Today, I’m featuring a guest post from Amber Gilsdorf, Director of College Planning at Estrela Consulting, LLC, a multi-consultant college planning firm based in Ohio. Amber supports and mentors all […]| Capstone Wealth Partners
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in securing college funding, and for families navigating divorce or separation, the process comes with unique and […] The post FAFSA and Divorce: Which parent holds financial aid responsibility? appeared first on Capstone Wealth Partners.| Capstone Wealth Partners
Many employers are already in or about to begin their annual open enrollment period for employee benefits. This is the key time of year to review your options and make […] The post Making the Most of Your 2026 Employee Benefits Open Enrollment appeared first on Capstone Wealth Partners.| Capstone Wealth Partners
Applying for financial aid is a critical step in making college affordable, but the process is complex and full of potential missteps. Simple mistakes on financial aid applications — such […] The post Top 10 Financial Aid Application Pitfalls: Don’t Lose Out on BIG SAVINGS! appeared first on Capstone Wealth Partners.| Capstone Wealth Partners
How does your home equity affect your student’s financial aid? And what do the following words all have in common: tedious, cumbersome, difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes expensive? They are all words which can describe the “College Scholarship Service PROFILE” or CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® offered by the CollegeBoard.org and your home equity plays a role. Not to worry, we have you covered. The post 9 things you should know about the CSS Profile so you can “Know Before You Go...| Capstone Wealth Partners
Determining financial aid is based on a family's "need." Let's look at when and how real estate factors into the calculation of financial aid.| Capstone Wealth Partners
The Millennium| Capstone Wealth Partners
With the recent U.S. government shutdown, you may have questions about its potential impact on markets. This marks the 22nd shutdown since 1976, with durations varying from a single day […] The post Government Shutdown: Potential Market Impact appeared first on Capstone Wealth Partners.| Capstone Wealth Partners
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile are the keys to unlocking crucial financial assistance for many families. However, a single misstep can jeopardize receiving […]| Capstone Wealth Partners
After the most aggressive rate-hiking cycle in four decades, a modest reduction in rates, and a long pause, the Federal Reserve finally did what we were all waiting for – […] The post The Fed Just Cut Rates: What It Means for Your Investments appeared first on Capstone Wealth Partners.| Capstone Wealth Partners
Freshman year, students will start to think about something they may never have thought about before. What happens AFTER high school? What can families be doing during freshman year to lay a good foundation for the years ahead?| Capstone Wealth Partners
Saving money in advance in a 529 Plan can help parents offset the cost of college by growing their savings in an interest-free account.| Capstone Wealth Partners
The post Action Plan for College: Junior Year appeared first on Capstone Wealth Partners.| Capstone Wealth Partners
Sophomores will start to think about college in a very generic way. What are some things that both students and parents can be thinking about now?| Capstone Wealth Partners
As a parent, you’ve spent years cheering from the sidelines, driving to practices, and watching your student-athlete pour their heart into their sport. Now, as college looms on the horizon, […]| Capstone Wealth Partners
Funding your children’s education while planning your own retirement is a balancing act. We've helped numerous families find the right balance.| Capstone Wealth Partners
If you have high school juniors and seniors in the house, college planning is probably at the top of your mind, which also means you’re planning school visits! While your […]| Capstone Wealth Partners
As a certified college financial consultant, I usually talk with families about how to finance and fund their child’s higher education aspirations. But before your family can hand over your […]| Capstone Wealth Partners
The sticker price of Columbia University is at a whopping $93,000 per year. Of course, that’s the most expensive school in the country, but the average cost of college is […]| Capstone Wealth Partners
Having the college money talk with your student before they decide on a college is imperative so you both know who is responsible for what.| Capstone Wealth Partners
We need to shift our way of thinking, America. We need a proactive plan to graduate on time with manageable student loan debt.| Capstone Wealth Partners
529 plans are a great way to take advantage of potential tax savings and grow your investment in a simple and flexible way. But did you know these secrets?| Capstone Wealth Partners
Many grandparents choose to open a 529 college savings plan to help pay for college, and they must be aware of a few things before jumping in feet first.| Capstone Wealth Partners
We always talk about the importance of choosing a college you CAN afford. Is choosing a college you can’t afford ever a good idea?| Capstone Wealth Partners
A complimentary Zoom meeting or phone call to discuss your planning needs and give us both a chance to make sure your situation matches our expertise.| Capstone Wealth Partners
Community college can be a valuable option available after high school. Students should weigh the pros and cons of attending one.| Capstone Wealth Partners