Three MEFA employees who have helped their own children through the college planning process provide advice on looking at schools, staying organized, keeping calm and staying balanced, applying, and paying. …

Topics include completing financial aid applications, getting an FSA ID, who requires the CSS Profile, applying for financial aid without an SSN, who should complete the financial aid applications, the affect of 529 accounts, the financial aid timeline, SAI Calculators, & helpful websites. …

Items needed include an FSA ID, a College Board username and password, a list of colleges where the student is applying, Social Security numbers, W-2 form(s), and untaxed income records. …

Tips include using daycare money, getting your child involved, selling Halloween costumes, encouraging college gifting, planning meals, having a yard sale, and selling gift cards. …

Use this tool to keep track of school names, admissions deadlines, required standardized tests (if any), required financial aid applications, financial aid deadlines, and notes.…

Learn about CCA, a whole-school, four-year program led by counselors and MyCAP, an electronic process where students design an academic pathway aligned to their post-secondary plans and goals, and how these can be utilized in MEFA Pathway. …

Mark Bilotta discusses his work, what drives him, the information he wants families to have, how MassEdCO delivers its services, and what success looks like to him. …

Fidelity Cash Management features a debit card with fee-free ATM withdrawals, text alerts for debit card purchases, use of Fidelity's BillPay, and fee-free check writing. Fidelity Full View features budgeting and reporting tools and allows you to see all your accounts in one place. …

Tips include start saving, look for scholarships early, earn college credits in high school, consider community college, attend college online, and apply for financial aid. …

Learn about what to do if you're a student experiencing depression, including talking to someone at the college health center, establishing a line of communication, being aware of your limits, connecting with a support group, taking care of yourself physically, and making time for fun activities. …