Blog

November 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally

The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...

November 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election

The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...

November 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...

October 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower

The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

October 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks

The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...

October 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain

The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

October 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....

September 28, 2020 - Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...

September 21, 2020 - Tech Sector Slip Continues

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...

September 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide

The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

September 8, 2020 - Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues

The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

August 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...

August 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs

The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

August 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...

August 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down

The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...

August 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...

July 27, 2020 - Stocks React to Jobs Report

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...

July 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week

The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...

July 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...

July 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...

June 29, 2020 - Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence

The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...

June 22, 2020 - U.S. Economy Gains Momentum

The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...

Off Campus Housing and Your 529

As colleges and universities adjust their plans for on campus education this Fall, a number of institutions are looking to alter their previously determined housing agreements. These decisions, made in hopes of increasing social...

June 15, 2020 - Markets React to Fed Report

The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...

June 8, 2020 - Recovery Optimism Builds

The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...

June 1, 2020 - Optimism for Re-Opening

The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...

May 26, 2020 - Markets React to Positive Outlook

The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...

Cares Act Student Loan Forbearance, Caution

If you are currently paying Federal Student Loans you may be aware that the recently passed Cares Act has put these loans in forbearance from March 13, 2020 to September 30, 2020. The Act does state that these loans are not delinquent...

May 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...

Covid 19 Portfolio Response - VIDEO

May 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up

The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...

May 4, 2020 - Economic Normalization Near?

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

April 27, 2020 - Markets React to Oil Prices

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Job Loss and Your 401(k)

As we continue to social distance (as a result of Coronavirus) many businesses are decreasing their work forces and other small businesses are simply closing. As such, unemployment rates are skyrocketing. Millions of Americans are...

April 20, 2020 - First Post-COVID-19 Data Arrives

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...

April 13, 2020 - Markets Rally

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...

April 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...

Coronavirus Crisis: How to Manage Your College Refunds

Coronavirus Crisis: How to Manage Your College Refunds Coronavirus (Covid-19) forced the closure of college campuses nationwide, resulting in thousands of students moving out of their dorms and back home with their families. While the...

March 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus

An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...

Coronavirus, The Stock Market and College Financial Planning

Coronavirus, The Stock Market and College Financial Planning Coronavirus (Covid-19) is the topic of discussion just about everywhere these days. We are limiting our shopping trips and have cancelled practically any type of activity...

March 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...

March 16, 2020 - Volatility Continues

The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...

March 9, 2020 - Rallies and Retreats

The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

March 2, 2020 - The Virus Becomes the Focus

The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...

Markets and the Corona Virus

Epidemics 2020 While the Corona Virus is certainly a tragedy for those directly affected and may have some short term effect tot he global economy if you have a well balanced portfolio commensurate with your risk tolerance and time...

February 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks

The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...

February 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks

The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...

February 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back

The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...

FAFSA Errors and Amendments

Upon receipt, review your SAR. If you identify errors, notify FAFSA to amend your information. Mistakes can happen.

FAFSA the SAR and your EFC

Once your FAFSA is completed and submitted, you will receive a (SAR) Student Aid Report which will share your EFC (estimated financial contribution). This should approximately two weeks, but often comes more quickly. It is critical to...

FAFSA for more than 10 schools

FAFSA will share your information with up to 10 schools of your choice at one time. You can resubmit the form to add additional institutions.

Everyone should complete FAFSA

EVERYONE should complete the FAFSA. While you may not qualify for federal financial aid, many schools require a completed FAFSA for merit aid and scholarships.

FAFSA Income vs. Assets

Income on FAFSA is annual. However, bank account balances and investments are reported as a snapshot in time (on one date, that you submit).

FAFSA adjustments

FAFSA has a mechanism to share extenuating circumstances regarding your financial position (for example, if you have lost your job).

FAFSA must be resubmitted every year

FAFSA MUST be submitted for every year your child is a college student.

Single Parent FAFSA

If only one parent (in a divorce situation) is providing support for a child, ONLY that parent needs to complete the FAFSA.

FAFSA for divorced parents

Parents who are divorced can file separately for the same student. Information that one parent submits is not visible to the other parent.

FAFSA Tax Reporting

This year's FAFSA (2019-2020) requires tax information from your 2018 tax return. This information can be electronically imported.

Asset titling affecting FAFSA

Understand how the titling and ownership of assets affect financial aid awards. Student-owned assets are weighted more heavily than parent owned assets when determining potential aid awards.

Proper Ownership of Assets for FAFSA

FAFSA instructions are directed toward the students, assuming he or she is the person completing the form. That said, often parents complete it. A common mistake is mischaracterizing financial information, reporting parental assets as...

FAFSA Login

FAFSA requires the creation of a log in; be sure to save the information in a safe place so you can work on your form over time. It can be edited prior to submission.

FAFSA Asset reporting

FAFSA requires bank account information (balances), investments and expenses, you do NOT report IRAs, 401Ks, annuities and cash value within life insurance policies.

FAFSA WIndow opening October 1st

The FAFSA window opens October 1st.While you do have the entire time period to submit your form, in general sooner is better. A good rule of thumb is to aim for the end of November as a completion date.

FAFSA window opening 10/1/19

For parents of high school seniors and current college students, October has become synonymous with financial aid; it is the month the FAFSA opens for the following academic year. FAFSA, which stands for Free Application For Student...

Prospective Collegiate Student Athlete - Financing Your Education

Prospective Collegiate Student Athlete Prospective Collegiate Student Athlete Is your child a potential collegiate student-athlete? If so, you may be faced with making unique college, athletic and financial decisions on an accelerated...

Equifax Data Breach Settlement

https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/25/us/equifax-700-million-settlement-data-breach-trnd/index.html Please check to see if you data was compromised in the 2017 Equifax Data Breach and claim restitution if applicable. You should always be...

UF looking to increase dorm rates

University of Florida looking to increase dorm rates When looking at the cost of a college or university you need to understand the total net expense, including all costs (fees, housing, transport, etc.) as well as what financial aid...

The Parent Worry Index

If you are concerned about any of these issues or have any questions I would be happy to have a discussion, please call or e-mail. https://signup.collegeboard.org/worry-index/?SFMC_cid=EM145950-&rid=53864870

Evan Wolk Interview with Mark Halpert of 3dLerner

https://zoom.us/recording/play/xZ0JtJItzRcV8Ro78trBgLqqT-8IPH-swGDgzc4qY_BSx6KZx1DQKO186tM7Cdf0?continueMode=true

5 Reasons Why You SHOULD Use a Professional College Advisor

“Operation Varsity Blues” monopolized the news cycle last week. It was on television, all over social media and the main topic of conversation among adults and teens alike. Sadly, this story shines a light on what is...