The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number used by college financial aid administrators to measure families’ ability to pay for college. It’s part of the process of determining how much need-based financial aid your student is eligible to receive. SAI will be the new name for what was previously known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and it will go into effect on July 1, 2023, along with many other changes to the FAFSA and college financial aid process. Learn more about SAI, how it works, and what’s changing in my quick overview article.
The 2025-26 FAFSA Delayed Rollout: What You Need to Know
The 2025-26 FAFSA is being delayed again this year, and most students won’t be able to submit their application until sometime between October 1 and December 1, 2024. Find out how the FAFSA is being released and handled this year, how parents and students should plan and prepare, and how to make sure you’re ready when the application is finally available to your student.
Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor About College Planning
If your family has a financial advisor or you’re looking to hire one to help you with college, it’s crucial to make sure you ask the right questions and make sure you’re working with someone who has the right expertise in retirement, college, investing, and overall financial planning. Here’s what to ask and how to evaluate the answers.
Your Family Needs a Plan for College Scholarship Applications
If your child is a high school sophomore or junior who is planning to attend college, now is the time to start thinking about scholarships.
There are some that students can win while in college, but most are available only to graduating high school students — so it’s critical to prepare for the application process while your child is still a few years away from enrolling.
New SAI and FAFSA Changes: What Counselors Need to Know
Major new changes to federal financial aid rules are going into effect this fall, and if you’re a high school guidance counselor, you probably have a lot of questions about the changes and what they mean for the students and families you advise. Here’s what’s changing and what you need to know so you can provide accurate advice and links to helpful resources for your students.
THCC 529 Plan Series EP 4: Advanced Strategies Around 529 Plans
When you’re investing in a 529 college savings plan, it’s important to understand the advanced strategies you can use to potentially maximize your savings growth, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect your investment. In this episode of the Taming the High Cost of College Podcast, John Munley and I wrap up our four-episode series on 529 plans with a great discussion of how you can take your savings strategies to the next level. Listen Now…
