The College Funding Coach

TuitionCents Series: Do 529 Plans Make the Grade?
2022-05-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Learn the basics of 529 savings plans, how they compare to other savings vehicles, and why they are not a silver bullet to pay for college.
May 19, 2022 @ 7:00 pm ET
TuitionCents Series: Do 529 Plans Make the Grade?
Shari Rash and Brock Jolly

Testing, Timeline and Trends: What You Need to Know About the Changing College Admissions Landscape
2022-06-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The live event has ended. You can access the recording here.

TuitionCents Series: Major Changes to the FAFSA Are Coming: What You Need to Know
2022-06-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
This event has concluded. Watch the recording here.

Topics to be covered:

Simplified FAFSA
EFC Now “Student Aid Index”
Multiple Children Discount Eliminated
Pell Grant Expansion
Custodial Parent Rule Change
Financial Aid Appeal Change

TuitionCents Series: The FAFSA vs CSS Profile for Divorced Parents
2022-07-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
July 21, 2022 @ 7:00 pm ET
TuitionCents Series: The FAFSA vs CSS Profile for Divorced Parents
Demetrius Doss and Brock Jolly

TuitionCents Series: How Out-of-State Students Can Get In-State Tuition
2022-08-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
August 11, 2022 @ 7:00 pm EDT
TuitionCents Series: How Out-of-State Students Can Get In-State Tuition
Update: The live event has ended. Watch the recording here.

TuitionCents Series: College Financial Aid — Know the Rules
2022-09-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
UPDATE: This live event has concluded. Watch the recording here.

Topics:

What assets are counted against you on the FAFSA & CSS Profile
Why who owns the asset is a significant factor
How is income assessed on the FAFSA?
Major changes coming to the income section of the federal methodology
Grandparent contribution strategies and upcoming changes that may be beneficial for extended family support
Why you may want to apply to private colleges
Professional judgment and “negotiating” financial aid packages
Looking beyond Parent Plus Loans

TuitionCents Series: The Current State of Student Loans
2022-10-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
This live event has concluded. You can access the recording via the following form.
TuitionCents Series: The Current State of Student Loans
Brock Jolly and Brad Wood

TuitionCents Series: How High-Income Families Can Pay for College & Still Retire Comfortably
2022-12-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
This live event has concluded. Access the recording here.

Finding Affordable Universities Outside the US
2023-03-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
This live event has concluded. The recording is now available here.
Few aspects of the college admissions process are more fraught with misinformation than the idea of going to university overseas. Amazing opportunities exist that can give your child the experience (and education) of a lifetime while saving significantly over even in-state options here in the United States. However, there are plenty of pitfalls that could result in a degree that ultimately isn’t worth the investment. Join Kevin Newton of An Education Abroad as he discusses a brief overview of what to look for when applying overseas as well as how to save considerably on the entire process, no matter your EFC.
Kevin Newton is the founder of An Education Abroad, a company that is dedicated to helping students find their dream degrees overseas. With ten years of experience in higher education admissions, Kevin has helped students do everything from gain admission to Oxford and Cambridge to finding affordable programs that meet all their professional priorities.
Access the recording

TuitionCents 2024: The Financial Aid Appeal Process: What You Need to Know
2024-02-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Topics to include the following:
– Learning financial aid lingo
– Requesting Professional Judgment/Special circumstances
– The appeal process and letter
– “Negotiation”
– Common questions and issues

TuitionCents 2024: How to Read Your Financial Award Letter
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Topics include the following:

Understanding Your Cost “All-In”
Student Aid Index, Aid Eligibility, and Percentage of Need Met
One-Year Awards and Grant/Loan Confusion
Financial Aid Appeals – Special Circumstances, Professional Judgment, Merit Aid

TuitionCents 2024: How to Take Out Student Loans Responsibly
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
– Understanding the total cost of loans
– Federal direct loans & repayment
– Parent PLUS loans & repayment
– Private loans & repayment
– Student loan vs HELOC

Save Money By Going to College Abroad
2024-07-16 19:00 | Zoom
Few aspects of the college admissions process are more fraught with misinformation than the idea of going to university overseas. Amazing opportunities exist that can give your child the experience (and education) of a lifetime while saving significantly over even in-state options here in the United States. However, there are plenty of pitfalls that could result in a degree that ultimately isn’t worth the investment.
Join Kevin Newton of An Education Abroad as he discusses a brief overview of what to look for when applying overseas as well as how to save considerably on the entire process, no matter your EFC. Kevin Newton is the founder of An Education Abroad, a company that is dedicated to helping students find their dream degrees overseas. With ten years of experience in higher education admissions, Kevin has helped students do everything from gain admission to Oxford and Cambridge to finding affordable programs that meet all their professional priorities.

