Tips for Completing the FAFSA: What Parents Need to Know

October 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Tips for completing the FAFSA - What homeschool families need to know

392: Tips for Completing the FAFSA: What Parents Need to Know

Completing the FAFSA can feel intimidating, but the process has become much simpler than it used to be. In this episode, Meryl talks with Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, about what families need to know when completing the FAFSA.

Robert explains why almost every college-bound student should complete the FAFSA—even families who assume they won’t qualify for federal aid. The FAFSA can also be required for state aid, college scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

Robert also shares how the FAFSA has changed. Much of the information is now imported directly from your tax return, and the form uses smart logic to ask only the questions relevant to your family. The average completion time is now around 12 minutes.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why almost every college-bound student should complete the FAFSA
  • How the FAFSA can unlock federal, state, and university financial aid
  • Why students and parents each need a StudentAid.gov login
  • Why families should aim to complete the FAFSA by Thanksgiving
  • Common FAFSA mistakes when reporting assets
  • Assets you generally do not report, including your primary residence and retirement accounts
  • Changes affecting family-owned businesses and farms
  • How 529 plans can affect FAFSA calculations
  • Why joint bank accounts with children or aging parents can create problems
  • What happens after you submit the FAFSA
  • Understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI)
  • When families may also need to complete the CSS Profile

Robert recommends completing the FAFSA early because some state and college financial aid programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

He also shares planning strategies families can consider before their children reach college age, including where assets are held and how 529 plans are treated for financial aid purposes.

After submitting the FAFSA, students should watch for their Student Aid Index (SAI) and check whether any colleges on their list also require the CSS Profile.

Resources

The College Investor
thecollegeinvestor.com

Look for Robert’s article: “The 2027–28 FAFSA Is Now Open to Every Family.”

StudentAid.gov
Use this site to create student and parent accounts and complete the FAFSA.

Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Birthday Giveaway

Find the giveaway here

Where to find Robert

Website: http://thecollegeinvestor.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thecollegeinvestor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollegeinvestor/
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thecollegeinvestor

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

Tips for completing the FAFSA - What homeschool families need to know

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You Can’t Cram for Adulthood

June 18, 2025 by Leave a Comment

You can’t cram for adulthood! In this episode, Charla and her daughter Kate share real-life teen finance lessons and tips to launch kids with confidence.🎙️ INAM 25-23: You Can’t Cram for Adulthood

Listen to all of the It’s Not About Money Podcast episodes here.

In this sentimental (and slightly hilarious) episode, Charla welcomes a very special guest—her daughter Kate.

As Kate prepares to launch into college life, the two reflect on the long runway of life lessons that shaped her independence—and why you can’t wait until senior year to teach kids how to adult.

From budgeting and banking basics to managing a credit card and handling group money for school events, Kate shares how growing up in a “learning by doing” household made all the difference. (Yes, there were spreadsheets. But also freedom—and room to make mistakes while the stakes were still low.)

Together, Charla and Kate unpack the myth that kids just magically “mature” when they turn 18. Spoiler alert: they don’t. They need practice, not pressure.

You’ll hear how Kate:

  • Learned to budget naturally

  • Reconciled her bank account monthly

  • Requested reimbursements like a boss

  • Navigated the wild world of credit cards

…all before setting foot on a college campus.

Whether your child is in middle school or on the brink of graduation, this episode is packed with real talk from a teen and actionable takeaways for parents who want to launch their kids with confidence.

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Adulthood isn’t a cram session—it’s a long game.

  • Give teens responsibility with their money, not just cash.

  • Let them manage real tools (banking, budgeting, credit) with guidance.

  • Normalize financial conversations at home—early and often.

