​

Our program starts at the very beginning by redefining what a safety school should be.  Our definition is: A safety school is a college or university where the student has a high chance of being admitted, be happy at,  AND one the family could afford. If a student works hard and gets into a safety school only to realize it’s not affordable – ask yourself, how safe is that safety school? 

 

While nothing about the college process is simple, we strive to make it simpler for you, just as we have on the wealth management side of the business for our valued clients over the many decades of our combined experience.

 

Parents & Guardians: What this program uncovers: Will paying for college delay your retirement age and/or retirement savings?  On the surface, this does not look so intimidating. But, let's review this case. You have two children  and you put retirement savings on hold for 8 years. This is done during the years traditionally which are your highest earning potential in your career so the consequences could be life changing. Before you take that route, please allow this program to help you review college choices and costs.  

​

In the parent DIY activity, many of those questions are to help set your college budget as it relates directly to published tuition, room and board costs. We provide unique techniques you might not have considered without this program.  

 

Other features, as you might imagine, include details about your college savings plan, your income, your qualified and non qualified accounts, distributions, large purchases, your student's contribution to their college and more. When the time comes to apply for financial aid, everything is up to date, consolidated, and the workbook transforms to a handy organizer to save you time.

 

Most notably, we ask you to reminisce about your college experience and what you want for your student both on the academic and personal well being side.  Ultimately, this is what this plan is about after all, and life in general.

​​

​

Students: This customized workbook allows you to set personal and financial goals, review annually, and adjust for the important decisions that lie ahead. A central theme is that it’s key to know and understand changing your mind is often part of the process.  

​

Certainly, the fun part is finding your college fit.  We encourage you to reflect on what makes you happy, keep challenging yourself in your courses, consider leadership opportunities in those clubs you were a member of in earlier years, be involved in meaningful volunteer work over several years, implement successful study skills, have a summer job or activity, and stop along the way to celebrate your success. This guidance is dedicated to keeping you on track with surveys, timelines, and other resources to ensure you are confident in your next steps - what comes after high school.  Whether it's college or university or something else.  On that note, you'll also explore the differences between colleges and universities and what is right for you.  Along with majors, ease of changing majors, ability to get into the courses you want, if you want a collaborative or competitive environment,  potential to graduate in four years, rankings, destinations after obtaining an undergrad degree, if career options require additional schooling, watching or participating in sports and so much more.  The goal is to end up with a personalized and balanced college list where you will be happy to attend any one school on your list.  And then, once you select the school that is next - then what? We've got you covered there too. While this process is certainly not stress free, we strive to make it stress-less. So, if you find this workbook allows you to manage your time better so you have weekends and school breaks free, take that as a win. And always work hard, learn to be your own advocate,  get enough sleep, keep up those good grades, and continue to make good decisions in your personal life and on social media.

​
​​

 Enjoy your journey!

​