Tag: College

Maximizing Financial Aid: The FAFSA Guide with Tina Steele (Episode 30)

Maximizing Financial Aid: The FAFSA Guide with Tina Steele (Episode 30)

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Summary: In this episode of Wealth on the Move, Will Hoffman speaks with Tina Steele, the FAFSA guru, about the intricacies of the FAFSA process and how families can maximize their financial aid opportunities. They discuss the importance of understanding FAFSA, the changes that have occurred recently, and strategies for families to navigate the financial aid landscape effectively. Tina shares insights on common mistakes families make, the significance of documentation, and the future of FAFSA, including new technologies that will aid in the process. This conversation is essential for parents and students preparing for college funding.

Resources:

Takeaways:

  • FAFSA is crucial for all students attending college.
  • Filling out FAFSA is necessary every year for financial aid.
  • Many families mistakenly believe they won’t qualify for aid.
  • Child support is now treated as an asset in FAFSA calculations.
  • Families can report special circumstances to financial aid offices.
  • It’s important to appeal financial aid offers for potential increases.
  • NIL income can affect financial aid eligibility for student-athletes.
  • Common mistakes include misreporting assets and missing deadlines.
  • Documentation is key for the FAFSA process and potential verification.
  • The FAFSA process is evolving with new technologies for assistance.

Connect with Will Hoffman: 

 

Tina Steele and The FAFSA Guru not affiliated with Hoffman Wealth Management and Private Advisor Group. This presentation is not intended as specific financial advice for any individual.

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How to Win Scholarships & Pay for College Without Student Loans with Dave Peterson (Episode 29)

How to Win Scholarships & Pay for College Without Student Loans with Dave Peterson (Episode 29)

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Summary: In this episode of Wealth on the Move, host Will Hoffman discusses the challenges of funding college education with expert Dave Peterson. They explore the vast opportunities available through scholarships, the misconceptions surrounding them, and the importance of starting the scholarship search early. Peterson shares insights on different types of scholarships, the scholarship application process, and how to build a compelling personal narrative. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents and students to be proactive in seeking financial aid to alleviate the burden of student loans and ensure a successful educational journey.

Resources:

Takeaways:

  • There is a significant amount of scholarship money available, much of which goes unclaimed.
  • Scholarships are not just for seniors; opportunities exist for younger students as well.
  • A strong personal narrative is crucial for winning scholarships.
  • Students should start applying for scholarships as early as possible.
  • Many scholarships do not require high GPAs or test scores.
  • Building a personal narrative involves academics, extracurriculars, volunteering, and work experience.
  • Avoid applying for illegitimate scholarships that ask for sensitive information.
  • The scholarship application process requires attention to detail and following instructions.
  • Students can earn scholarships even after high school graduation.
  • Utilizing resources like Scholarship GPS can help streamline the scholarship search process.

Connect with Will Hoffman: 

 

Dave Peterson and Scholarship GPS not affiliated with Hoffman Wealth Management and Private Advisor Group. This presentation is not intended as specific financial advice for any individual.

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The NIL Revolution: Transforming College Sports with Kristi Dosh (Episode 27)

The NIL Revolution: Transforming College Sports with Kristi Dosh (Episode 27)

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Summary: In this episode of Wealth on the Move, host Will Hoffman and NIL expert Kristi Dosh delve into the transformative landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports. They discuss the evolution of NIL rules, the financial implications for student-athletes, and the importance of building a personal brand through social media. Kristi shares insights on navigating contracts, the role of agents, and the tax responsibilities that come with NIL deals. The conversation also highlights the future of NIL, including market inefficiencies and undervalued opportunities for athletes.

Resources:

Takeaways:

  • NIL has revolutionized the financial landscape for college athletes.
  • The rules around NIL have changed significantly since July 2021.
  • Athletes must navigate a complex and evolving NIL environment.
  • Written contracts are essential for NIL deals to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Many athletes may not need agents but should consider hiring attorneys.
  • Tax implications are a crucial aspect of NIL earnings for athletes.
  • Social media presence is vital for building a personal brand.
  • Athletes should diversify their content beyond just their sport.
  • NIL opportunities can extend into coaching and clinics for athletes.
  • The future of NIL may see more states allowing high school athletes to participate

Connect with Will Hoffman: 

Kristi Dosh and Business of College Sports are not affiliated with Hoffman Wealth Management and Private Advisor Group. Hoffman Wealth Management and Private Advisor Group do not provide tax or legal advice. This presentation is not intended as specific financial,  tax or legal advice for any individual. Please consult with qualified professionals for these types of advice.

