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
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