financial advice & planning

How EFC Affects Your College Cost and Financial Aid Planning

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

Saving or raising money to pay for college can be a long and challenging process. There are a lot of elements that go into the planning, and so many affect one another. One of the biggest factors when it comes to financial aid is EFC. Let’s break it down. What is EFC? EFC stands for …

financial advice & planning

What Are The 529 Plan Rules?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to saving for college, 529 plans are often at the forefront of many parents’ savings research and goals. However, there are a lot of rules and information to digest. States offer 529 plans to give parents a way to save for their kids’ college tuition. Parents who start saving in a 529 …

financial advice & planning

How The American Opportunity Tax Credit Can Save You $2,500 Per Year

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College is quite an investment, especially for families with multiple children. Saving up for higher education can be a challenge. There always seems to be one more fee to pay, another textbook to purchase, and so on…  Luckily, there is some help available. If you are a parent with one or more children enrolled in …

financial advice & planning

Let’s Talk About Money: 6 Conversations Families Should Have Before College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Nobody really likes talking about finances and budgets, especially when things are tight. Money discussions between parents and their college-bound students navigate several delicate issues. Students may have their heart set on attending their ‘dream’ school. But what if mom and dad just can’t afford the high tuition fees? Should their child give up on …

financial advice & planning

7 Important Financial Tips College-Bound Students Need to Know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s a lot a college bound student needs to learn and top of this list is how to navigate finances. Developing money management skills before going to college will set the stage for lifelong fiscal responsibility. More importantly, it can help prevent common financial disasters such as bankruptcy. Here are 7 important financial tips all …

financial advice & planning

How to Save Money in College: 4 Easy Steps

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is absolutely no doubt that college is expensive. Everyone wonders how to save money in college. Even if you have a job it can be tricky. However, there are definitely ways to do it! Here how to save money in college in four great steps to get you on your way to a strong …

financial advice & planning

4 Easy Steps to Clean and Organize Your Finances in College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Cleaning up your finances while you’re in college may seem like a tedious or intimidating chore. Do you really need to do that now? Can’t it wait until after you graduate? You could, but the problem with ignoring them now is dealing with a bigger mess later. Over a period of time, minor financial issues …

financial advice & planning

How to Lower the Cost of College Education with Fee Waivers

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting a college education is expensive and that starts right at the application stage. If you are looking at ways to lower your overall cost of college education (and you should be), start today by exploring ways to minimize your college app fees. Narrow Down Your College Choices It’s tempting to want to apply to as …

financial advice & planning

Which 529 College Savings Plan Is Right for My Family?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Everyone needs a little help when it comes to saving money and planning ahead for college. With tuition costs and student debt increasing every year, it may feel quite daunting. But don’t give up hope. There are college saving plans out there that can help you save for and afford college. But have you ever …

financial advice & planning

From Dependent to Independent: Filing Taxes for the First Time

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Is this is your first time filing taxes as independent? If it is, you may be wondering how to file as an independent. Most people find the thought of filing taxes highly stressful. This is mainly because they worry they may be audited or have to pay a tax bill. While you have to make …