The MEFA Podcast

Episode #64. Host Jonathan Hughes sits down with three freshmen from King Phillip High School, Tanmayee Kollouri, Laura Da Silva, and Ella Bailey, who participated in an international business competition through the DECA Program at their school that focused on financial aid and student loans. Jonathan talks with them about their interest in the topic, how they have informed their school about their project, as well as some of their own interests in higher education. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #63. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss the new 2024-25 FAFSA and the issues that have arisen, how to file the form, and what to do if problems arise. Then they answer a MEFA Mailbag question about creating an FSA ID and who needs one to file the FAFSA. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #62. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer a whole range of questions regarding FAFSA Simplification and the new 2024-25 FAFSA, with topics including preparing to fill out the form, creating an FSA ID, and specific niche situations some families may have when filing. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #60. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first share the exciting news of when the FAFSA will be available to fill out this year. Then they answer a MEFA Mailbag question about who gets to file as an independent student on the FAFSA. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Brendan Melican, a Worcester resident and student at Quinsigamond Community College. Brendan and Jonathan discuss the MassReconnect program, which is allowing Brendan to attend college for free, as well as what it’s like being the parent of a college student while being one himself. They also discuss adult learners, the community college experience, and advice for those thinking about using MassReconnect. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #59. Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with Justin Draeger, President and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), about what NASFAA is, how they operate, and how they help shape financial aid policy with Congress. Jonathan and Justin also discuss how Congress legislates, and what Justin thinks about the future of financial aid policy. Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna then answer a MEFA mailbag question on how retirement rollovers will be affected with upcoming changes to the FAFSA. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #58. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna have a conversation with Director of Student Financial Services at Wheaton College Susan Beard. They focus on how families with separated or divorced parents should complete the CSS Profile® and the FAFSA, the two financial aid forms for college. They discuss the different layers of the CSS Profile, and how parents should fill out the form based on their individual situation. They also discuss the guidelines around the FAFSA and how to determine which parent should complete the form. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

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 #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 #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 #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 and the Brookings Institution 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.