3 big FAFSA mistakes that will cost you a lot of money!

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
  • To sign up for The FAFSA Guru Newsletters for important information and updates about the financial aid process and maximizing your aid offers, click this link, eepurl.com/dBB9j1
    Simple FAFSA mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars! I've worked with hundreds of families helping them navigate the college planning and financial aid process, and have seen these mistakes over and over again, causing families to miss out on thousands of dollars in financial aid.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @Royalu2000
    @Royalu2000 5 років тому +2810

    3 FAFSA MISTAKES:
    1) People still don't fill out the FAFSA:
    2) Filling out the asset part incorrectly! The home value & retirement "DO NOT REPORT"; DO NOT REPORT business value. Business INCOME = YES (If you have over 100 employees then yes, otherwise if you are self-employed = NO!)
    3) Parents Divorced or separated (don't have to be LEGALLY separated) and filling out the FAFSA; ONLY 1 PARENT NEEDS TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA (the custodial parent; ONLY 1 PARENTS INCOME needs to be filled out on the FAFSA).

    • @veanne
      @veanne 4 роки тому +36

      thank you

    • @yourbedroompunk7601
      @yourbedroompunk7601 4 роки тому +17

      Thank you!!!

    • @ashleyp02
      @ashleyp02 4 роки тому +12

      thank you so much!!

    • @magagalaxy
      @magagalaxy 4 роки тому +8

      Thank you. So I do not have to count my military retirement pay? What about the disability I receive from the VA?

    • @davidchavez1330
      @davidchavez1330 4 роки тому

      Thanks bud

  • @nylahburns9767
    @nylahburns9767 4 роки тому +2028

    Use the parent who doesn’t make the most money 😌

    • @thiagogregory1
      @thiagogregory1 4 роки тому +68

      LMFAOO YES

    • @bagel3929
      @bagel3929 4 роки тому +41

      Really? Is that allowed?
      I honestly don’t know

    • @thiagogregory1
      @thiagogregory1 4 роки тому +180

      @@bagel3929 Depends. If your parents are separated, divorced, just choose to live with one. It isn’t allowed if you have both in the same household

    • @CharlesPhan
      @CharlesPhan 4 роки тому +30

      umm verification process will check on that....

    • @thiagogregory1
      @thiagogregory1 4 роки тому +3

      @@Makuraudo Btw, good luck. Hope u get good aid

  • @tabithaellis6506
    @tabithaellis6506 2 роки тому +250

    As a student who is self-supporting, the fact that my financial aid hinges on my parents' income and "expected family contribution" makes me very angry. I am only able to attend college because I am working nonstop to pay for it each year, which is greatly affecting my performance in school. If there is a way around this in the FAFSA (besides getting married or having a kid smh), I'd love to hear what options there are for students like me.

    • @Glassessss
      @Glassessss 2 роки тому +14

      You can only file independently when you hit age 26 I believe. It sucks but the only other way is to qualify for their work study program which can pay for the tuition if you're attending a community college.

    • @PR0M3TH3U5
      @PR0M3TH3U5 2 роки тому +12

      @@vuton3877 true but they be taxing the hell out of us and not giving anything back, rather them tax less and then not give.

    • @TinkerTotz
      @TinkerTotz 2 роки тому +2

      If you want a particular job then you can search for grants or scholarships for that. Esspecially if you’re in a high demand field such as teaching or nursing. I think one is called TEACH and another is the Promise scholarship for medical professionals. Look up “student loan forgiveness for (chosen field)”
      You typically work one year of work for a qualified employer in your state for each year you receive aid. Your financial aid office at your school should be able to give you more info. Your tuition is covering these services so use them all! They should have free tutoring and an academic advisor services as a student. Highly encourage you to reach out to these three resources at your school.

    • @YouTuber-zk4nn
      @YouTuber-zk4nn 2 роки тому +2

      Don’t complain like you didn’t have a choice to go to college or not

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  2 роки тому +20

      the age is 24 to become an independent.. if you are fully self supporting living on your own making a decent income you could ask the financial aid office to do professional judgement and consider you independent, but it is very rare they will do that...

  • @BoneGoddess
    @BoneGoddess 4 роки тому +865

    I love that this video was recommended to me after i filled. But luckily it seems i did everything correct

    • @8bigkid839
      @8bigkid839 4 роки тому +6

      Just did mine yesterday morning lmao

    • @Mani-kx5xs
      @Mani-kx5xs 4 роки тому +2

      Me too

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +10

      sorry you didn't see it sooner!

