This program will be presented by a nationally recognized Certified College Funding Specialist, Jodi Bloom, who has been invited to speak to families and professionals by more than 65 organizations nationwide. She has also provided continuing education to over 40,000 CPAs across the country on strategies to help make college more affordable.
Designed for parents with children of all ages—from newborn through college—this engaging and informative session addresses one of the most stressful financial challenges families face today: how to pay for college without jeopardizing long-term financial goals and retirement. 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.
A featured focus of the presentation is recent legislation often referred to as “The Big Beautiful Bill,” and what it means for college savings, financial aid, and affordability. The presenter will explain these changes in a clear, practical, and easy-to-understand 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 your 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
Participants will gain valuable insights, expert guidance, and creative strategies to help make smarter college funding decisions while protecting the ability to retire comfortably. This program is designed to simplify and demystify the college funding process, empowering families to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary debt.
Whether your child was just born or is approaching college decisions, this program will provide clarity, confidence, and practical guidance you can use right away.