Grandparents play an incredibly meaningful role in supporting their grandchildren’s future, but there are a few common missteps that can unintentionally create financial risk instead of reducing it. As a financial advisor, helping families avoid these pitfalls is just as
We are having the wrong conversation with grandparents. For years, the focus has been on how to invest for a grandchild’s education using 529 plans, custodial accounts, trusts. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: The biggest risk isn’t the investment vehicle.
Financial advisors pride themselves on optimizing outcomes, minimizing tax exposure, maximizing portfolio performance, and aligning financial decisions with long-term goals. Yet when it comes to one of the largest financial decisions a family will ever make, the investment in higher
Why Parents Should Promote their Child’s Career
Visiting Colleges this Spring and Summer? What
High School Internships – The Competitive Advantage
Jumpstart the College & Career Planning Process
It’s Not “What College?” It’s “What Career?”
The CSS Profile is an often-overlooked piece of the financial aid process, but for many families, it can make a big difference in how much college actually costs. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile helps private and selective colleges award their own scholarship and grant money. Understanding what it is, when to file, and how it works can help families unlock thousands of dollars in aid, and avoid missing key deadlines along the way.
FAFSA opens October 1, and families who delay risk losing thousands in aid. From surprising tax year rules to new eligibility changes, the details can be shocking, and costly if you’re not prepared. Here’s what every parent of a college-bound student must know before filing.
College is one of the biggest investments a family makes, but without a plan, it rarely pays off. Students who go in without direction waste thousands on extra classes, extended timelines, and unnecessary living expenses. The result? More debt, less return, and years of financial stress. Don’t gamble with your child’s future. Make college a smart investment with a clear plan.
As parents of college-bound high school students, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and concern about what lies ahead. The college experience is one of the most important and transformative stages in a young person’s life. However, with rising
Over the past year, headlines about colleges like Virginia Tech using AI to review college essays have sparked a mix of curiosity, concern, and confusion. Let’s break this down clearly because this is not just a technology story. It’s a strategy shift
AI is not just creating “AI jobs.” It’s reshaping every sector. Over the next 7–9 years (2033–2035), demand will surge not only for technical AI builders, but for professionals who can apply, regulate, secure, and operationalize AI. Families who understand this now can
For many parents, the PSAT taken in 10th grade feels like a low-stakes practice exam. Schools often describe it that way, and students may treat it as just another test day. But families who understand the college planning process know something different:
Standardized testing in 2026 looks different, but the same questions persist. Should your child take the SAT or the ACT? Which test plays to their strengths, and how will it impact admissions, scholarships, and stress? As a parent, it can
At Pathfinders College & Career Advisors we believe college should be a launchpad, not a financial anchor. Yet for many families, planning for college feels overwhelming. Rising tuition, confusing aid forms, and the looming fear of student loan debt create
Standardized testing in 2026 looks different, but the same questions persist. Should your child take the SAT or the ACT? Which test plays to their strengths, and how will it impact admissions, scholarships, and stress? As a parent, it can
As parents of college bound high school seniors, you also feel the stress of the acceptance letter arrivals. How do you help your child make the decision on the best school for them? How quickly should you respond to the
At Pathfinders, we believe test prep isn’t just about getting into college—it’s about creating a strategic pathway toward a fulfilling career and making the most of your educational investment. For families investing in a U.S. college education, especially from abroad,
Are you feeling stressed about your child’s SAT or ACT scores? Worried about college admissions and the rising cost of higher education? Many parents, like you, face these concerns. You want your child to succeed, but the pressure of standardized
Sophomore year is a crucial time in your high school journey. It’s the perfect moment to start thinking seriously about college without feeling overwhelmed. Many students think college planning starts in junior or senior year, but getting an early start
Congratulations on making it to your sophomore year! You’ve survived the first year of high school, and now it’s time to start thinking more seriously about your future. While college might still seem far away, sophomore year is actually the
Summer break isn’t just about relaxing and having fun-it’s also a golden opportunity to prepare for college. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, each summer of high school offers unique chances to build skills, explore interests, and strengthen your