    • @alainn.23
      @alainn.23 3 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru do you have a contact number?
      I'll need your guidance if possible please

    • @laidbac
      @laidbac 3 роки тому

      Same 😂😂😂

  • @ryleyraine8810
    @ryleyraine8810 3 роки тому +238

    I hate that the fafsa takes into account what my parents make and what their assets are, my parents refuse to help me whatsoever with college costs so I have to completely pay my own way through college and yet the fafsa bases how much aid I qualify for off of my parents

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +51

      I know that can be very frustrating for sure...

    • @alazeigrajeda909
      @alazeigrajeda909 3 роки тому +9

      Yesss the same goes for paying to sign up for collages I have to pay for the collages I want to apply too which is 70 dollars just for one and it’s not fair my dad isn’t paying for that I’m paying for that with the money I’m making for work

    • @alexisvela1
      @alexisvela1 3 роки тому +13

      If you're an actual adult then you don't have to include your parents info on the FAFSA. But if your still living off or with your parents then you will still count as a dependant. So go get a job and live on your own and boom, no more having your parents info on your FAFSA

    • @misseselise3864
      @misseselise3864 3 роки тому +4

      don’t put in your parents’ financial info in 🤷 like you said, their income has nothing to do with your schooling and it doesn’t seem like they plan on paying for what fafsa doesn’t cover

    • @CristianMartinez-cf8oh
      @CristianMartinez-cf8oh 3 роки тому +44

      @@alexisvela1 that’s actually not true I’ve been living on my own since I was 18 that has nothing to do with it you have to be at least 24, married, veteran etc. So maybe do some research before you try bashing people for something you clearly know nothing about.

  • @Zenkaiii4
    @Zenkaiii4 4 роки тому +378

    The FAFSA and institutional scholarships are a great way of making college affordable. I go to a private institution in Michigan and they deal out loads of institutional scholarships based on GPA and/or SAT/ACT. You can get 8-12k per semester just from those alone. Pile on your FAFSA awards and all of a sudden you're paying less than 2k a semester, no loans required. Think about it people, $16,000 for a Bachelors degree or $124,000 from accrued interest.
    Don't fall into the trap of getting loans. Let your academic achievements be recognized so that you can be rewarded financially.

    • @electric_deer2007
      @electric_deer2007 4 роки тому +3

      Which university are you studying in ?

    • @trexasaurus5322
      @trexasaurus5322 3 роки тому +5

      FAFSA is the reason why college is so expensive

    • @sharonjones5173
      @sharonjones5173 2 роки тому

      The FAFSA is time consuming and worthless.

    • @joannachan483
      @joannachan483 2 роки тому

      Please explain what is FAFSA?

    • @erenthebombjaeger
      @erenthebombjaeger 2 роки тому +1

      I only have my gpa grant which is 10k a semester but it’s still leaves A LOT for my dad to pay. He’s a single parent and doesn’t make great amount but for some reason I’ve gotten nothing besides that

  • @emileegrace3989
    @emileegrace3989 4 роки тому +438

    Both of my parents passed, and I’m 18, so I have no legal guardians and filling out the FAFSA was nerve racking! But also quick because I got exempted from so much of the information. I’m still a little nervous I didn’t do it correctly 😬

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +124

      I'm so sorry for your loss :-( It is nervewracking to fill out the forms

    • @ElLie-cl1qj
      @ElLie-cl1qj 3 роки тому +48

      My condolences on losing your parents. I will say a prayer for you, my friend 🙏

    • @Raven-vt5vx
      @Raven-vt5vx 3 роки тому +13

      Hi I’m sorry for your loss I’m in the same similar situation with one of my parents did u get approved?

    • @emileegrace3989
      @emileegrace3989 3 роки тому +23

      @@Raven-vt5vx yeah, my Pell grant covered a ton. Granted, my University isn’t terribly expensive.
      I’m sorry you’re dealing with that:(

    • @Raven-vt5vx
      @Raven-vt5vx 3 роки тому +2

      @@emileegrace3989 thank you 💛

  • @rodrivrodri7011
    @rodrivrodri7011 4 роки тому +407

    I wish FASFA give out grants to Grad students :(

    • @hotcheetosncheese
      @hotcheetosncheese 4 роки тому +10

      I know 🥺🥺🥺

    • @nicholasferguson6499
      @nicholasferguson6499 4 роки тому +24

      You can't get a grant if you're a grad student?? :O

    • @aly5041
      @aly5041 4 роки тому +12

      @@nicholasferguson6499 nope you mostly have enough for 6 years

    • @assassin7250
      @assassin7250 4 роки тому +28

      Get a job
      I’m kidding..

