One of the most significant milestones parents cross is the day they send their child to college.  A college education also is one of the largest investments a family makes.  The steep increase in college costs over the last 25 years is a challenge for most families despite their income.

Many concerned parents ask me if they should use their retirement savings to fund tuition or insist their students attend public universities. These are sacrifices, not compromises, and they probably are not necessary. A wide range of options is available to help your family pay for college.

Like many major investments, education expenses are funded from a combination of savings, current income and loans. More than 90% of college students are receiving some form of financial assistance.

Gaining access to these resources through the financial aid process is one of the most complex and time-consuming events you will face as a parent. Our team of counselors, financial aid specialists and financial planners applies their expertise to each family’s individual needs to save them valuable time and money.

To help you choose the right college for your student, get the most financial aid possible and reduce your out of pocket expenses, we:

• Analyze your family’s current financial aid eligibility.
• Restructure your family’s finances to reduce your family’s expected cash contribution and increase your financial aid eligibility.
  If you are a business owner, we will evaluate your business and analyze how it impacts your family’s financial aid eligibility.
• Increase your retirement savings while reducing your college costs.
• Make sure you are fully utilizing the benefits available through the tax code in the form of education deductions and credits.
• Prepare the FAFSA form, the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid that is required by all schools.
• Prepare CSS Profile Forms and Institution Verification Forms required by some schools.
• Eliminate false assumptions about school affordability by helping you understand the “cost of attendance” calculation.
  In many cases, a private university can cost less than a state school.
• Evaluate financial aid awards and assist with negotiation for improved packages.
• Provide a comprehensive career and college planning program to stay on track, to meet goals and deadlines.

We are proud of our track record of successfully helping families reduce their college costs. Our commitment to families is backed up by exceptional service, our expertise and integrity. Join other families who trust Lighthouse College Financial Planning to help them make informed decisions about college funding and their child’s future.

Please contact me directly to schedule a complimentary evaluation of your family’s current financial aid eligibility.

 John S. Groleau, CCPS, ChFEBC, MSFS