The MEFA Podcast

Episode #57. Host Jonathan Hughes first does a very special version of the MEFA Mailbag where he and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer some frequently asked questions about the FAFSA and the financial aid process. Then both Jonathan and Julie talk with Mark Salisbury, the founder and CEO of TuitionFit, an organization that aims to provide college price transparency. They discuss gaps in admissions and financial aid transparency at colleges, how students and their families can determine which school makes the most financial sense, and how they’ve been able to put this process into practice using real financial aid offers. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #56. Host Jonathan Hughes talks to co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about Federal Direct Student Loans returning to repayment. Julie explains a new repayment option called SAVE. Then, they go into the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about reporting 529 college saving accounts on the FAFSA for this upcoming year. Finally, Jonathan sits down with Beth Probst of At the Core, an organization that helps students make plans for their future. They discuss how At the Core helps students and families plan for college and careers using assessments, webinars, and one-on-one meetings. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #55. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss some upcoming changes to 529 college savings plans in light of College Savings Month. Then, they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about how parents should report taxes paid on the FAFSA. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with the BabySteps Director of Program Evaluation Daphna Gluck on what the BabySteps Program is, its success so far, program improvements, and a brand new initiative, SNAP into BabySteps. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #54. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk about MEFA’s upcoming Financial Aid 101 seminars and webinars that will provide an overview of the financial aid process and highlight FAFSA Simplification. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a question about refinancing student loans. Then Jonathan is joined by President of Mount Wachusett Community College Jim Vander Hooven and Executive Director of Massachusetts Community Colleges Association Nate Mackinnon to discuss MassReconnect, a new Massachusetts program that pays for tuition and fees at any Massachusetts community college for anyone 25 and older. Learn who is eligible, how to take advantage of the program, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #53. Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about an online panel she moderated with Robert Dais, Director of GEAR UP Robert Dais, Iris Godes, Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management at Framingham State University, Monica Blonden, Assistant Dean of Enrollment for Financial Aid at Assumption University, Jillian Glaze, Director of Financial Aid at Bunker Hill Community College, and Dr. Clantha McCurdy, Senior Deputy Commissioner at the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. They discuss the Massachusetts campaign The Time is Now for students still making a plan for college this fall. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag where they answer a question about parents with foreign tax returns. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion about Attainable, the ABLE Savings Plan, with Community Outreach Manager for MEFA Savings Programs Adam Hartwell. They discuss investing with Attainable, benefits of the program, and the different types of qualified expenses. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #52. Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to the Director of MEFA Pathway, Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun, about new features and tools on the website. Then, Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss MEFA’s The Time is Now campaign for recent high school grads. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion with the new Director of GEAR UP in Worcester, Steve Winston. about Steve’s background, how he came to his new position, what GEAR UP and MassEdCo can provide, and much more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #51. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna about FAFSA Simplification, including financial aid experts’ opinions from MEFA’s Round Table Discussion hosted earlier this month. Then Jonathan and Julie go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a questions about using the U.Fund to pay for college. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of the Massachusetts GEAR UP Program, Robert Dais. They discuss Robert’s career trajectory, the GEAR UP Program and what it does, as well as what “summer melt” is and how to help curb it. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #50. In this special episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Betsy Mayotte of TISLA (The Institute of Student Loan Advisors) about the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan. They discuss the decision itself, what borrowers can expect, adjustments the Administration has made to the federal student loan program, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #49. Host Jonathan Hughes first answers a question from the MEFA Mailbag about the timeline of applying for private loans and when to plan for repayment. Then Jonathan sits down with Sherri Geller, the Co-Director of College Counseling at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts. They discuss what rising high school seniors can do in the summer months to prepare for the college application process. Topics include the Common App, college essays, letters of recommendation, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #48. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first discuss MEFA’s prepaid tuition program, the U.Plan. Then, they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about letters of recommendation. Finally, Jonathan and Julie talk to Jill Desjean of NASFAA and Philip Levine of Wellesley College about FAFSA Simplification, including the adjustments to the form, the changes in terminology, and what families can expect when the FAFSA is available in December. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.