Applications Done? Now the FAFSA

Now that the college application forms that were due this fall are completed (they are, aren’t they?), it’s time to fill out the forms that really matter. You know, the ones that will determine what funding you’ll get to help pay for that college education: financial aid forms.

You can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online starting January 1, 2009 and you should do so as soon after that as possible.

Technically, you have until next summer to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but the federal government doesn’t have an endless supply of financial aid and it’s first-come, first-serve. Plus, the state of Florida and nearly all colleges and universities require the FAFSA before they’ll consider you for any of their financial aid. You can submit it early, then adjust it when you have filed your income taxes.

Don’t think just because you are an upper-income family that you have no chance of getting financial aid. There are federal, state and institutional financial aid options that are not based on financial need. If you find other people’s money to help finance your student’s education, the more you have to put toward your retirement.

There are steps you can take to make certain you get your fair share of the aid available. If you think your student qualifies, remember the Florida Bright Futures program application became available December 1 st .

Jim Beach of Tuition Solutions is an Intergenerational College Funding Counselor. He specializes in helping grandparents and families with students make paying for college a happy time. Contact Jim at 561-451-9195 or email: [email protected] 

Happily Overheard

I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up — they have no holidays. -Henny Youngman