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College Planning

Helping Families Afford College Without Sacrificing Retirement

At Cornerstone College & Wealth Solutions (CCWS), we understand the anxiety and confusion many parents feel when facing the explosive cost of higher education. Whether your child is years away from college or packing their bags next semester, one thing is certain: paying for college can be one of the biggest financial challenges families will ever face.
 
From skyrocketing tuition to changing financial aid rules and economic uncertainty, many parents lie awake at night worrying:
 
  • Will we have to take on massive debt?
  • Will paying for college derail our retirement plans?
  • Are we missing out on ways to reduce the cost?
  • Where do we even begin?
 
At CCWS, we turn confusion into clarity and fear into confidence. Whether you’ve saved a little or a lot – or somewhere in between – our experienced Certified College Funding Specialists are here to help you build a customized strategy to pay for college—without compromising your financial future.

Why College Planning Matters Now

Even if college is years away, the earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have. Delaying decisions often leads to missed opportunities for tax savings, financial aid, and investment growth.
 
Whether you’ve started planning or just getting started, our team is ready to help you:
 
  • Pay less for college
  • Take on less debt
  • Protect your retirement
  • Make confident, informed decisions

Our College Planning Services

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter advice. Your family’s financial situation, goals, and values are unique—and your college plan should be, too.

Here’s what you can expect from working with CCWS:

  • Education Funding Strategies:
  • Personalized plans based on your goals, timeline and financial resources
  • Guidance on how to balance savings, borrowing, and cash flow
  • Financial Aid Navigation:
  • Provide clarification of complex financial aid system – FAFSA, CSS Profile, scholarships, grants and loans
  • Implement strategies to maximize eligibility, even for higher-income families
  • Tax-Advantaged Planning:
  • Use of 529 Plans, other Education Savings Accounts, and additional tax-efficient tools
  • Coordination of contributions and gifts from grandparents and extended family
  • Investment Timeline Management:
  • Evolving investment strategies as college nears and throughout the journey
  • Balancing potential growth with the need for safety and liquidity
  • Cost Analysis & Budgeting:
  • Comprehensive college cost estimates (tuition, room & board, fees, travel, and more)
  • Multi-year funding models & budget strategies
  • Holistic Financial Planning Integration:
  • Alignment of college plan with broader financial goals (retirement, debt reduction, wealth transfer, and lifestyle)
  • Identification and correction of financial inefficiencies to increase available cash
  • Powerful Database Tool to Guide College Decisions:
  • Customized Net Costs: Personalized cost projections, financial aid & scholarship data, and affordability insights for every college.
  • Compare & Optimize: Build, sort and compare your college list by admissions and financial fit, compare award letters, and evaluate appeal opportunities.
  • Plan to Pay: Clear guidance on the price YOU are estimated to pay, loan and free-money options, and payment strategies

More Than Just Numbers—We Bring Peace of Mind

Planning for college is as emotional as it is financial. We understand the hopes you have for your children—and the fears that come with trying to give them the best possible future.

Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed, and unsure where to turn. Our job is to listen, simplify, and empower you with knowledge and options—so you can move forward with confidence.

Let’s Take the First Step—Together

You don’t have to face the rising cost of college alone. Whether your child is in preschool or already preparing applications, now is the time to take action.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Meet one-on-one with a Cornerstone College & Wealth Solutions specialist to:

  • Review your family’s unique college and financial goals
  • Identify key savings opportunities and cost-reduction strategies
  • Get answers to your most pressing questions about financial aid, scholarships, and paying for college


Even if you don’t qualify for financial aid, we can still help you save significantly through smarter, customized planning.

"Absolutely terrific. We didn’t know where to begin. Jodi & Carl are extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. They shared many strategies and we found the ideal way to pay for our three kids - we jumped on board and so glad we did. They go above and beyond and are always there for us."
David & Stacey V.
"Run, Don’t Walk! The Cornerstone College & Wealth Solutions team is the best. We had a unique situation and with Carl & Jodi’s expertise, created the best plan for funding for college and our future retirement. We recommend them to everyone."
Ian & Emily G.
"For the last five years, we have trusted and relied on the financial guidance of Carl and Jodi at Cornerstone College and Wealth Solutions. They are always prompt and attentive to our financial inquiries and opportunities , whether big or small. Jodi and Carl took special care to get to know and understand us, so their advice addresses our personal and financial needs. We are fortunate to have found advisors who have the experience and integrity that we can trust."
Gaby & Pete G.
"Jodi Bloom's research and presentation about college costs, funding sources and financial aid is 5 star! Her session is a must for anyone trying to navigate these areas for family members or clients. I recommend her frequently to my clients – she is so patient and bright – creates really unique plans. She doesn’t just set something in place and forget it – she works closely with them throughout the college journey and beyond."
Karyl C., CPA
"As parents of twins, navigating the process of paying for college was stressful and overwhelming. Jodi and Carl's expertise and counsel were invaluable. Within a relatively short amount of time, they worked with us to put a long-term plan in place for our kids' education and other financial goals. And they are always there to talk through anything that comes up."
Randee & Steve L.
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Whether you’re planning for college, preparing for retirement, want to build long-term wealth, or interested in protecting your legacy, our team is here to help. Our Certified College Funding Specialists and Wealth Management Team bring extensive experience in college funding, retirement and income strategies, tax-efficient investing, and estate planning.

Schedule a consultation today to explore personalized solutions designed to support your family’s goals—now and for generations to come.

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