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College funding isn’t everyone’s favorite topic. However, the reality of higher education costs requires a proactive approach. If you’ve been diligently saving for years or are realizing the urgency to start now, valuable insight awaits you in this episode. Join our host, Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, as she sits down with Student Loan Advisors Derenda King, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rebecca Baldauf, CPA, CCFC. Together, they share proven strategies and insider tips to bridge the gap between savings and college expenses. Listen in to get the expert guidance you need to navigate the choppy waters of college funding.

In today’s episode, you'll find out:

• The rising education costs and its ripple effects on families and finances

• The ins and outs of student loan consolidation, plus little-known forgiveness strategies

• How a 529 savings plan offers flexible college funding without sacrificing other financial goals

• Tax benefits and implications of using retirement accounts to save for college expenses

• How the Student Aid Index factors into how much you’ll pay for college

• Whether it’s legal and ethical to adjust assets to influence the financial aid equation

• Potential pitfalls and considerations before taking out Parent PLUS loans

• How to make the most of the time you have left to save for college

Links mentioned: 

• Collegiate Financial Coach

• Higher Ed Hustle

• 529 College Savings Plans

• What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?

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Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?

• Try our free student loan calculator
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Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!