Need-Based Aid versus Merit Aid:Need based aid is determined based on your ability to pay. Merit aid is based on why a college may want you on campus, i.e. high academics, geography, ethnicity, musical talent, sport, etc. 1) Tax Planning Before college starts.. – Set up 529s…. some states allow state tax deduction for contributions.

Great interview with Kim Stezala, scholarship advocate and author. Kim shares great tips she learned from a recent scholarship conference along with tips on when to start the scholarship process, where to find scholarships and more!

Kim is an advocate between scholarship providers and the individuals that need the scholarships. She is also the author of Scholarships 101: Real World Guide to Cash for College

Great interview with Kreigh Knerr, owner of Knerr Learning Center and specialist on college testing! Kreigh gives up some great nuggets on what families should be doing to prepare. Kreigh provides great information on the following questions about standardized testing:

• What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
• What are the Explore, PLAN and the PSAT?
• How do I determine which test I should take?
• What is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test?
• How do I determine my test prep plan?
• Should I prepare by studying on my own, in a prep class or with a private tutor?

During this podcast you will learn: Information about the 6 Federal financial aid programs

Pell Grant

Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Work Study

Perkins Loan

Stafford Loan

Plus Loan

During this podcast you will learn:

• Financial Aid: need-based aid versus merit aid
• Three types of families
• How need-based aid is calculated
• Two need-based aid systems
• Top 5 need-based aid factors
• Examples of Federal EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
• "Brad Recommends" – Attending college fairs

During this introductory podcast you will learn:

• Who is Brad Baldridge
• What is late state college planning
• How to get answers to your burning questions on future podcasts
• "Brad Recommends" segment on this and all future podcasts