Today, many families face the increasing challenge of how to provide their children with a quality college education without compromising their own financial future and retirement.

Being a CPA financial planner and a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS), Susan has knowledge of both the tax system and the financial aid system and she has helped many families fund college using a combination of financial aid and tax strategies.

Susan takes a holistic approach in identifying a client’s concerns and issues, untangles various options, and designs a College Funding plan that is unique to the client’s financial situation.

Saving for College

Susan customizes a tax advantaged savings plan for each client which does not jeopardize their eligibility for college financial aid. Savings strategies considered include but are not limited to:

• Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
• Section 529 Qualified Tuition Programs
• Roth and Traditional IRAs
• UGMA/UTMA
• Tax-efficient savings vehicles
• Asset ownership strategies
• Strategies for grandparents

Paying for College

Susan assists you in securing funding for college by:

• Guiding you through the extensive financial aid application process—from accurately filing and verifying the necessary financial aid application forms to reviewing and comparing financial aid award offers
• Reviewing with you how to maximize eligibility for financial aid with appropriate income, asset, and household strategies
• Suggesting ways to take full advantage of the education tax incentives, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit (formerly “Hope Scholarship Credit”) and Lifetime Learning tax credits and student loan interest deduction
• Analyzing the numerous types of college loans, including federal, private and alternative loan programs
• Recommending strategies for immediate college costs as well as long-term cost planning
• Depending on your financial situation, the following considerations are discussed:
• Coordination of investment contributions and withdrawals
• Use of child's tax capacity
• Implications for estate planning of parents and grandparents
• Strategies for middle and upper income families
• Strategies for affluent families including asset repositioning
• Strategies for business owners including business structure, compensation structure, allowable tax deductions related to college education