How to Manage Student Loan Debt While Planning for the Future
For many Americans, student loan debt is a heavy financial burden that follows them well into adulthood. As of mid-2024, student loan debt in the U.S. stood at an eye-popping $1.74 trillion. This reality can feel daunting, especially for recent graduates eager to build their financial...
Scholarships vs. Grants: How to Maximize College Financial Aid Opportunities
The cost of higher education continues to rise, leaving many students and their families searching for ways to fund their academic dreams without accumulating overwhelming debt. Scholarships and grants are two of the most attractive financial aid options because they provide free money that doesn’t need...
Financial Aid Awareness Makes Higher Education More Accessible
February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to informing college students about the many opportunities available to make higher education more accessible and affordable. The cost of attending colleges and universities has skyrocketed over the past few decades. The average cost of college...
Planning College Costs as Newlyweds
As young couples embark on the journey of marriage, many financial decisions must be made. One of them is funding higher education for future children. With the right strategies, newlyweds can proactively approach college savings, setting their families up for long-term success. What are the emerging...
The College Enrollment Cliff: Planning Your Family’s Educational Future
American families planning for their children's education face a dramatically shifting landscape in higher education—the enrollment cliff leading to a projected 15 percent decline in U.S. college students between 2025 and 2029. Understanding the Enrollment Cliff The term "enrollment cliff" refers to an anticipated sharp decline in college-age...
College Savings for 2025: Tips and Strategies
As higher education costs continue to rise, saving for your child's college education has become an increasingly important financial priority for many families. Whether your child is just a toddler or is already in high school, it's never too early or too late to start...
The Value of a Year-end Investment Review
As we approach the end of the calendar year, the financial landscape continues to present investors with both challenges and opportunities. An investment review and a disciplined approach to diversification can help weather market volatility and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. The Importance of Diversification Diversification...
Engineering and Art: A Dual Path to Career Success
For years, conventional wisdom has dictated that those seeking lucrative careers should pursue degrees in engineering or other STEM fields, avoiding the arts in favor of a higher earning potential. However, recent research suggests that the best path to career success may lie in combining...
Parent Plus Loans for College Costs
As college costs continue to rise, many families look for ways to bridge the financial gap left by other forms of financial aid. One option to consider is Parent PLUS loans. Parent PLUS loans, offered through the Department of Education's William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan...
Five Higher Education Trends to Watch For in 2024
Higher education is constantly evolving, and 2024 promises to bring significant changes that will impact students, educators, and institutions alike. Here are the top five trends in higher education this year. “As higher education adapts to these emerging trends, it's crucial for institutions to remain flexible...