College Hacks & Hot Takes

College planning insights for real-life decisions.

Ideas and explainers on admissions, financial aid, school selection, essays, and protecting long-term financial goals.

Migration preview: These are the existing article titles and dates. Individual articles are not included in Version 1; they must be migrated before this section replaces the live Kajabi blog.

Apr 2, 2026

Why Timing Matters in College Planning

The earlier families start planning, the more flexibility they tend to have with college funding decisions.

Full article being migrated

Mar 31, 2026

Paying for College Without Ruining Your Retirement

How to balance the immediate college bill against the long-term financial future you are protecting.

Full article being migrated

Mar 9, 2026

What NOT to Write About in a College Essay

Common essay choices that undercut a compelling story, and how students can approach them differently.

Full article being migrated

Mar 5, 2026

How to Choose the Right Story for Your College Essay

A clearer way to identify meaningful personal material and turn it into an effective essay.

Full article being migrated

Mar 1, 2026

When Should Students Start Their College Essays?

Why beginning before senior year can reduce stress and leave room for stronger revisions.

Full article being migrated

Oct 3, 2025

FAFSA Mythbusting: Does Not Filing Help You Get In?

Considering whether skipping financial aid applications really changes an admissions decision.

Full article being migrated

Sep 18, 2025

What the New FAFSA Rules Mean for Your Family

An earlier discussion of aid-rule changes; details should be checked against current guidance.

Full article being migrated

Aug 15, 2025

Colleges Are Watching: How Your Online Behavior Could Be Costing You Aid

What families should understand about digital interactions during the college decision process.

Full article being migrated

Jun 19, 2025

Senate Revises “Big Beautiful Bill”: College Aid Implications

Historical coverage of federal proposals and developments affecting student aid.

Full article being migrated

Jun 9, 2025

New ID Verification Rules for FAFSA

An overview of identity verification changes and the practical questions they raise.

Full article being migrated

May 8, 2025

College Can Be $100k a Year — But the Bill Might Hit You Hardest

A look at sticker price, family contribution, and the tradeoffs parents face.

Full article being migrated

May 1, 2025

Buyer vs. Seller: The College Edition

Why different colleges can evaluate similar families so differently.

Full article being migrated