Posts tagged merit-based aid
Episode 5 - Understanding College Financial Aid with Joe Messinger
Episode 5 - Understanding College Financial Aid with Joe Messinger

Are you a parent of at least one high schooler, feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of college funding? Fear not, friend! Host Deb Meyer and guest Joe Messinger, a fee-only financial planner and college funding expert, provide critical insights into student loans, merit aid, and the true costs of higher education. 

This episode offers a wealth of strategies and valuable insights for families navigating the financial aspect of college. You’ll learn: 

  • How college funding fits into your overall financial plan

  • The nuances of student loans, including federal student loans and parent PLUS loans

  • How top students can secure merit-based aid, especially in small, private colleges

  • New changes to FAFSA, and

  • Differences between CSS Profile and FAFSA when awarding need-based financial aid

Read More
Deb MeyerWorthyNest LLCfamily finance, beyond budgets, college funding, financial planning, student loan debt, rising college costs, financial blueprint, cash flows, merit-based aid, FAFSA, CSS Profile, FAFSA Simplification Act, business models, college scholarships, regional opportunities, reciprocity agreements, discounts, FAFSA changes, institutional method, private schools, expected family contribution, siblings, grandparents, 529 plan, transferring ownership, paying for college, worksheet, outside helpComment
Episode 4 - Education Funding Decoded: A Deep Dive into 529 Plans
Episode 4 - Education Funding Decoded: A Deep Dive into 529 Plans

Unlock the secrets of saving for college and master the intricacies of 529 plans with this insightful podcast. Ensuring your child's future is secure is a top priority, and we're going to guide you through the complicated maze of college savings. You’ll learn:

  • The two main types of 529 plans - savings and prepaid, 

  • Tax benefits of contributions,

  • What to do if there are excess 529 plan funds,

  • How to fund private K-12 expenses, and 

  • Alternatives to college saving plans.

Read More
Deb MeyerWorthyNest LLCfamily finance, beyond budgets, college savings, 529 plans, education, financial obligations, tax advantages, prepaid plans, savings plans, flexibility, investment risks, K-12 private school expenses, funding, tuition costs, career goals, school selection, merit-based aid, special needs ABLE accounts, individual pathComment