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Understanding Lifestyle Creep: How to Keep Your Spending in Check and Build Wealth (Episode 2)

Understanding Lifestyle Creep: How to Keep Your Spending in Check and Build Wealth (Episode 2)

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Summary In this episode of Wealth on the Move, hosts Will Hoffman and Brynn Tarbuck discuss the concept of lifestyle creep, particularly how increased income can lead to increased spending. They emphasize the importance of financial planning, aligning spending with personal values, and preparing for potential financial setbacks. The conversation also covers strategies to combat lifestyle creep, the significance of insurance, and the necessity of making informed financial decisions. The hosts encourage listeners to take action against overspending and to plan for a financially secure retirement.

Takeaways

  • Lifestyle creep occurs when income increases lead to increased spending.
  • It’s important to enjoy your money while also saving for the future.
  • Financial independence requires a balance between spending and saving.
  • Understanding your values is crucial in financial decision-making.
  • Debt can become a significant issue if lifestyle spending is not controlled.
  • Having a financial plan helps in managing cash flow effectively.
  • Insurance should be updated to match your financial situation.
  • Acknowledging overspending is the first step to addressing it.
  • Long-term planning is essential for a secure retirement.
  • It’s never too late to start a financial plan.

Get your copy of “The Great Spending Balance” by clicking the link here: https://www.fmgwebsites.com/af1def90-2c76-4c9d-a296-95eeb9c6b878/the-great-spending-balance-love-your-life-today-whilelove-your-life-today-while-saving-for-tomorrow

 

 

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Education Planning Series: How You Can Save for College (Ep. 14)

Education Planning Series: How You Can Save for College (Ep. 14)

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To complete our Education Planning Series, Will Hoffman discusses how you can ensure your child has access to quality education by explaining the various saving plans available. 

In this episode, Will explores three popular options: the 529 plan, the Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA), the Uniform Transfers to Minor Act (UPMA), and the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA).

Plus, he shares why it’s crucial to start saving early, and recaps key points from previous episodes in this series. 

Take note as Will explains:

  • Why the 529 plan is an excellent tool for tax-free distributions for educational expenses
  • How the Coverdell ESA functions as a tax-free withdrawal option for qualified education 
  • What a UGMA or UTMA is, and why it’s important to know your state’s law pertaining to gifts and transfers
  • And more

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

Resources:

Connect with Will Hoffman: 

About Our Host: 

Will Hoffman is a financial advisor and the Founder of Hoffman Wealth Management, a firm dedicated to helping professionals create wealth plans that revolve around their financial goals. Will has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and is passionate about becoming his client’s most trusted financial ally. 

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group and Hoffman Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed.  No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

 

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Education Planning Series: Your Guide to Navigating the FAFSA (Ep. 11)

Education Planning Series: Your Guide to Navigating the FAFSA (Ep. 11)

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Do you need clarification on what a FAFSA is, and how you can receive student aid to help pay for your child’s college education?

Welcome to the first in a series of episodes focusing on Education Planning!

In this episode, Tina Steele, founder of The FAFSA Guru, discusses navigating the process of submitting a FAFSA, and securing your child’s best financial assistance package. She also shares ways to avoid the common mistakes that could cost you thousands, and guides listeners on the ins and outs of the process to ensure you’re getting the most financial aid possible.

Join the conversation as Tina discusses:

  • The importance of filling out the FAFSA form every year 
  • How to avoid common mistakes when filling out the application
  • What additional documents are required by some colleges for eligibility
  • Options surrounding scholarships and government grants
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Tina Steele:

Connect with Will Hoffman: 

About Our Guest: 

Tina began her career in higher education just out of high school when she landed her  first “real job” working in a financial aid office. She quickly realized that she loved helping students navigate the college planning and financial aid process and achieve their dreams. It also inspired her to get her own Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. 

Over the last thirty years she has worked directly in the financial aid office at several public and private colleges and she also spent 10 years facilitating college planning and financial aid workshops across the state of Maine for a federally funded grant program aimed at helping disadvantaged students aspire to and pursue college. 

Now as the owner and Founder of The FAFSA Guru Tina guides families through the overwhelming financial aid process. She has a number of programs and services she offers in addition to zoom and phone consultations. She created this business to offer help to families at an affordable price as working with Educational Consultants can cost thousands of dollars. You can learn more by visiting her website at thefafsaguru.com.

Tina Steele and The FAFSA Guru are not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial, Hoffman Wealth Management, or Private Advisor Group.

About Our Host: 

Will Hoffman is a financial advisor and the Founder of Hoffman Wealth Management, a firm dedicated to helping professionals create wealth plans that revolve around their financial goals. Will has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and is passionate about becoming his client’s most trusted financial ally. 

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group and Hoffman Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed.  No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

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