Posts by Chris Wills
4 mistakes families make that increase the cost of college
While the rising cost is certainly a factor, it is often the decisions that families themselves make that cause them to unnecessarily pay more for college than they should (and potentially increase student debt). As hard as it might be, there are instances where a family needs to recognize a college-related decision will cost them…
Read More3 things to consider before making your college decision
May 1 is National College Decision Day, the deadline for students to make deposits to attend the college of their choice. But before you send in that check, here are three important things to consider: 1. Affordability is part of fit Many students choose their college based on academic and social fit…
Read MoreUnderstanding the College Financial Aid Award Letter
College Inside Track’s Cozy Wittman was featured in the Journal of Financial Planning, discussing ways to create transparency for families in the college funding process and better understanding the college financial aid award letter. Cozy explains in detail the college financial aid award letter, tips after receiving it, elements of good and bad letters…
Read MoreFAFSA changes
The COVID relief bill passed at the end of 2020 also included some significant changes to the FAFSA. The changes go into effect for the 2024-25 school year. The FAFSA for that school year opens on October 1, 2023 and will use tax information from 2022. And because the FAFSA is completed each year…
Read More529 Plan Funds can be rolled over into Roth IRAs
By Heidi King, College Inside Track Tucked into the year-end federal spending package was a new provision allowing 529 Plan funds to be rolled over into Roth IRAs tax and penalty free. This significant change takes effect in 2024. Here are the key details: The benefit is for 529 plan beneficiaries (as opposed…
Read MoreNew bill allows unused 529 college funds to become a retirement tool
College Inside Track’s Heidi King was featured on Yahoo Finance discussing new rules allowing 529 Plan funds to roll over into Roth IRAs tax and penalty free. Beneficiaries of 529 plans can begin to take advantage of the changes in 2024.
Read MoreThis 529 savings plan myth is making college pricier for families
College Inside Track’s Cozy Wittman was featured on CNBC discussing the myth that families are penalized for saving for college, changes to grandparent contributions and evaluating colleges based on their pricing model. View the article here.
Read MoreFinancial Aid Formula Changes
The FAFSA formula that determines how much financial aid a family will qualify for is undergoing two behind-the-scenes financial aid formula changes for the 2023-24 school year. These changes are in addition to the massive changes happening for the 2024-25 school year for families with multiple children in college, grandparents, etc. First, the good…
Read MoreFAFSA changes for financial advisors
Check out the following video from College Inside Track President Chris Wills providing a helpful overview of the new changes to the FAFSA that financial advisors need to know about, as they will require new planning strategies for many clients
Read MoreScholarship reduction – The dirty little college secret
Would you ever consider a scenario where the scholarships your student won actually resulted in a scholarship reduction elsewhere? One of the students we work with, whom we’ll call Caitlyn, was a dream that every parent (and counselor) hopes for: kind, bright, studious and incredibly engaged in the college process. In addition to having nearly…
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