Top Colleges and the SAT
This is a reader-friendly version of the data found here. However, it would be best if you did not use this PDF as a definitive resource, as it looks like it was published in 2015. **Recent Changes**02-25-2024:…
Can You Successfully Use Life Insurance to Shelter Assets from FAFSA/CSS?
My previous post discussed ways to move your assets away from reportable investment accounts. You can review FAFSA or walk through the CSS Profile, but here are the essential pieces I took directly from the two: FAFSA Investments include: real estate…
FIRE Assets and College Financial Aid
I touched on this subject in my 2024 Financial Aid & FIRE and Surprise Benefit of FIRE in Southern Illinois post. Still, I would like to elaborate further on my frustration with the financial aid system of top-tier colleges. 2024-25…
Surprise Benefit of FIRE in Southern Illinois
The main reasons for moving to the Illinois side of Saint Louis were the cost of living and proximity to friendships and family. What I never expected was the possibility that our location would allow for…
Costs of Top UK Universities for Americans
The University of Cambridge and The University of Oxford are two of the top five colleges in the world. They are generally ranked only behind Harvard, MIT, and Stanford in the global rankings. Being accepted at…
University of Toronto Cost for Americans
My oldest child is looking at colleges and said they would like to attend school in Canada. They enjoy the weather and the politics. Unfortunately, the school has become increasingly unaffordable for international students. Tuition is $45,000+, and you…
2024 Financial Aid & FIRE
One of the reasons for FIRE is a desire to have total control over your finances. But, when it comes to paying for college, your hands become tied by colleges deciding how much money you are…
Liberal Arts?
I should have put more effort into deciding what college I would attend. I knew my brother went to The University of Illinois and that it was an excellent school for Computer Science. I applied to…
What is the Deal With College?
Universities are no longer necessary for most careers. I also don't think we should discriminate, so I understand my desires do not match reality. I worked in software engineering for most of my career. My Computer…
AP Exams
When I was in high school, I took two AP tests: Calculus BC and Chemistry. All I was told was that I should take them because then I wouldn't have to take the classes in college.…