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Not the traditional list of shopping, wrapping gifts, baking traditional treats and preparations for winter break get-a-way. This is more of a reminder list to take advantage of some downtown over the holidays to be sure everything is on track for college planning. We’ve put together a quick list for both Seniors and Juniors.

'Tis the season to talk financial aid and the experts from our College Planning Center have been talking about financial aid with students and families, one-on-one, as well as in group presentations at local high schools almost daily since September and are still going strong.

The RISLA College Planning Center will once again be hosting FAFSA Completion Events across the state of Rhode Island to help students, parents, and adult learners with completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA, formally known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first step to applying for college financial aid. All schools use this application for awarding federal student aid dollars and many also use it for awarding their own institutional funds. EVERYONE should complete a FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.

In simplest terms, the CSS Profile form is an additional requirement for many private schools when applying for financial aid. The CSS Profile administered by the College Board is required by about 400 colleges and universities to determine aid eligibility for non-government financial aid. Click here to see if your school requires a CSS Profile and be sure to check the school’s deadline.

It's time to start applying for financial aid for college. Which means, FAFSA season is here and can be overwhelming to many. So, let’s break this down into the basic need to know facts one-by-one.

Did you know that nationally unused grant and aid money averages $________ per year? (Answer at end of post)

A. Over $1 Million

B. Over $50 Million

C. Over $2 Billion

Applications, Essays, Financial Aid, OH MY!

How do you get started, you ask? The RISLA College Planning Center, a free service of the non-profit Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) will host a series of events through the Fall to help you navigate through college planning and to help spread awareness for Rhode Island students and parents. These events are no cost and open to the public. See a complete list of dates and times throughout the state.

Great event for High School Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, & their parents

• You need good credit to borrow
• You need to have borrowed to establish a credit history 
• You cannot borrow before age 18
• Your'e heading to college and need good credit to pay for tuition and other expenses

Which comes first, borrowing or good credit?

Having good credit is just as important to help ensure your stability and help you successfully do things such as rent an apartment, buy or lease a car, and even get a good job. Maintaining good credit is very important to your future and will afford you many opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. It can show stability, consistency, responsibility, and maturity – all of which are positive traits that can help you succeed in life. Below, are some helpful tips on building and managing a good credit profile.

Excuses, excuses. Preparing for college is a time-consuming task. Evidenced by the many online and other forms of checklists that have been published for this very purpose. I have prepared a different list. A list of excuses heard in my household that I thought might be helpful to share so you will be armed and ready for battle.