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February 2019
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Send Your Kids to College, Keep Your Money at Home
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MEET JENNA OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS!
This month, we wanted to spotlight one of our newest team members, director of first impressions, Jenna Chace! We’re excited to have such a friendly, adventurous spirit join our ranks and to be able to share her story here with you. As you’ll see, Jenna shares a connection with the families The College Money Guys serve that makes her uniquely qualified to connect you to our team.
let me know. Coming to work here has been a big move for me in more ways than one, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. I made the move to Texas from Florida for this job, and I’m loving it so far. While it may be colder here than I’m used to, the great local restaurants in Houston have more than made up for the difficulties in transition. And thankfully, I can still continue my studies at University of Central Florida online. I’m one semester away from earning my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. While I do eventually want to go into that field, working for The College Money Guys has shown me how important our work is to help students pursue their passions. As a current college student, it’s a great feeling to help families navigate the same process I went through to make college affordable. It’s also rewarding for me because I get
–Brannon Lloyd
Thanks Brannon!
Since starting my position with The College Money Guys at the end of last year, I can say without a doubt that my favorite part about the job is the people I work with. Being part of such a tightknit team of caring professionals has been an amazing opportunity. In fact, the valuable service they provided my own family is how I came to work here in the first place!
exploring what my new Texas home has to offer both above and below the water. Since receiving my scuba license in 2017, I’ve had the chance to go diving in some incredible places, including Belize, Grand Cayman, and Ecuador. Coming to work for The College Money Guys has been a great adventure that has already shown me a lot about myself. I look forward to growing in this position as I help the families we serve collaborate with our incredible team. Next time you stop by the office, feel free to say hello!
“As a current college student, it’s a great feeling to help families navigate the same process I went through to make college affordable.”
My aunt came to Brannon and the team because she was looking for ways to help pay for my cousin’s college tuition. She was so impressed by The College Money Guys that when she heard this position was opening up, she immediately
to help speed up the financial process for families so they can enjoy more time together before classes begin.
When I’m not at the office, I like to spend my time outside. I’ve had a lot of fun
–Jenna Cha ce
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THE 5-SECOND RULE WILL MAKE YOU SICK
3 Health Myths You Probably Believe
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction.
50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.
The 5-Second Rule Keeps Food Safe
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact
The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false. The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle-cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health.
with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.
Bottled Water Is Safer Than Tap Water
People seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
“I love The College Money Guys! The advisors are so helpful, knowledgeable, and caring. My children are happily away at their dream colleges, all thanks to TCMG!” – Luna S. “Our daughter is now graduating from the most expensive school on her list, and with very little in loans. Thanks, College Money Guys (Brannon). She has a bright future ahead of her in the field she wants.” – Margaret L.
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TUITION HARDBALL HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR AID PACKAGE
Know the Numbers
When it comes to making big purchases like cars and mortgages, negotiation is seen as a regular part of the process. Rarely will we accept the exorbitant sticker price on these items, because we know they’re considered a starting point by the seller. And yet, when it comes to financial aid, most families just end up accepting whatever the school first offers them. But make no mistake, you can and should negotiate this starting figure and save money. Doing so requires smart planning throughout the application process to make sure you have the leverage to bring those tuition costs down.
but they also make them extremely valued candidates for colleges looking to boost the average GPA of incoming freshmen. If your student is in the top 25th percentile of a college’s incoming freshman class, it’s far easier to ask for a larger aid package.
As with any negotiation, it’s best to come prepared with cold, hard facts. Most colleges don’t expect you to know your expected family contribution, which is the minimum amount that the government expects you to pay toward any school. They also may not expect you to take into account the full price of attendance, including books, meals, room and board, etc. By knowing these numbers in advance, you’ll be well-prepared to negotiate aid packages. By putting the work in with your student and leaving multiple options on the table, you can negotiate from a position of strength when those award letters fail to meet your needs. Remember, just like cars and mortgages, you don’t have to settle for the sticker price of tuition.
Play Schools Against Each Other
Part of the reason we encourage our families to apply to 6–8 schools is because multiple acceptances can give a family significant leverage in the negotiation process. If your student gets accepted to two schools of similar academic caliber but one offers a far more advantageous aid package, let the other institution know. The fear your student may be swayed to a competing school can work wonders to bring those grant numbers up. From the school’s perspective, getting some of your money is far better than getting nothing at all.
Study Up
There’s no substitute for good grades. Students, especially juniors, should be doing all they can to prep for the SAT/ACT to get the best scores possible. Higher scores not only increase their odds of being accepted to a top-tier school,
SPICY SALMON TARTARE
HAVE A LAUGH
Inspired by Epicurious
INGREDIENTS • 1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon lime zest • 1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced • 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh cilantro, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh chives, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste • Crackers or chips, for serving
• 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced • 3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2000 North Loop West Suite 200 Houston, TX 77018 713.422.2720
INSIDE
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Meet Jenna Chace!
Let’s Retire These Health Myths
Testimonials
Don’t Settle for the First Financial Aid Package You’re Offered
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Spicy Salmon Tartare
All About Chocolate
BONUS MONEY-SAVING CONTENT INSIDE!
WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CHOCOLATE FUN FACTS TO WOW YOUR LOVED ONES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
Chocolate is a treat savored by people all over the world. What we know as the sweet, creamy decadence that sustains Valentine’s Day actually has greater historical and cultural significance. Fermented chocolate drinks have been dated back to as early as 350 B.C. The Aztecs believed it was the beverage of wisdom, and the Mayans saw it as something to be worshipped. While the history of chocolate is as rich as its flavor, there are some common misconceptions about the treat. Dutch chocolate doesn’t necessarily refer to chocolate made in the Netherlands; the name refers to a specific chocolate-making process that uses the cocoa press. Before Dutch chemist and chocolate-maker C.J. van Houten invented the machine in 1828, chocolate was only used in beverages. Dutch chocolate is chocolate that has been modified with an alkalizing agent in order to produce a milder flavor, making it a fantastic option for use in baked goods, candy, and ice cream. German chocolate actually has nothing to do with the country of Germany, either. It used to be called “German’s chocolate,” named after its inventor, Sam German, an American who made sweet chocolate for baking. Adding sugar to the chocolate made it a go-to option for bakers around the world, and the base for German chocolate cake was born.
For chocolate to be classified as Swiss, it has to be made in Switzerland, as chocolate-making is considered an art form in the country. Known for its “melt in your mouth” quality, Swiss chocolate uses condensed milk to add a velvety texture. Many chocolate makers outside of Switzerland will refer to their interpretations of Swiss chocolate as milk chocolate instead.
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