🔗 Connect With Us
📘 Charla’s Blog: beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog
📬 Subscribe: beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1
📚 Explore Our Curriculum: beyondpersonalfinance.com

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Checklist For College 11-12 (Replay)

June 9, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Checklist For College 11-12 | Help to chart your course, a checklist for college 11-12 grades! Not everyone goes to college but if you are planning to go this podcast is for you. This is for grades 11 and 12, so juniors and seniors, this is the podcast for you. It is crunch time for the twelfth grade, and last year of prep for the juniors. You will love this great information! | #podcast #homeschoolpodcast #collegeprep #collegeprepgenius #collegeprep11thgrade #collegeprep12thgradeChecklist for College 11-12 Grades ~ Episode 82 with Jean Burk

Sponsored by Judson College.

Help to chart your course, a checklist for college 11-12 grades! Not everyone goes to college but if you are planning to go this podcast is for you. This is for grades 11 and 12, so juniors and seniors, this is the podcast for you. It is crunch time for the twelfth grade, and the last year of prep for the juniors. You will love this great information!

You are going to be blown away by this information! You would have to pay thousands to get this information with a personal coach. Jean Burk’s an amazing author and teacher of getting free college at College Prep Genius has boot camp and classes to help you! There is 24 Billion dollars of worth of college money out there, why can’t you get some of this? Listen to find out how.

First, start your checklist here with Jean Burks Road Map to College you can download it from Jean’s website CollegePrepGenius.com/roadmap

Additional Podcasts on Financial Information for Colleges here.

OFFICE CONTACT INFO
SALES:  817.282.7737 ext. 2.
LIVE VIRTUAL BOOT CAMPS: 817.282.7737 ext. 3 or collegeprepgenius.com/LiveVirtual
HOSTING OUR AWARD-WINNING CLASS: 817.282.7737 ext. 3 or go to collegeprepgenius.com/host.
GENERAL QUESTIONS: 817.282.7737 ext. 4

 

Additional Podcasts:

Testing in the time of COVID

*****

Why go to College?

  1. Why go? College child the ability to get jobs that require a college degree.
  2. Teach children to interact with  and
  3. Freedom, responsibility, learn to deal with a schedule, learn good work ethics ready for a job.

Excuses For Not Attending College:

  1. Too expensive
  2. Too hard
  3. Low GPA

Additional Test Prep Tests is the CLT which will allow you to stand out from the other standardized tests. Reach out to the CLT for more information.

Jean can help you with these issues by using a well thought out plan. Once you remove the excuses and the financial burden what else will you do the next four years that this as productive? If you need a plan here it is!

Juniors and Seniors here are the various areas you need to work on:

Seniors – taking AP courses to get college credits and shows mastery

Low GPA? Alternative transcript – dual enrollment at a college.

What if you do not know what you want to do, or what you are good at? Jean recommends:

Juniors: This is your “to-die” year. This is the year for many tests.

Don’t be too aggressive. but stay strong in your course load/ AP classes and will help your GPA

To-Do List Checklist for College 11-12 Grades:

  1. Separate email just for college correspondence
  2. Think about the types of colleges you want to attend
  3. What do you want to major in? Personality and aptitude tests can help. *Jean names a few on air.
  4. Look at college websites. (US Dept. of Education has a link to colleges based on degree.)
  5. Make up a list of the safe, reach, and dream colleges. At least 10 of the colleges you want to attend.
  6. Contact colleges for more information (to the new email)
  7. Reach out to the admission counselors in the colleges.
  8. Check the Tuition Tracker.

Checklist for College 11-12

Great information you need to know. Be sure to use black ink if you are using something filled out. Never leave a blank space, put in N/A if it does not apply to you. Use registered mail when you send something in the mail. Be sure to write a stand-out essay. (Information on air about the details of this.) Use ZeeMee – a very cool app to add additional information to make you stand out. You can upload photos and videos to this app.

Must-Know Information:

  1. Transcripts up to the 1st-semester senior year
  2. Test scores
  3. Letter of recommendation

 

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FAFSA 12 Best kept secrets

September 26, 2024 by Leave a Comment

FAFSA 12 Best kept secretsFAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

FAFSA Quick Start for Homeschool Families

If your student is college-bound, the FAFSA is one of the most important financial aid forms to complete—even if you think you won’t qualify for aid.

Start with these essentials:

  • Use the official FAFSA site only: StudentAid.gov
  • Create your student + parent FSA IDs early
  • File as early as possible once it opens
  • Double-check names, Social Security numbers, and signature

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

Listen to Jean Burk walk through FAFSA mistakes families make—and how to avoid leaving money on the table.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Podcast Index | Email | Youtube Music | RSS | More

New Here?

If you have a college-bound homeschool teen, start here:

 

Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.

Visit  College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.

Important Note

FAFSA timelines, school limits, and filing details can change over time. This episode is still helpful for avoiding common mistakes, but always verify current deadlines and instructions at StudentAid.gov before filing.

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…

  • you have a homeschool high school student applying to college
  • FAFSA paperwork feels confusing or intimidating
  • you’re worried about missing scholarships or aid
  • you think your income might be “too high” to bother filing
  • you want to avoid expensive mistakes

Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets

Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars.

You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov

FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:

  1. Scams: Be aware of scam copies – A company purchased this website àcom they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov
  2. ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.
  3. Date October 1 in your senior year. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in ten colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.
  4. Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply – deadlines are months later, but why wait?
  5. Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.
  6. Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –
    1. Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So the answer is NO.
  7. NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.
    1. The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.
  8. Common Mistakes:
    • If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.
    • Put in your full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.
    • Double-check your social security number.’
  9. Income Information: 
    • How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.
    • Be sure to see if they ask for your income vs. your parent’s income. Do not get them confused.
  10. The parent section is color coded – you can fill out the parent information. (Even if you live on your own. It still can help you.)
  11. Add More Colleges: Students may only consider one or two colleges. You have up to ten schools you can list. Take advantage of this tool; the other colleges cannot see the schools you are sending this to. You can always remove and add more schools.
  12. Sign It! Don’t forget to sign your FAFSA; this will cause an incomplete FAFSA. You sign it with your ID number. You can mail a signature page if you want. It is not necessary. You can check the status of your application at any time.

 Show originally aired 9/17/2024

🎧 Listen Next: More College Prep Help

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CLT Standardized Test (Replay)

February 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment

CLT Standardized TestCLT Standardized Test ~~ Lookout SAT/ACT-New Test in Town

The CLT Standardized Test is a new test that is taking on the SAT and ACT Tests. CLT stands for Classic Learning Test. A Harvard graduate wrote the test, standardized – get results right away. They will know the comparison of the other tests. Dave Wagner and Jeremy Tate

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius

Show Notes: CLT Standardized Test

What is the CLT?

  1. CLT – Classic Learning Test
  2. Been around a couple of years
  3. Jeremy Tate the co-founder of the CLT
  4. The new standard, deals with the complaints of the SAT and ACT – the values of Western Civilization
  5. Offered 5 x a year, a modern testing format, the student bring their laptop or tablet, they would get their scores immediately
  6. Very similar to SAT and ACT
  7. Overall goal is to have a better test and a better standard. CS Lewis passages or Charles Dickens
  8. They are accepted in 100 colleges
  1. What sections are on the test?
    1. Same as SAT and ACT – similar in how
    2. Verbal Reasoning 40
    3. Grammar 40
    4. Quantitative Reasoning 40
    5. The most you can get on the 120 and there is a conversion ; the highest score is a 117
    6. com
    7. Average ACT is 21 — Average SAT 1060 — Average CLT is 65
    8. Practice tests online
    9. Student guide as baseline score
    10. 2 Hours long without an essay
    11. You can take it unlimited times
  2. What is the format?
    1. Based on 120 minutes or 2-hour time limits
    2. 40 on reading 45 on grammar and 45 on math section
    3. Students will have their device, the timer goes off, and then you move on to the next section…
    4. Given about a minute per question and less than a minute
    5. Gives a predictability of the student’s college readiness
    6. com
    7. You can become a format
    8. Parents can proctor it for you
  3. What are the differences from the SAT/ACT
    1. Contemporary literature content is one of the big differences, western thought and tradition
    2. Based on thought provoking changes
    3. Analogies on the CLT that use to be on the SAT that are no longer on the test
    4. No essay
  4. What colleges accept the CLT?
    1. Reach out to the college
    2. Listed on the website
    3. About 100 colleges take this test
    4. Liberty, Bryan, etc.
  5. Does it have a PSAT equivalent contest?
    1. They have a CLT – 10 offered for a similar contest like the PSAT
    2. It is free, you can take the CLT and taken at the home, proctored by the parent
    3. Honor system
    4. Partnered NAS – National Association Scolars
    5. 108 or above on CLT – SAT 1480 and a 32 on ACT
    6. Take it 10th grade in April of 10th grade and gives
  6. What good news do you have about the CLT and College Prep Genius?
    1. Partnering with College Prep Genius, and the only program they recommend.
    2. Jean gets inside information
    3. Jean is working on a solutions guide
    4. Retired CLT test so that Jean can create a class for this test
    5. Very similar strategies SAT and ACT
  7. What is College Prep Genius doing with CLT?
    1. Students can purchase their student guide and solution guide to strategize how they can do better
    2. A module will be created by College Prep Genius
    3. Being on the ground floor
    4. com – only recommends Jean Burk, College Prep Genius
  8. What special code can you give to students?
    1. com – practice test – CPG18
      1. Contest for Apple watch!
      2. Cut the tuition down to $25 for the test

 

Professor at Weaton gave a great review of this test. CLT is growing strongly.

 

 

 

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Must Know College Checklist | Replay

July 11, 2023 by Leave a Comment

must know college checklistMust Know College Checklist with Jean Burk

When you are ready to visit a college do you know what to look for?  Here is the must know college checklist of important information to find the very best college for your child.

Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

 

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius 

Podcast #54

 

Must Know College Checklist Show Notes

  • Visit top two schools,
  • Ask yourself questions; Am I comfortable walking around? Can I be friends with these people?
  • Make a checklist to compare colleges
  • Apply to 5-6 schools, safe schools, reach schools, and dream schools

Links we discussed:

 

Remember there is no perfect college

  1. Check the school website for visit dates
  2. Contact the admissions counselor for a personal date
  3. Go on a weekday to get a feel for the campus
  4. Try to schedule an interview while you are there
  5. Ask if the school offers reimbursement for travel fees
  6. Make travel arrangements as soon as you can
  7. Arrange for an excused absence to take college visits
  8. Try to talk to the dean or professors
  9. Sit in on one or more classes
  10. Take a tour of the campus
  11. Visit the bookstore student center or library
  12. Spend the night in a dorm to get a feel for the housing
  13. Eat in the cafeteria to see if you like it
  14. Meet with the admissions counselor face to face
  15. Wander around the campus by yourself
  16. Talk to students at the college and ask about their experience
  17. Visit around the school to get a feel of the area

Questions to Ask Academic Advisor –

  1. What is the average class size for the freshman
  2. How many of those students returned the following year
  3. What makes this college program special
  4. How easy is it to switch majors
  5. How does the school help the student adjust to college life
  6. Is there Greek life or social groups at this school
  7. Is the Greek System important to this school
  8. What organizations are the school partnered with
  9. What does the tuition cover
  10. Are there hidden fees
  11. Work-study jobs
  12. How safe is the campus
  13. What does the housing scene look life
  14. Are freshmen allowed to live off campus
  15. Are freshmen allowed to have their own car
  16. Campus parking situation
  17. Does the school offer campus-wide tutoring
  18. How big is the average class size

Things to ask the students at the college

  1. Thing they like most about the college
  2. The worst thing about this college
  3. Why did they pick this college
  4. Would you pick this school again if you had the chance
  5. If I need help how acceptable are the professors here
  6. Are the professors down to earth
  7. What do you like about your department
  8. Do you like the professors
  9. Are the professors teaching the classes themselves or is it done by a TA
  10. How diverse is the student body
  11. How is the cafeteria
  12. What do you do for fun here
  13. How close are the shopping center
  14. How are the dorms
  15. Which dorm is best
  16. Are the dorms nice
  17. What is the one thing you wish you knew ahead of time

 

 

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Navigating College Prep in the Digital Age

June 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Navigating College Prep in the Digital Era

234: Navigating College Prep in the Digital Age

This podcast discusses many different aspects to navigating college prep in the digital age.

