This engaging and informative workshop is designed for parents with children of all ages — from newborn through college. Planning for college can be daunting, with many families feeling stressed and overwhelmed about how to manage the rapidly rising cost of higher education without jeopardizing their long-term financial goals and retirement security. Even higher-income families with substantial resources can feel overwhelmed by the tremendous cost of school and seek guidance to navigate the quickly evolving college process to secure discounts and preserve their wealth. College funding is one of the most emotionally and financially challenging decisions families face.
A featured focus of the session is the legislation often referred to as “The Big Beautiful Bill,” which has significant implications for families navigating college savings, financial aid, and affordability. We break down what this legislation means in a clear, accessible, and practical way.
Participants will also learn about:
How to secure a quality education without overpaying for college
Understanding the financial aid landscape: FAFSA and CSS Profiles, need-based and merit-based aid, athletic and private scholarships
Student Aid Index (SAI): How it’s calculated and directly impacts your family’s financial aid eligibility
Pros and cons of diverse college savings vehicles – a look at 529 plans as well as alternative savings strategies and determining how to choose what’s right for each family
How to reduce student loan debt and plan for repayment without sacrificing your family’s future
Strategies to recapture out-of-pocket college expenses
Positioning families to maximize college discounts: Practical strategies—even for higher-income households—to unlock savings opportunities
We believe this workshop would be a valuable addition to your programming calendar and a meaningful resource for individuals and families in your community — empowering patrons to make sound financial decisions, reduce the overall cost of college, and limit the need to burden themselves or their children with unnecessary debt.