The College Money Guys - January 2019

Check out our January newsletter!

January 2019

Award The

Letter

Send Your Kids to College, Keep Your Money at Home

713.422.2720

www.thecollegemoneyguys.com

BEYOND COLLEGE A NEW ERA FOR THE COLLEGE MONEY GUYS

The new year seems as good a time as any to talk about the dawning of a new era for The College Money Guys. Thanks to my regional chairmanship with the Foundation for Financial Education (FFE), a nonprofit dedicated to spreading financial literacy, we have more resources to help people plan their futures than ever before. Thanks to the extensive network of professionals we have access to, from CPAs to estate planners, we’re now moving toward being able to help families with their overall financial health beyond just sending their kids to college. In truth, we’ve been doing this on a small scale already. We’ve actually had former students come back to us in their last year of college, remembering how we helped them in high school, and asking for resources now that they’re looking to get married or purchase their first house. This has always been a dream of ours: to be able to make a truly generational impact on the families we serve. Thanks to the FFE, we’re making this goal a reality. See, most financial planners have a one-track mind: retirees. They only take clients over 50 because most of the hard work is already done. Anyone looking for retirement savings was at least financially savvy enough to make it that far in life. These financial planners don’t want to put the effort or commitment into helping the next generation coming out of college in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. But that’s been my whole job for years.

“old man” wanting to get his financial future in order. I was more than happy to help. In a way, it felt like a full-circle moment. Since helping all my kids get into college informed the way I operated The College Money Guys, it’s fitting that our business makes this transition as my own kids are moving into adulthood. So with that perspective, we are moving full steam ahead into the new year. In fact, we’re excited to announce that we’ll now be able to draft, revise, or review your will for free! Yes really. This is part of our work with the FFE, which is dedicated to providing these sorts of resources to the public at no cost. All you have to do is give us a call. If you’ve been wanting to get your own financial house in order for the new year or have a loved one who is looking to do the same, we’re better equipped than ever to help! As we continue to expand the ways we can help you and your family make the most of your finances, we’ll always remain true to our roots. We’re still the go-to experts on going to college without going broke. But if you ever need a hand after your student has turned their tassel and thrown their hat in the air, we’ll be here to help.

“Since helping all my kids get into college informed the way I operated The College Money Guys, it’s fitting that our business makes this transition as my own kids are moving into adulthood.”

Here’s to a bright new year!

And I’m not just talking about my professional life. I just finished helping my eldest son with his retirement plan. He’s fresh out of college, working at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and came to his

–Bra nnon Lloyd

Call us! 713.422.2720 • 1

Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST

3 Wives’ Tales Proven True

“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives’ tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true.

the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet.

Heartburn Means a Hairy Baby It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd are legitimate. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that

82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. Joint Pain Predicts the Weather Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.

Garlic Cures Colds For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

“My husband and I weren’t sure about hiring someone to help us with the whole financial aid thing because we were sure we wouldn’t qualify for anything. Thank God we did! Our daughter received over $100,000 in scholarships from the University of Southern California and our son, who starts this fall, will be going to Trinity for less money than going to the University of Texas would have cost him. If you’re not sure about whether you need help, you do! Not hiring The College Money Guys would have been a huge mistake. We are so grateful for the help they gave us, from forms and scholarships to essays and negotiations. Thank you, TCMG!” – Jennifer A.

2 • www.thecollegemoneyguys.com

Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

RESOLVE TO SAVE ON TUITION HOW TO GET A JUMP ON COLLEGE PLANNING IN 2019

Organize Your Assets

For those working on their New Year’s resolutions, we wish you the best of luck! We’re big fans of making plans and setting goals here at The College Money Guys — it’s kind of our job! In fact, for parents who have juniors or sophomores in high school, we have some suggested resolutions you can add to your list to make college more affordable. The last thing you want is for your student to build the list of schools they want to apply to based solely off of marketing materials and word of mouth. One of these colleges is where they might spend the next four years of their life; they should get a feel for the campus in person. Furthermore, visiting these schools gives you the chance to ask their admissions departments questions directly, such as the average amount of need-based aid they give out each year. Visit Colleges This Year

get organized now, even if it’s just outlining the parts of the process you understand versus those you don’t, you’ll be miles ahead of other families around the country. The earlier you start, the easier and more effective your search for affordable colleges will be.

Some families don’t realize that the amount of aid they receive isn’t just determined by their wealth, but how that wealth is organized. Certain assets and holdings are counted seven times more in the formulas used by the federal government to determine need. Our team can help you understand this formula and help you take control of the process, ensuring the money you’re saving for your student’s education is in the right place.

Don’t Procrastinate

It may sound simple, but procrastination is the root of so many of the problems we see in college finance. College may still seem like it’s a world away for your student, but ask anyone who has a senior in high school — those deadlines come up fast. By taking the time to

CHICKEN CHOP SUEY

HAVE A LAUGH

Inspired by The New York Times

INGREDIENTS • 2 large or 4 medium chicken thighs • 3 pounds bok choy, cut into 3–4-inch ribbons

• 2 teaspoons sugar • 2 tablespoons cornstarch,

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce INSTRUCTIONS 1. In large pot, boil three cups of water. Add chicken and reduce to simmer, cooking for 30 minutes. Remove chicken and let cool. Once cooled, remove skin and bones, chop, and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid. 2. In a large skillet over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Once simmering, add bok choy and cook for 1 minute, stirring throughout. Add half of reserved cooking liquid, cover skillet, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer bok choy to a plate. 3. Add remaining cooking liquid and chicken to the pan, maintaining high heat. Heat chicken, then add oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch-and-water mixture, sesame oil, and bok choy. Season to taste, toss together, and serve over rice. mixed with 4 tablespoons water • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil • Salt and pepper, to taste

Call us! 713.422.2720 • 3

Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

2000 North Loop West Suite 200 Houston, TX 77018 713.422.2720

INSIDE

1 2 2 3

A New Era for the College Money Guys

3 Wives’ Tales That Are True

Testimonial

Get the Jump on College Planning This Year

3 4

Chicken Chop Suey

The Best Skiing Destinations in the World

BONUS MONEY-SAVING CONTENT INSIDE!

The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year. Breckenridge, Colorado John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain high” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic- level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. 3 OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS WHO’S READY FOR SOME POWDER?

St. Anton, Austria If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships.

Thank you for your referrals!

Nobles Family Walker Family Reasoner Family

4 • www.thecollegemoneyguys.com

Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

thecollegemoneyguys.com

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog