[Nicole]

Has anyone paid for one of these college financial aid services and what is worth it? I am seeing a lot of ads on my Instagram for these types of services.

My child is a junior in high school.

As someone on the path to FI, I’m worried our assets will work against us in this instance since I have a decent amount in a regular brokerage account.

[Stacey]

Most of those are selling you a universal life policy
And even if it manages to lower you SAI (formerly EFC) that is NOT what you pay. Start running Net Price Calculators

Paying for College 101 is the group to join. Overwhelming at first but junior year is the time

People get the FAFSA/CSS stuff so wrong. There is no magic pot of school aid.

If you make less than $60k per year your student will be Pell eligible.
You can’t hide assets. There is trick.

Some schools give merit, some meet need (based on their calculation of need. Some gibe need, but no merit.

Some don’t do much of either.
Knowing which schools to target based on your kids stats and a schools known need/merit record is the trick.

[Charlotte]

Are you looking for free aid from the government? You won’t get that with a decent amount in a brokerage account.

Highly recommend helping your child choose a school they (or your family) can afford depending if you intend to help.

Have your child take AP, dual enrollment, and CLEP next year. Considering starting at a community college. Commute.

Apply to a variety of schools including those with guaranteed merit aid.

Work in high school and in college. Apply for scholarships now and throughout college. Don’t get their heart set on one dream school at any cost.

[Kelly]

My friend used someone $10k and it was worth it. Weekly zoom calls with student, aptitude tests. She said if they are saving you $20k a year it is worth it.

[Author]

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