By Shelly Rufin, MSHS, MSCC, Dr. (Hn)
Founder EDFIN College Planning
College Consultant/32 Year FAFSA Pro
Certified WASFAA, NASFAA Title IV Funding
Harvard Business School
32 years serving thousands of students
Serving families for over three-decades
Published December 11, 2024 at 7PM
First and foremost, it is essential to understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines your eligibility for various types of financial aid, including grants, work-study opportunities, and federal loans. Many states, schools, and private scholarships also use the FAFSA to determine aid eligibility, so it is a critical step in the process.
As a 32-year FAFSA pro and college consultant at EDFIN College Planning, did you know there is a strategic approach to maximize your child’s financial aid FAFSA offer? In this blog post, I'll share 32 years of expert knowledge ensuring you're not leaving any money on the table for your child's education.
Key Deadlines:
Filing your FAFSA as soon as possible is crucial to maximizing your aid opportunities. The FAFSA opened on November 18th, 2024, this year. However, the standard is October 1st of your child's senior year, meaning the earlier you submit, the better your chances of receiving more financial aid.
To optimize your FAFSA results, consider the following strategies:
Reduce your income: If possible, reduce your taxable income by contributing to retirement accounts or using tax credits.
Asset management: Some assets are not counted on the FAFSA, like home equity and retirement accounts. Try to prioritize saving in these areas to minimize your Student Aid Index (SAI).
Maximizing your family size: Be sure to include all dependents in your household, even if they're not attending college. This can help lower your SAI.
Appeal Your Award:
If you feel your financial situation has changed or was not accurately represented on the FAFSA, don't be afraid to appeal your award. Contact the financial aid office to explain any special circumstances and provide supporting documentation.
Scholarship Opportunities:
Many families overlook the importance of applying for outside scholarships. Countless opportunities are available from private organizations, companies, and local sources. Apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of receiving additional funding.
In conclusion, understanding the financial aid process, meeting deadlines, optimizing your finances, and exploring scholarship opportunities are all ways to ensure you're not leaving money on the table for your child's education. As a 32-year FAFSA pro and college consultant, I encourage you to take advantage of these strategies and secure the financial support your child needs to pursue their educational dreams.
Stay Inspired!
At EDFIN, we don't just prepare students for college; we sculpt their future. With a distinguished legacy spanning over three decades and a proven track record of guiding over 3,000 students, we have honed our expertise to an art form.
Parents, Ready to level up your child’s college planning game? 🚀
Excellent! ✨🎓 Hop onto our website at https://www.edfin.net/contact and fill out the handy online form!
Wishing you and your child a successful school year and college journey!
Stay inspired!
EDFIN College Planning Team
Also, thank you in advance for spreading the word about our services through your referrals! Your support means a lot to us and is greatly appreciated. 🙏
Making College Dreams a Reality! 💰👩🎓🎉
Shelly Rufin, MSHS, MSCC, Dr. (Hn)
32-year FAFSA Expert
College Consultant
Certified WASFAA, NASFAA Title IV Funding
Harvard Business School Alumnus
EDFIN College Planning
Tel: (951) 261-9799
P.S. We love referrals ❤️ Don't forget to share your positive experience with your family and friends who might benefit from our services!
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