Financial Aid Guidance That Makes College Affordable
College is expensive—there’s no way around it. But financial aid doesn’t have to be confusing. I’ll help your family navigate FAFSA, find scholarships, compare aid packages, and make smart decisions about paying for college without drowning in debt.
The Reality of Paying for College
Let’s be honest: college costs are overwhelming. Tuition keeps climbing, and most families aren’t sure where to start with financial aid.
You’ve probably heard about the FAFSA—that’s the big federal form everyone talks about. But did you know some schools also require the CSS Profile? And what about scholarships? How do you even find them, let alone apply for dozens while juggling schoolwork and applications?
Most families don’t realize financial aid is strategic—not just forms. Filing dates, income reporting, and FAFSA details all matter. Aid offers vary: $30K in grants vs. $30K mostly loans—how do you compare? I help families decode this, uncover hidden funds, and find schools that are truly affordable.
Here's How I'll Help Your Family
Financial aid feels complicated because it is. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Here’s exactly how I help families maximize aid and minimize stress.
01
Getting your FAFSA and CSS Profile done right—no mistakes that cost you money.
02
Finding scholarships that actually match your student—not just random lists from the internet.
03
Comparing aid packages so you know which schools are really affordable.
04
Understanding student loans—what’s smart borrowing and what’s a trap.
05
Lowering your Expected Family Contribution through legal, strategic planning.
06
Writing financial aid appeal letters when your situation changes or offers aren’t enough.
What's Included
No confusing jargon. No overwhelm. Just practical help getting your family the financial aid you deserve—step by step.
FAFSA & CSS Profile Help
I’ll walk you through every question, help gather documents, and double-check everything before you submit. One mistake can cost thousands—we won’t make them.
Scholarship Game Plan
We’ll find scholarships that fit your student’s profile, help write killer essays, and keep track of deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks.
Aid Package Translation
When offers arrive, we’ll break down what’s actually free money vs. loans, compare total costs, and figure out your real out-of-pocket expenses.
Smart Money Planning
We’ll talk budgets, loan options, payment plans, and what this really means for your family—no sugarcoating, just honest numbers.
This Is For You If...
You’re staring at the FAFSA and have no idea where to start.
You want scholarships but don’t know how to find legitimate ones (hint: those websites that charge fees? Skip them).
Your student got accepted to multiple schools and the aid packages look completely different—how do you even compare them?
Confused about loans, complicated finances, or unsure about appealing aid? I help families—middle-class included—navigate it all, so you don’t leave money on the table and know exactly what you’re eligible for.
FAQs
These are the questions every family asks. If yours isn’t here, just ask during our free consultation.
When do I need to file the FAFSA?
October 1st of senior year is when it opens—file as early as possible because some aid is first-come, first-served.
What's this CSS Profile thing?
It’s an extra form some private colleges require. Think of it as FAFSA’s pickier cousin—asks more detailed financial questions.
Where do I even find scholarships?
Forget those scam websites. I help you find local scholarships, school-specific awards, and national programs that match your student’s background.
Can we negotiate financial aid?
Sometimes, yes. If your situation changed (job loss, medical bills) or another school offered more, we can write an appeal letter.
Should my kid take out student loans?
Small federal loans? Usually manageable. Big private loans at high interest rates? That’s trouble. We’ll talk about what’s reasonable for your situation.
Our income just went down—what now?
Schools can adjust your aid if circumstances change. We’ll document what happened and request a special circumstances review.
Testimonials
Real families. Real results. These parents were just as stressed as you are now—until we worked together and figured it out.
Let's Figure Out How to Pay for College
You don’t need to be a financial expert. You just need someone who knows this stuff to walk you through it. That’s me. Let’s talk about your situation and make a plan—no charge for the first conversation.