs. merit-based financial aid. These two types of aid make higher education accessible, but they differ significantly. Need-based financial aid supports students with financial hardship, determined through tools like the FAFSA, while merit-based financial aid rewards academic, athletic, or artistic achievements, regardless of income. This […]
How to Apply for a Pell Grant and Get Money for College
Are you worried about how you’re going to pay for college? A Pell Grant can be a great way to get money for school, and it doesn’t have to be paid back. In this article, we’ll show you how to apply for a Pell Grant and maximize your eligibility to get the most funding possible. […]
FAFSA Filing Tips to Get More College Financial Aid
FAFSA Filing season is here for high school seniors, college students and their parents. If you haven’t yet filled out the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – you need to get going immediately in order to meet a host of deadlines and ensure that you don’t miss out on a bounty […]
Why You Must Fill Out the FAFSA to Get the Most College Financial Aid
Regardless of the type of college funding your family seeks, the first step you should take to qualify for financial aid is to fill out a form known as the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is an all-important document that determines something called your EFC or “Expected Family Contribution.” Your […]
Alleviating Student Debt Before You Even Graduate
By Angie Picardo I was among the lucky few students in the U.S. that graduate college without any loans. After two years at a local community college, I was able to apply for and win a full-tuition scholarship to UC Berkeley. Although I didn’t feel the burden of student debt first-hand, I have scores of […]
Where Can I Get A Student Loan?
Q: “I need to borrow more than $100,000 for a four‑year degree; where can I get a student loan?” A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com recently wanted some financial advice regarding her son, who will be attending a university in the fall. He’s going to need to get a loan for at least $110,000 for his degree. […]
At What Age Can Your Kid Start to Build Credit? The Surprising Answer
Most of us know that you have to be at least 18 years old in order to sign a legally binding contract. But did you know that, under specific circumstances, your teenager could actually start to build credit and improve their credit rating prior to age 18?
Types of Federal Grants Available for College
Federal grants can help you cover some or all of the costs of your college education and unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Grants are often called a “gift aid” and are based on need. If you apply for a federal grant, you will need to submit a Free Application […]
Federal Student Loans Available Now: Key Facts You Must Know
Unless you or your child has earned scholarships offering a full-ride for college, or you’re able to pay for school with your own funds, you’ll probably have to apply for financial aid or some type of college loan. After you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), your college will send you a […]
FAFSA Season: Getting the Maximum College Financial Aid
FAFSA season, the financial aid and college admissions period, officially began January 1. If you’re hoping to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, or are the parent of someone going to college, you need to know all you can about the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. That’s the all-important document that must […]
Ran Out of Financial Aid? Smart Ways to Stay in School Without More Debt
If you ran out of financial aid but still need to finish your degree, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not out of options. Many students encounter financial gaps and assume private loans are their only path forward. But the truth is, you can stay in school without adding to your debt burden. As the author […]
Savvy Money-Management Strategies for Every Month of the Year
There’s no better time than the present to kick your finances into high gear. But why limit yourself to just making a single financial New Year’s resolution in January when you can plan a series of smart financial moves for the entire year? Use these financial planning tips and savvy money-management strategies for help with […]