Lessons in getting more money for college

Stanhope — New Jersey parents suffering with finding ways to pay for their children's college education can finally get solutions to their college funding problems.
Most families who earn $100,000 or more and own a home assume they are not eligible for financial aid. However, many families with income of over $150,000 are actually eligible for some types of "need based" financial aid. They simply need to know how to get their fair share.
"Over 70% of college students are receiving some type of financial aid" said Al Newell, one of the nations leading authorities on college funding.
According to Newell, there are several easy things parents can do to substantially increase the amount of money they get from colleges. For example, "There are several colleges that
historically give better financial aid packages than others," Newell said. "If families do proper income and asset planning before filling out the forms, they can increase eligibility by thousands
of dollars."
Newell offers a few simple tips to parents with college funding problems. "If a parent has only half an hour to end their college funding problems, I would suggest the following: 1) make sure they do not over-value their home on the financial aid forms. 2) try not to save money in child's name as it weighs more heavily than parent's savings and 3) don't be afraid to negotiate with a college for a better financial aid package."
Newell offers New Jersey parents with college funding problems a free booklet that explains the 9 most common college funding problems and solutions. Free copies will be distributed at the seminar listed below.
Newell will be conducting a free one-hour seminar for parents of college bound high school juniors and seniors at the following location: The Louise Childs Public Library on Sparta Stanhope Road in Stanhope on Tuesday, September 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Reservations only. Seating is limited. Reserve your seat today by calling toll free 1-800-928-8464.