College Money: Start Here (Before You Decide)
If college costs feel confusing, thatās not your fault. Most families donāt overpay because theyāre careless; they overpay because they didnāt understand the system early enough.
Use this checklist to help you plan smart:
ā Step 1: Understand How College Is Actually Paid For
Before comparing schools or stressing about FAFSA, you need clarity.
Learn:
- How colleges calculate cost
- What financial aid letters really mean
- Where families get tripped up
ā Step 2: Get Your Numbers & Questions Organized
Understanding is step one. Organization is step two.
Write down:
- Your estimated costs ( I have a tool that will help you understand your budget better)
- Questions you have about how to pay (use them to help you plan)
- What matters most to your family
š My On Track For College Parent Workbook has some information for parents about paying for college and resources to help you do some research. Grab your copy to get planning!
ā Step 3: Prepare for FAFSA & Aid Decisions (Without Guessing)
FAFSA is a tool, a calculator if you will ā not a strategy.
Understand:
- What the FAFSA provides
- What it doesnāt
- How it fits into the bigger picture (A.K.A. your budget)
If the math is not mathing, it means it’s time to get serious about your money plan or to make a different choice.
ā Step 4: Apply Strategy When Youāre Ready
Once you understand the system, you can then apply the strategy.
Compare your options intentionally, not emotionally. Start with these questions: How much money do you have? How much can you contribute? What happens if you donāt have enough? What’s the plan B?
ā Step 5: Go Back To The Hub to Stay Updated
There will always be information and resources waiting for you in the On Track Hub. Go back often to stay On Track with me.
šÆ Start Here To Get Your College Money Right:
- āļøCheck out my College Budget Tool (FREE)
- š Get the On Track For College Parent Workbook for guidance
- š° Get my FREE College Money Checklist
š§Go back to the On Track Hub
šLearn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc