Tim Higgins
Marlborough, MA 01752

Facts and Quotes

  • The number one key to successfully navigating the college planning maze is to start early.
  • Over half of all students that start college will drop out.  The number one reason is lack of funding.
  • College Funding is awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.
  • "You might think that the families who receive the most financial aid would be the families with the most need.  In fact, this is not necessarily true.  The people who receive the most aid are the people who best understand the aid process." --- The Princeton Review
  • "Simply put, a great number of colleges are now willing to pay to get the students they want.  Many are offering financial aid to families that earn in excess of $150,000 per year." --- Money Magazine

  • For Families with High School Students


    • Who CFS works with: Busy families with are overwhelmed with the college planning process.
    • Problems CFS solves:  Prevents families from looking back at the college planning process with regret, knowing they could have done better.
    • Expected Results: You will have formulated a college list that integrates your ability to pay while is also tailored to the student's career interests.  Families will have proactively sought out all types of scholarships, being private, merit-based, and need-based.  In addition, your financial aid forms will be completed for you and on-time.  Lastly you will have an expert resource that is available to you at all times to help you communicate with the colleges and answer your questions.

    For any family, no matter what state you reside in, you can hire College Funding Solutions, Inc (CFS).  For information on their "College Graduate Program" consider visiting:

    www.mycollegeinfo.com/88.html

    For additional insight into CFS and how a professional may be of value to you, consider setting aside 20 minutes to view the two videos found at:

    www.preparingforcollege.com/306.html

    If you would like my assistance in enrollment, or have any questions, simply email me at:

    tim@collegeplusretirement.com

  • For all Families

    If you are looking for a financial game plan for the future, no matter how old your children are, consider finding a qualified financial planner at one of the following websites:

    I recommend seeking out advisors that hold both the CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional) and CCPS (Certified College Planning Specialist) designations.  This indicates that the advisor comprehends of a wide breadth of financial topics, as well as understands the intricacies specific to college planning. 

Should you hire help?  That may depend on what type of person you are.  No service is mandatory, but for many it can be invaluable. 

1.  Are you a Do-It Yourselfer? You do your own plumbing, you cut your own hair, you prepare your own taxes, etc.

Recommendation: Consider purchasing Pay for College Without Sacrificing Your Retirement and educate yourself through the numerous links found at the "Useful Resources" tab.

2.  Do you tend to "Wing-It"? Throughout your life you have always "winged it" and may have a history of procrastination.  "No need to worry, everything will work out somehow."  Unfortunately, it is these people that college process hits the hardest.  This is too large of an investment/expense to be unprepared.

Recommendation: Talk to friends and family that have been through the college process.  Ask them about the financial aid process and what paying for college is like.  Then, determine whether or not you want help.  At the very least become a Do-It Yourselfer and educate yourself, or become a Delegator and get some assistance.

3.  Are you a Delegator? You would rather spend your time doing what you want.  Your time is valuable and so is your money.  You would rather hire someone to do the work for you; while you can spend more time doing activities that you value (spending time with your family, enjoying your hobby, etc).  In fact you have even realized that good professionals not only save you time but also money.  By investing in someone who has education and experience in a particular field, there is a good chance that they will save you more money than you would have on your own.

Recommendation: Consider delegating to a competent professional.  Reference the resources listed above, including the websites listed "for all families".

Tim Higgins
Marlborough, MA 01752