Tag: FAFSA

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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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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