TuitionCents 2024: How to Reduce the Cost of College
2024-07-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
From 1980 to 2020, the price of attending a four-year college full-time increased by 180%. Some colleges are now pushing sticker prices of $95,000 a year. While most families do not pay sticker price, there is often a significant gap between what the college charges and what the family can comfortably afford.
So, what can you do to bring down that overall college bill? Additionally, how can you maximize your own cash to pay for it?
Topics to be covered:
– Why Parents Overpay
– The Student Loan Problem
– OPM (Other People’s Money) Strategies
– Strategies with Your Own Money
– Debt Strategies

TuitionCents 2025: How to Take Out Student Loans Responsibly
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA

TuitionCents 2025: Hidden Gems - Colleges That Deliver Big Returns on Investment
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Looking for colleges that won’t break the bank but will launch a thriving future?
Discover the hidden gems that deliver outsized returns on your investment and set students up for long-term success. Not all great investments come with a flashy name, and when it comes to college, some of the best-kept secrets offer the strongest payoffs. Whether you’re focused on minimizing student debt, maximizing earning potential, or simply getting the best bang for your buck, this session will help you uncover underrated schools or programs with great relative returns. We’ll explore the following:
• What factors really determine a college’s true return on investment (ROI)
• Why prestige is overvalued
• Schools and programs that consistently outperform “rankings”
• Finding financial fit schools that pack a punch
Don’t miss your chance to think beyond the brand names!

Partnership Series: How High-Income Families Can Save on College Abroad
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Few aspects of the college admissions process are more fraught with misinformation than the idea of going to university overseas.
Amazing opportunities exist that can give your child the experience— and education—of a lifetime while saving significantly over even in-state options here in the United States. However, there are plenty of pitfalls that could result in a degree that ultimately isn’t worth the investment.
Join Kevin Newton of An Education Abroad as he discusses a brief overview of what to look for when applying overseas, as well as how to save considerably on the entire process, no matter your SAI.
Kevin Newton is the founder of An Education Abroad, a company that is dedicated to helping students find their dream degrees overseas. With over a decade of experience in higher education admissions, Kevin has helped students gain admission to prestigious institutions, such as Oxford and Cambridge, as well as find affordable programs that align with their professional priorities.

TuitionCents 2025: College Funding Strategy for Military Families
2025-06-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Many families make the mistake of approaching college funding as a last-minute scramble, piecing together whatever options they can find when their children reach high school. Military families face a unique set of challenges and opportunities that require strategic planning years in advance. Topics we will cover:
– Understanding the full spectrum of college funding options for military families
– Learning to navigate military education benefits effectively
– Discovering additional funding sources beyond military benefits
– Developing strategies to maximize educational opportunities
This workshop is designed to provide a broad overview of college funding strategies for active-duty military and veteran parents. If you want to discuss your situation in more depth and connect all the pieces of the puzzle, make sure to schedule a free consultation. We can then show you how to seamlessly integrate education funding with your comprehensive financial strategy, protecting your retirement while maximizing the exceptional benefits you’ve earned through your or your spouse’s service.

TuitionCents 2025 - The College Seesaw: Balancing Aspirations With Affordability
2025-07-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Join us to learn how to balance your student’s college hopes with your family’s financial reality.
Choosing a college isn’t just about where your child wants to go. It’s about what your family can afford without disrupting the parent or child’s financial future.
In this webinar, we’ll explore the emotional and financial tug-of-war that many families face during the college search. You’ll learn how to:
–Set clear financial boundaries before your student falls in love with a dream school
–Identify schools that look out of reach, but might surprise you with aid or scholarships
–Navigate the emotions of saying “no” while still empowering your student’s goals
–Use tools like the College Money Report to find smart-fit schools
–Draw your line in the sand.

TuitionCents 2026: Smart Student Loans--How to Borrow Without Risking Your Future
2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Borrowing for college doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your future.
This session helps families understand the different types of student loans, repayment options, and strategies to minimize long-term debt. Learn the pros and cons of federal vs. private loans, smart ways to borrow responsibly, and how to create a repayment plan that won’t derail your retirement.
Perfect for parents comparing loan offers or planning ahead.

TuitionCents 2026: Hidden Gems - Colleges That Deliver Big Returns on Investment
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Not all great schools are household names.
This webinar highlights colleges that combine strong academics with affordability and long-term career outcomes. Learn how to evaluate a school’s true ROI, discover high-value institutions often overlooked in rankings, and identify the best-fit colleges for both your student’s goals and your family’s budget.
You’ll gain insight into what makes a college truly worth the investment.

TuitionCents 2026: The College Seesaw--Balancing Dreams with Financial Reality
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
College decisions often pull at both heart and wallet.
This workshop helps families balance emotional aspirations with financial practicality. We’ll explore how to talk openly about cost, compare schools realistically, and make choices that protect your financial future without limiting your child’s dreams.
A must for families approaching decision time or weighing offers this summer.

TuitionCents 2026: FAFSA 2026--What You Need to Know Before Filing
2026-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom – VA, VA
Avoid costly mistakes by preparing before the FAFSA opens.
This session focuses on pre-filing strategies for the upcoming FAFSA season, including which financial information to gather, how to legally maximize aid eligibility, and key rule changes affecting families in 2026.
Parents will leave with a clear filing checklist and confidence to complete the FAFSA accurately and on time.
