College Planning Basics (4 hours)

College planning used to focus on selection and applications. Today, with tuition ranging from $30,000 - $70,000+ per year, concerns have shifted to the cost. Financial aid and scholarships rarely cover it all. Review funding options, including student (and parental) loans, loan consolidations, educational tax benefits, and the financial aid process. Examine financial aid forms thatevery family should (and shouldn't) complete. Discuss new tax law changes that impact 529 Plans and other educational tax benefits. Finally, as careers increasingly require advanced degrees, we'll consider financial resources available to graduate students.

CPAs, CFPs, lawyers and financial professionals.

Determine what loans are available to the student and/or parent(s) and the pros and cons of each. Recognize when educational loans can be consolidated and who can consolidate them. Identify what deductions and credits are available and when they can be used. Review tax advantage college savings plans. Identify the different financal aid forms and which ones to file. Review the financial aid process.

Federal education loans Private educational loans Other loans Federal and private educational loan consolidations American Opportunity Tax Credit Lifetime Learning Credit 529 Plans and CoverdellEducation Savings Accounts U.S. Savings Bonds Student Loan Interest Deduction Financial aid forms Acceptance Letters and Award Letters Appeal Letters Graduate school