Wondering why college seems more costly than in the past? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college tuition has increased 559% since 1985. Over the same time, disposable income has increased only incrementally, which can create the perception of greater costs for each family.
Tag: Parent
“Talk With Your Teacher”: Not Always a Simple Task
“Talk with your teacher” is usually advice that parents give to their high school aged student when an academic issue arises. Teens can typically have the following reactions to their parents’ suggestion: they silently agree, then don’t actually talk with the teacher or they protest, with reasons about the teacher not liking them or being…
The Wisdom of Our Parents
Do any of the following concerns sound familiar? “Is my student motivated enough?” “I don’t want to be a nag. How much do I remind my high school student to get her/his homework done?” “When do teenagers normally start taking greater responsibility for their homework and academic achievement?” I don’t want my daughter/son to lose…
Sleep, More Sleep and Summer Camp: A Teen’s Summer Vacation Agenda
The months long stretch of unscheduled summer vacation can be enticing to both teens and their parents. For teens, the idea of sleeping in until afternoon and no pressure about daily homework assignments is enthralling. For parents, summer can be an unrestricted time to explore other academic interests and hobbies. (And, in fairness, for teens…
Do You Wonder if College Admissions Offices are Single-Handedly Keeping the U.S. Postal Service In Business?
Availability of information is not the problem when starting a search for colleges. The sources of information–admissions statistics, YouTube, college websites, college search engines, Facebook pages, parents swapping stories on the sidelines at the soccer game, alumni returning to high schools to talk about their college experience, aunties and uncles freely offering college advice at…
Education is a Delicate Balance
I have never met a parent who didn’t want the absolute best for their children. The idea of helping one’s offspring become more independent often is part of that “wanting what’s best.” When toddlers can’t immediately get up after a non-injuring fall, parents will often be mindful not to rush in and swoop up the…
On Being Educated
Supposedly, the older you get, the less you know, which can be a sign of wisdom. For me, the Harvard educated, lifelong ‘A’ student, however, the idea of knowing less is deflating. I was the nerdy kid, the one in the corner, even at extended family gatherings (which my cousins kindly remind me every chance…
Senioritis: It’s Not Contagious, Yet Can Strike Whole Senior Classes
About this time of year, a curious affliction can take hold of the current high school Senior class; its often known as, “Senioritis”. With no known cure, yet for most, a temporary condition, Senioritis can strike at any time, for no apparent reason, and without warning. The symptoms can include:
Guest Post: The Savings for College Challenge, Part 4 – Saving for College vs. Saving for Retirement
About the authors: For over 25 years, Cynthia S. Meyers, CFP®, MBA, has assisted people with their Lifetime Financial Planning–helping to build and preserve wealth in every area of life. Jenny Hood, CFP® has been a paraplanner with Cynthia S. Meyers for five years and enjoys being a part of the financial planning process. ____________________________________…
Extracurricular Activities & College Admissions
Many high school students and their parents ask me, “Am I (or is my son/daughter) doing enough activities?” Enough is the key word in the question, as well as an unquantifiable amount that is one of the indicators that college admissions can be an art and subjective. Parents and students over the years have begun…
Affording College Expenses = Planning, Planning and More Planning
Many families believe their income is too high to qualify for any financial aid, so begin making alternative plans to pay for college, and don’t complete the required forms to apply for financial aid–including the FAFSA. Regardless of the family’s perception or stories they’ve heard about other people’s experiences, always fill out the FAFSA. Let…
Wrapping Your Arms Around College Costs
Parents often remark that they don’t want money to define their child’s choices for college, and then proceed to ask me questions about financial aid and scholarships. The sense of an impending expense in the thousands of dollars can make any normal human being nervous. Teens can often react with guilt and fear, that they…
The Mixed Bag of College Applications
“Where will I get in?” “Are there too many reach schools on my list?” “What schools would be backups?” I am often asked these questions when parents and students first start talking about the college selection process, usually toward the beginning of the conversation too. The fear of not being accepted can loom large…
The Many Meanings of “I Don’t Know”
“I don’t know” is a common answer to a variety of questions, when I talk with teenagers and their families about college and education. What I’ve come to learn is that “I don’t know” has a different meaning, depending on the question.
Applying for Free Money (i.e. Financial Aid)
The process to apply for college financial aid requires families to complete several forms. Below is a list of the forms needed to complete the financial aid application process: 2011 Tax Returns? Check. FAFSA (aka Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? Check. CSS/PROFILE? Wait a minute…What’s that? 2012 Tax Returns, done? Excuse me, why do…