Financial Aid Series

The idea of a high education typically brings one of two feelings: 1) freedom, hope, excitement, and endless possibilities of how to change the future, or 2) fear of taking on thousands or tens of thousands of dollars of debt.  The first is most likely to be felt by a hopeful senior on their way into college, while the second is undoubtedly felt, or feared, by parents.  For the second year in a row, ISM College Planning will be at the library on Monday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m.  The experts will calm your nerves by covering the different types of financial aid, as well as important dates, forms and resources.  You'll learn valuable information and the experts are always excited to answer questions, so have a few ready.

The second program in our Financial Aid Series is on Tuesday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m.  Families will need to bring student and parent social security numbers, completed federal tax forms and other asset or income information.  You will be happy to attend the second session because the experts will be in the room providing one-on-one assistance to help you fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  You'll have your paperwork done and submitted far before the March 10 deadline.  Registration is not required, but it is recommended.  Those who register will receive a reminder phone call.  If college is sending fear surging through your body, remember that knowledge is power and it's never too early to start planning.

Paying for College

Higher education comes at a much higher cost today than in the past.  Since attending college just over a decade ago, the cost of tuition at my alma mater has doubled.  This does not include the price of room and board.  College is not meant to strike fear into the pocketbooks of parents, but the sad thing is that it does.  Some families are more financially capable of others when it comes to saving and planning, but I don't think anyone was really able to plan enough and budget for today's cost of a college degree.  Whether you have one or two kids in high school or a couple in elementary or middle school, paying for college should be somewhere in your brain.  If you haven't started, the Library is here to help.  The experts at ISM College Planning are making their way to Zionsville to answer your questions about paying for college.  On Monday, September 9th, ISM College Planning will be here at 6:30 p.m. to do a presentation on paying for college.  Students and parents with students in all grades and of all ages are welcome, registration is recommended.  Then, in a first ever session, students are invited back on Monday, October 21st (during Fall Break) for a pizza and scholarship search!  Spaces are limited to only ten students per session.  Registration is required for both the 1:00 p.m. session and the 2:30 p.m. session and is open to students in grades 6-12 only. 

Financial Aid Series Starts Tomorrow

Tomorrow kicks off the start of the Library's "Financial Aid Series" featuring experts from FSA Advisors and ISM College Planning.  The timing is perfect thanks to a story by Fox 59 this morning which spoke about the increasing cost of a college education and how students and their families should start saving now.  Luckily the Library is prepared with tomorrow's program, "College Knowledge: How to Save Today for a Brighter Tomorrow."  At 6:30 PM on Wednesday, January 30, experts from FSA Advisors will be in talk about saving for college and how it is never to late to start.  They will also focus on the various investment vehicles that can provide tax benefits.

On Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 PM, return for "Financial Aid Night."  Experts from ISM College Planning will be in to talk about the different types of financial aid and they will walk you through the online version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.

Families should rush home and do their taxes because on Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30 PM, ISM College Planning will return for "FAFSA Completion Night." Experts will be on hand to help answer any questions and assist families in completing the FAFSA.  Families attending should bring their completed tax forms, W-2, and social security numbers of the parents and the student as well as any other asset or income information they may have.  Registration is recommended and the state deadline to complete your FAFSA is March 10.