Until June 30, 2023, the coupon POD5 will give you a $5 (20%) discount on the self-paced College Prep class / contest (High School Challenge) from show sponsor FundaFunda.

Previous podcast episodes mentioned in this podcast are:

Episode 117: Tips for Completing Online Scholarship Applications
Episode 179: Free Tools for Researching Colleges and Universities

College prep resources mentioned in this podcast are:

—————————————————————————————————————-
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

Navigating College Prep in the Digital Era

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Special Replay: Rethinking College

April 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

But whether you and/or your student have a clear plan or not, CLEP-ing out of their gen-eds is always the wisest way to go. Rethinking College

Welcome to this episode of Life Skills 101! This week the topic of this podcast is Rethinking College.

With the rising cost of college, it’s important for parents to take time to evaluate with their students, the academic, financial and world view Return on their Investment (ROI) of college costs and debt. The average college graduate (does not include students who do not graduate but still have debt), takes 6 years, not 4 to graduate, with an average of over $35,000 in debt

A college degree is no longer necessary for a rewarding career or to ensure an upwardly mobile life-style. In fact, crippling college debt can make the American Dream an impossibility!

As parents, how do we guide and direct our young adults as they plan for the future?

In this episode, we explore ways that students can get a head start on college, by starting by taking CLEP or  Dual Enrollment courses, specifically targeting Gen Ed Courses.

General Education Requirements:

    • 6 credits of English.
    • 3-6 of Math
    • 3-9 of Science
    • 3-6 of Social Science
    • 3-6 of Diversity
    • You can get an associate’s or even a bachelor’s from the Big Three of the CLEP world. These are
      • Thomas Edison
      • Excelsior
      • Charter Oaks

It makes good sense for young adults to learn how to navigate the digital world. Starting an online business in high school can set them up for future success; setting up an online educational business is even better as the online education market is estimated to be an over $350 billion dollar market by 2025.

Students should consider what kind of lifestyle do they want to have as adults and work backwards from there. What kind of training, income and skills will they need to attain that? The future will demand that our young adults have Critical Thinking Skills, Adaptability and Flexibility and the ability to Collaborate.

Below are resources offered by True North to help families navigate the rapidly changing world of college.

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Get Ahead of the Class app

June 22, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Get Ahead of the Class app

186: Get Ahead of the Class app

Denise Thomas from Get Ahead of the Class has created an app with the same name to help parents and teens navigate the college application process.

The app is free and available on iPhone and Android.

You can start using it from middle school up. It will help students know what to expect when they apply to colleges and will help them learn how to pay for college without ending up in a lot of debt.

Listen to the episode to find out more about what is in the app. Be sure not to miss the tip at the end about the one feature in the app you don’t want to miss!

Don’t forget to sign up your homeschooled high schoolers for sponsor FundaFunda’s annual summer High School Challenge for homeschoolers in rising 9th – 12th grade. This contest gamifies the learning and offers gift card rewards – as well as an overall cash prize.

—————————————————————————————————————-
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

Get Ahead of the Class app

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Digital College Prep

May 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Digital College Prep

131: Digital College Prep

These are the websites I mention in this episode on Digital College Prep. If your high schoolers participate in the High School Challenge offered annually in the summer by show sponsor FundaFunda Academy, they will participate in assignments using websites like these, as well as many more.

Every summer, show sponsor FundaFunda Academy runs a College Prep contest during June and July. Students use online resources and games to learn about college prep – and also earn points that can win them prizes. Learn about the High School Challenge here (it is for rising 9th -12th graders and only for homeschoolers)

————————————————————————————————

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

Digital College Prep

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