The CollegeFAST™ Solution

Families say that paying for college is one of the greatest areas of financial stress. And why not when even a public university education can cost almost $20,000 per year and some private universities approach $55,000. We have developed a process for controlling and reducing your family’s cash flow cost of college. The CollegeFAST™ Solution has the following four primary components:

• CollegeFIT™ - Did you know that the average time to earn a college degree now exceeds FIVE years? For some of Virginia’s colleges, the graduation rate is much worse. Our CollegeFIT process is designed to help your student pick the right school so they can graduate on time.
• AVOIDtheScam - There are many advisors - if we can use that term - who claim to be able to help families increase their financial aid awards. The financial side effects for families who follow the guidance of these advisors can be devastating. We can help you understand how the financial aid process really works and even help you find FREE help.
• SaveSMART - It seems like everyone - your broker, accountant, and even the state where you live - says that 529 plans are the best way to save for college. It’s almost as if 529’s become THE college funding plan rather than just a part of the college funding plan. Did you know that 529 plans may not be the best savings option for many families? Did you know that 529 withdrawals are not always tax-free? We may be able to help you design a college savings plan that has better tax benefits, lower investment fees, and more flexibility than your 529.
• TAXRegression - Parents intuitively understand that they pay for college with after-tax dollars. That is why 529 plans with their promise of tax-free withdrawals are so popular. Imagine! What if you could take a tax deduction for your child’s college expenses? You might see the cash cost of college go down by more than 50%. The tax code is full of legitimate strategies for paying college expenses with pre-tax money. We can show them to you.

Whether you are seeking a comprehensive college strategy for your pre-schooler or trying to evaluate your senior's financial aid award letter, we can help.