The Death of Bright Futures

Big article on the front page of the Sun-Sentinel
yesterday - "Bright Futures May Grow Dimmer."

This is another in a spate of recent coverage
about proposed tuition hikes that are before
the State Legislature right now.

Scott Travis, the reporter, suggests that Bright Futures
scholarships, which cover 100% and 75%
of tuition and fees (depending on the grades
and test scores of the student), might cover
far less in the future if the bill passes.

For example, a student who qualifies for
the Academic Scholar, or 100% award, might
have to fork over $4,269, or 44%, of the anti-
pated fees in 2016, according to one expert's
analysis.

So what was once a 100% full ride could turn
into only 56%!

So what is a parent of a college-bound child
to do? Apply for financial aid!

But for some parents, that's easier said than
done. A recent College Board study estimated
that 53% of eligible families don't bother to
apply for aid.

Why?

Probably because they think they make too
much money to qualify. That's silly -
everyone should apply for aid - even families
making "nice," six-figure incomes.

Or maybe the forms themselves are too
intimidating for parents - Secretary of Education
Arne Duncan was quoted recently as saying
that "You basically need a PhD" figure out the
FAFSA.

More people are chasing financial aid dollars
this year - USA Today reported that 81% of
parents said financial aid would be "extremely"
or "very" necessary.

You need to arm yourself with the latest
tested and proven tactics to make sure you are
getting the maximum amount of financial aid
that you're entitled to.

An easy first step and overview - attend one of our
upcoming, free community workshops on college
funding.

www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com/events

Topics include:

* What your Florida Pre-paid and Bright Futures will
"really" pay for;

* How families who earn "nice," six-figure incomes
and even millionaires can save $30,000 off the
cost of college;

* What can you do qualify for more aid;

* Why the advice of your CPA, money manager or
other "advisor" may actually COST you thousands
of dollars in lost financial aid; and

* The "Double-Secret" formula used by college
financial aid offices to determine how much
aid you'll receive, to the dollar!

www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com/events


Best
- Andy


Andrew Lockwood, J.D.
College Planning Specialists of Florida, Inc.
1825 Main Street
Weston, Florida 33326

www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com