Take a look at our newsletter this month!
JULY 2019
Award The
Letter
Send Your Kids to College, Keep Your Money at Home
713.422.2720
www.thecollegemoneyguys.com
HOISTING THE STARS AND STRIPES THE WAY WE CELEBRATE OUR STORIES
If you’re a long-time reader of this newsletter, you probably know two things about me. I like to decorate my house for the holidays, and I’m not shy of my patriotism. So, of course, I go all out for the Fourth of July! In fact, last year I was lucky enough to find some old- fashioned bunting in red, white, and blue that really took our celebrations to the next level. But, of course, the most important part of the preparation is hoisting the Stars and Stripes on our front lawn. For me, this isn’t just about national pride — it’s about nostalgia. Believe it or not, my parents had a permanent flagpole outside our house when I was growing up. And, to be clear, we didn’t live on a ranch or in a mansion; this was the suburbs — I’m sure the neighbors hated it on windy days. But regardless, we always flew the American flag, followed by the Texas Lone Star, and finally the flag of the University of Houston. To me, the sound of those banners fluttering in the wind has always felt like home. I’m prone to thinking back on my family this time of year, and not just because of that flag pole. As much as Independence Day is a time to honor the history of our nation, it’s also a chance for each of us to celebrate our family’s place within that history. Just looking back through my family tree, you see the disparate branches that nevertheless fall under the banner of the American experience. One side of my family traces their roots back to the opening shots of the U.S. Revolution, helping drive out the British and forge the nation we celebrate today. On the other side
are Irish immigrants who fled the poverty and starvation of their homeland in the hopes of a better life in America. Instead, most of them found poor working conditions and discrimination, but they kept working, eventually making their way along the railroads into the Midwest. It’s there, in Fort Scott, Kansas, where these two very different family histories met. My grandfather, Charles “Charlie” King, worked on the railroad like so many of his family members before him. At the time, bars in the Kansas area still hung signs that read “No Dogs or Irish,” and he has a picture to prove it. But Charlie was still able to make a decent living — he had a great mind for mechanics and knew every part of the locomotives he worked on. Then, he met a woman named Yvonne. Yvonne was from a well-to-do family in nearby Pittsburg, Kansas, and Charlie certainly wasn’t the only one who thought she was pretty. In fact, she was a beauty contest winner — and exactly the last person you’d imagine hanging out with a soot-covered, Irish railway worker. I wish I knew what unlikely event led
these two to fall in love, but I do know that neither family was happy about it. In the face of religious and social pressures working to pull them apart, the two eloped to Victoria, Texas, and started a family. Charlie put his mechanical know-how to good use, and eventually became the chief mechanic for DuPont. The former railway man had an office overlooking Hermann Park, and he was able to pay for his three children to go to college, including my mother. All three went to — you guessed it — the University of Houston. So, in a way, this story really does come back to that flagpole in my childhood front yard. Flying proudly was the banner of the school that educated my mother, above it the flag of the state where her parents built their lives together, and atop everything, the Stars and Stripes of the nation that makes countless unlikely stories like Charlie and Yvonne’s possible.
God Bless America,
–Bra nnon Lloyd
Call us! 713.422.2720 • 1
Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
A Guide to Eating Seasonally This July ZUCCHINI, AVOCADO, AND SWISS CHARD — OH MY!
When you eat something during its harvesting season, you get the most out of your meal. In- season fruits and vegetables are more nutrient- dense than their out-of-season counterparts, and there’s no matching the flavor profile of fresh, in- season produce. Even better, because in-season foods are so bountiful during their peak, you can save a lot of money by shopping with the season. This July, enjoy some tasty foods during their prime with this handy guide. FRUITFUL HARVEST Avocado toast lovers rejoice! Your season is here. Avocados are in season during July, joining many other fruity favorites. Gorge yourself on scrumptious blackberries, sweet strawberries, and bountiful tomatoes. Don’t forget about the
cherries and blueberries, too! Because these fruits are so plentiful this time of the year, it’s easy to find ingredients for your favorite recipes. Host a Latin-inspired foods night with fresh guacamole and salsa, or make a delectable shortcake with a blackberry and strawberry mixture on top. GRILL GAME SO STRONG There’s no better time to fire up the grill than July, and not just because of the weather. Zucchini and corn reach their peak during July, and these grilling favorites pair well with steaks, burgers, hot dogs, or fish. Go low-carb by stuffing your zucchini with vegetables and a protein for a charred skillet bowl. Even better, add some corn to your fresh salsa to add an extra zing to your tacos. Regardless of how you utilize
them, zucchini and corn are sweetest, juiciest, and freshest during July. GO GREEN Filling your plate with plenty of greens is never easier than in July. Pick up a bundle of spinach, arugula, lettuce, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green, which are all juiciest and freshest during July. Cucumbers and green beans are bountiful this time of the year, as well. This July, add some fresh flavor to your water with cucumbers or create hearty salads with any of the leafy greens mentioned above. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the middle of summer than by consuming its most delicious foods.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
