4. FAFSA and Financial Aid Are Getting an Update
If you or someone in your family is heading to college, pay attention — FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is changing again.
The government is adjusting how aid is calculated, making the process a little simpler but also shifting how parental income and assets are evaluated. This could mean bigger grants for some families and fewer for others.
In short: don’t assume your old financial-aid strategy still applies.
What you can do:
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Apply early: FAFSA opens each fall — the earlier you apply, the better your chances for more aid.
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Double-check new rules: Certain sibling-related benefits were removed, so middle-class families may get smaller awards than before.
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Explore scholarships and state programs: Many local scholarships go unclaimed every year simply because people don’t look.
If you’re a grandparent helping with college costs, remember that how you contribute (directly vs. through 529 plans) can also affect a student’s aid eligibility. Timing matters — so plan with care.
