By Lighthouse Counselor Sean Murphy – M.Ed., M.A. There are many types of time management tools that students and professionals can use daily to help makes our lives run much smoother. When I was a student and as a professional, one thing that makes my life so much easier is the use of my calendar. These organizational tools have progressed …
College (Financial) Prep: A 6-Month Money Guide for You and Your College-Bound Senior
by LearnVest With college admission season fully underway, college-bound high school seniors and their parents are making important decisions that will affect their financial lives for years to come. According to the College Board, families with students who are enrolling in undergraduate studies this year (about 17 million of them) will be paying, after adjustments for inflation, 40% more than …
Things to consider before making that big college decision by May 1st.
by Lighthouse College Planner John Groleau – CCPS, MSFS Seniors – 2016 Grads: There are several key points to consider with regards to making college decisions as we get down to the wire when colleges want to know by May 1 if you’re attending or not. Housing deposits. I just recently discovered that the current wisdom is to NOT to …
Your financial planner: Five easy ways to save smarter in 2016
BY KEN EATON – FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY With the economy improving and gas prices below $2.00 per gallon, you may be accumulating a little cash. Here are five ways to make it work a little harder for you. 1. Make sure that you get your company match-If your employer offers a retirement plan, …
The 3 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make in Saving for College
By: Mari Adam A financial planner shares her solutions. My clients often tell me that saving for college is their most important financial priority. Like other parents, they know how much a college degree can cost, and they’re prepared to make some sacrifices to ensure that their kids get a good education. That’s why it hurts so much to see …
The FAFSA – What you need to know
by Lighthouse College Financial Planner Shireen Daniels CFP®, CDFA If you are a parent of a high school student, you have most likely heard of the FAFSA form (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid). We have found that many families, no matter what socio-economic background, have misconceptions about how it works and how it directly relates to their family. …
Here’s Why the College Graduation Rate Is So Low
By Beth Braverman One of the nuances often lost in the discussion of student loan debt is the plight of students who borrow for college and don’t graduate, leaving them with a mountain of debt and without the degree that would give them the earning power to pay that debt down. That situation may describe more students than previously thought. …
So much more to do… even after submitting some apps
By Lighthouse Counselor Angela Molloy, M.A. All through September and October, you worked diligently to get those essays in tip-top shape, improve your ACT score one last time, request your letters of recommendation, request your transcripts, and submit your college applications by the November 1st deadline. Give yourself a pat on the back and breathe a huge sigh of relief! …
FAFSA changes will affect college planning
by F. Marc Ruiz Times Columnist Mid-fall is a special time for many families of college-bound high school seniors, as early acceptance letters for universities are being received and I’ve been enjoying the Facebook posts of proud students announcing their plans for next year. The experience of receiving a first-choice acceptance notice is one of the true joys of parenthood. …
The College Info Geek's essential books for students
by Thomas Frank, The College Info Geek I’m big into reading, and since you’re on this page, I’m guessing you like reading at least a little bit as well. This page is an ongoing log of books I find to be awesome or useful. If you’re looking to create a well-rounded, successful college experience, you can’t go wrong with any …