As summer begins to wind down, back-to-school planning ramps up. Getting school supplies is a normal part of the process, ensuring students have the right tools to start the year off strong. But many options aren’t eco-conscious, which isn’t ideal. Luckily, there is a wide variety of eco-friendly school supplies that aren’t just green, but…
Read MoreBudgeting for Teens – A Guide for Parents
For many teens, the idea of budgeting is a bit ambiguous. Most students understand that budgeting is a good idea. However, budgeting for teens isn’t something that’s taught in most high schools. Plus, budgeting is one of many things that parents forget to teach their college-bound kids. Often, it isn’t intentional; it merely slips a…
Read MoreA Complete College Prep Checklist: High School Senior Year
If your student has headed into their senior year (Class of 2024), there’s no question that their high school senior year is exciting… but it’s also incredibly busy! Between the college admissions process, college applications, scholarships, financial aid process, testing, finals, prom, graduation and more, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When it comes to college planning, it may…
Read More14 Surprising (and Funny) Things We Forgot to Teach Our College-Bound Kids
Parents often concentrate on specific areas when they impart wisdom on their college-bound children. Many of the most commonly shared tips focus on academic success, while others include tips on navigating common social situations and being safe while out and about. While all of those things are important, they aren’t the only things teens need…
Read MoreWhat is Room and Board & What Will It Cost You?
As the academic year begins, a new batch of high school seniors typically set their sights on college. They start reviewing options, identifying costs, and preparing their applications for admission (if they haven’t done so already). When reviewing costs at each school, room, and board is a common line item on the list, especially for…
Read MorePersonal Assets That Can Help You Pay for College
Figuring out how to pay for your child’s college education can be daunting. If your student has a shortfall, then figuring out if any personal assets are viable options for making up the difference is wise. Even if your child could cover it with student loans, choosing to use certain personal assets to pay for…
Read More8 Easy Ways to Motivate Your Child to Apply for Scholarships
When it comes to paying for college, scholarships are hard to be. The money doesn’t have to be repaid and opportunities are fairly plentiful, often being offered by states, companies, and a variety of philanthropic organizations. While the idea of getting money from scholarships is often appealing, the actual process of applying usually isn’t. It…
Read MoreA Complete College Prep Checklist: High School Junior Year
Wow, can you believe it?! Your student’s junior year already marks the halfway point of their high school journey and is a pivotal time. Colleges and universities look closely at their grades, scheduled courses, and activities when making admissions decisions. For both students and parents, it is imperative to stay on top of the college…
Read More7 Podcasts for Parents of College-Bound Teens
Let’s face it. Life is busy. The days are short and having time to sit down and read all there is to know about prepping your student for college can be overwhelming and downright stressful! But what if there was a way to learn much of what you need to know about the college process…
Read MoreA Parent’s Perspective: How We Helped Our Daughters Secure Scholarships
As a parent to two college students, I was highly involved in their high school careers. They at times appreciated this support and at other times wanted more independence. Still, the scholarship process was a team effort for all of us. One area where I took the lead due to them being busy with high…
Read More