How You Can Maximize Student Aid: Strategies for the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) To Increase Financial Aid for College [Paperback]

Tracy Foote (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2011 | ISBN-10: 0981473741 | ISBN-13: 978-0981473741 | Edition: First

Updated and Revised for 2012: How You Can Maximize Student Aid includes current 2011 tax forms and 2012-2013 EFC rules. Find explanations for: all the components that determine federal student aid, the better places to save, and what you should think about come tax time. The goal is to maximize aid while keeping assets accessible, growing with tax benefits. An in-depth understanding of the Expected Family Contribution for the 2012-2013 college year will help families and students strategize prior to completing the FAFSA.

A mistake on the FAFSA can result in loss of several thousands of dollars in aid. This valuable reference guide will provide you with new ideas and help you prioritize, whether you are saving for a newborn or if college is looming just around the corner.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Inside this Quick Reference Guide You Will Find:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Quick overview
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Detailed formula explanation
• Ideas for All Income Levels: Take advantage of formula rules
• Tax-free and Tax-deferred Places to Save: Explore investing options
• Education Accounts: Choose the right one and who should own it
• Life Insurance: Discover all the flexible uses
• Single or Divorced Parent: Learn valuable strategies just for you
• College Offers: Distinguish between free money and award of debt
• Tax Benefits for Education Expenses: Make smart choices

From the Back Cover

Tracy Foote's other financial advice book is The Kid's Roth IRA Handbook.
Tracy Foote consults with leading advisors on investing, life insurance, and student eligibility for federal aid. Her book provides an introduction to the financial aid process, giving parents extensive information and sound advice. Whether parents are saving for a newborn or college is looming around the corner, they can identify areas to save thousands of dollars.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: TracyTrends; First edition (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981473741
• ISBN-13: 978-0981473741
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tracy Foote, the mother of three children, creates and writes informational books to inspire discussions. She graduated from the NY Bronx High School of Science, attended the United States Air Force Academy and served overseas in Germany in Accounting and Finance before becoming an author and photographer.

She consults with leading advisors on investing, life insurance, and student eligibility for federal aid as well as pursuing her passion for Latin America travel. Her writing ranges from encouraging kid entrepreneurs in her book, The Kid's Roth IRA Handbook, to strategies to pay for college found in her other book, How You Can Maximize Student Aid. A sound financial literacy allows families to follow their dreams and travel the world. Two of Tracy Foote's popular blogs are found at http://www.KidsandMoneyToday.com and http://www.LatinAmericaFocus.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful to navigate through the FAFSA process!, June 15, 2011

By 

M. Mathias (Savannah, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How You Can Maximize Student Aid: Strategies for the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) To Increase Financial Aid for College (Paperback)

This book is a great reference to answer that question "how to pay for college". It helps navigate and understand the frustrating but now unfortunately required FAFSA process and other financial savings and aid possibilities. The author discusses why the system works as it does and what financial options work best for families in their individual situations. When I brought the book to a college planning night at school, other parents were interested in getting the book.

While the bulk of this book gives clear examples in a straight forward manner, I was laughing uproariously as I read the preface - clearly the author has been through the college application/reality moment of the cost with her daughter. I've experienced this and seen other parents struggle with this issue as well. The author helps parents be the grounding force that encourages students to spread their wings for their college dreams, but still find the options that avoid family debt. My sophomore grade son even enjoyed reading a bit of it as he'd seen our family go through a similar scholarship application parent/student disconnect that the author mentions in the preface. Fortunately, placing emphasis on such applications helped our oldest son garner a scholarship that is significantly helping with his tuition.

I wish I'd gotten this book sooner as I was struggling through the FAFSA/scholarship/savings process. The book is a hit for those doing the planning and filling out those college forms.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative USEFUL book, June 11, 2011

By 

Glenda L (Fort Mill, SC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How You Can Maximize Student Aid: Strategies for the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) To Increase Financial Aid for College (Paperback)

No-nonsense book to help parents understand what information to include when filling out financial aid forms for college. Most helpful book I have read so far.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real winner!, January 18, 2012

By 

wabeamyngenque "sophie" (U.P. Michigan USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How You Can Maximize Student Aid: Strategies for the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) To Increase Financial Aid for College (Paperback)

Bought this in conjunction with a couple of other books since our library doesn't have much. Wow what a wealth of information I have been missing. I couldn't believe how much I didn't know. Thank you for carrying such great information Amazon. I need all the help I can get to make the money stretch. There isn't too much to go around these days.