The college application process has become so complex, but TCMG helped us navigate it successfully. The workshops, one-on-one coaching, and practice interviews all helped our daughter secure a wonderful spot in college, along with a number of scholarships! We highly recommend TCMG. –Jane Gehring 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 Sharp
2 • www.thecollegemoneyguys.com
Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES If there’s one thing that years of college financial planning has taught us, it’s that every family is different. That’s part of why we love our job — we get to find solutions to fit each of our student’s individual needs. Many, many aspects of your child’s life and your family can affect the financial aid process. Here are a few special cases that may apply to you. GIFTED STUDENTS Furthermore, since you control your own income, you can tighten your belt during your child’s college years and qualify for more financial aid. RECENTLY UNEMPLOYED If you were recently terminated or have received notice you will be terminated from your job, there’s still hope to make your student’s SITUATIONS THAT AFFECT FINANCIAL AID
schooling affordable. The same is true if you are self-employed but aren’t making enough to get by. As hard as it may be to discuss, you should make college financial aid officers aware of your perilous employment status. These officers are able to use “professional judgment” in these situations and can usually make accommodations. Most often, they’ll calculate your aid qualifications based on expected income for the next year rather than what you made last year. These are just a few factors that can affect the way colleges view your financial profile. No family fits neatly into FAFSA’s default boxes, so it’s best to understand the opportunities that are available. Our team at The College Money Guys will help ensure you find financial aid packages that fit your family’s unique needs.
If you have an academically and/or athletically talented student, you’ve got homework this summer. Plenty of great schools offer scholarships to attract exceptional students to their campus. Research these colleges and talk to your student about adding some of the best institutions to their application list. OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS Being a small business owner gives you a wealth of options when it comes to paying for college. Unlike most assets families own, businesses are not counted very heavily in the FAFSA process. This means you’ll likely receive more aid than an employed family in the same income bracket.
HAVE A LAUGH
WATERMELON CUCUMBER SKEWERS
INGREDIENTS • 1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed • 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 block feta cheese, cubed • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves • Salt, to taste
EQUIPMENT
• 1 packet of bamboo skewers
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.
2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.
Inspired by CookingLight.com
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
GRAND OPENING AT OUR NEW OFFICE IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA 1322 Space Park Dr., Houston, Texas 77058 July 20th; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free hot dogs, burgers, and Ice cold watermelon
“HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY.” –VINCE LOMBARDI INSIDE
1 2 2 3 3 4
The Stories 4th of July Makes Possible
Eat Seasonally This July
Testimonial
Financial Aid Special Circumstances
Watermelon Cucumber Skewers
Avoid the Summer Heat Somewhere Cool
BONUS MONEY-SAVING CONTENT INSIDE!
CHILL OUT RELAX IN THESE COOL DESTINATIONS THIS SUMMER
ICELAND Just as its name suggests, Iceland can be the perfect destination for travelers yearning to get away from the unbearable summer heat. With temperatures rarely exceeding 60 degrees F — the average high for the country — packing is easy for this relaxing vacation. Take a relaxing dip in one of the country’s many hot springs or enjoy tremendous views of the fjords. Even better, you can tour the country at any time because it’s sunny almost 24 hours a day. What could be better than a midnight hike around the fourth happiest country in the world? NORWAY Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to give up your skiing hobby! Venture off to Norway and experience some of their most popular summer ski resorts. After a day or two shredding the slopes, experience the
As the scorching summer sun beats down, it’s hard to remember that just six months ago you were shivering through the winter, whether that meant a chilly 50 degrees F or bitter subzero temperatures. But if cooler temps sound like paradise, and a dip in the pool is no longer keeping you cool, it might be time to take a vacation somewhere chilly. Check out these three destinations to avoid the summer heat. ALASKA No place says chilly quite like Alaska. Trips to Alaska can be expensive during this time of year, but when you step into that crisp air with a cool mountainous view, you’ll understand why it’s a popular summer voyage. Travelers can choose to fly or take a cruise ship, and many cities feature tourism-packed excursions. A few notable locations include Anchorage, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Denali National Park and Preserve.
popular Norwegian Opera and Ballet in Oslo or choose between numerous outdoor and indoor exhibitions. Best of all, you won’t even break a sweat, as the average temperature in Norway’s hottest month barely hits 70 degrees F. Bordering Sweden and northern Finland, Norway can even be the beginning to a cool European tour this summer.
A REFERRAL IS THE HIGHEST HONOR A BUSINESS CAN RECEIVE FROM A CUSTOMER. THANK YOU.
Ajroudi Family McCluskey Family
Chaumette Family
4 • www.thecollegemoneyguys.com
Published byThe Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online