    • @bambaking6265
      @bambaking6265 4 роки тому +2

      How is grad student life?

  • @marca2956
    @marca2956 3 роки тому +168

    The FAFSA does in fact ask for the parent's contributions to their retirement acct, taken from the W2, box 12. This is info that is required. Thanks.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +22

      Yes it asks for contributions made to retirement accounts...but the total value of retirement accounts is not reported as an investment on the FAFSA

    • @marca2956
      @marca2956 3 роки тому +5

      @@TheFAFSAGuru Thanks for the clarification!

    • @sandypgs1
      @sandypgs1 3 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru If the contributions have been going on for many years, how to determine only contributions from the total value of the portfolio? And is this only employee contribution or also employers contributions? Finally, outside of 401K, do any personal retirement accounts like Vanguard or Fidelity fall in this category also? Thanks a ton!

    • @hannahb6727
      @hannahb6727 3 роки тому +1

      If money was pulled from 401k in the prior year does that have to be reported as an asset?

    • @jprosey
      @jprosey 2 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru what about when you have they take your IRS tax information ..

  • @howtodoit4204
    @howtodoit4204 4 роки тому +763

    Taking money from poor people because they did a small mistake is the biggest fraud ever.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +102

      it's easy to make a mistake and these applications are processed electronically with no way for the system to know a mistake was made which is why it's so important for people to be careful or get help filling it out

    • @pearlphlox
      @pearlphlox 3 роки тому +16

      @@TheFAFSAGuru No one wants to help me fill mine and I think I made a mistake :(

    • @yoatziuwu
      @yoatziuwu 3 роки тому +26

      @@pearlphlox same my parents dont know how to read so i had to do tis on my own.

    • @misseselise3864
      @misseselise3864 3 роки тому +9

      it’s not fraud at all. the money was never their’s to start with. they weren’t given $1000 then told to pay back $500, they were just given $500

    • @sana-se2kl
      @sana-se2kl 2 роки тому +1

      @@pearlphlox right. I went several times to financial aid in my school and they tell me I have to do it on my own. I literally have many questions that dont know how to answer and ended up putting a wrong information.

  • @aysia9604
    @aysia9604 3 роки тому +8

    i haven’t even started my fafsa yet so i’m glad i found this.

  • @Mollysmommy
    @Mollysmommy 3 роки тому +26

    I’m so glad I signed up for fasfa they gifted me a lot of money. I’m starting school soon

    • @gissellesalazar3061
      @gissellesalazar3061 3 роки тому +1

      I’m doing it on my own bc my prents do not support me going to college

    • @Blitzonu01
      @Blitzonu01 2 роки тому

      Unless people are basically homeless fafsa does not give anyone anything , how did you complete it? Did you put your parents

  • @eyan12
    @eyan12 3 роки тому +10

    thank god this was recommended i was literally filling out the fafsa this morning gotta finish it now

  • @LauraVolpintesta
    @LauraVolpintesta 2 роки тому +2

    The good news is this is helpful. The horrible news is I completed my
    FAFSA yesterday and this popped into the top of my UA-cam feed this morning- I think it’s gross that I’m
    Being tracked , that you tube is feeding me things based on my life off of you tube that UA-cam has nothing to do with. I must have used google to visit the fafsa site. I hate that this kind of tracking is going
    On and it makes me angry and sad at the same time. I feel really gross about this right now and rethinking my whole relationship to technology. I never ever searched for anything related to this topic on UA-cam. Yuck.

  • @malaplava4865
    @malaplava4865 4 роки тому +42

    I just filled out the form yesterday for my son and surprisingly I filled out correctly. Now we wait 😩

  • @dk1472
    @dk1472 2 роки тому +13

    When I graduated high-school, I had left a very abusive relationship, I had two kids, because as part of that relationship, sex was not a choice, nor was I supposed to use birth control. I ended up living in a homeless shelter for battered women until I could graduate and leave. When I went to my local college, they refused to give me assistance as I did ot have reportable income and therefore did not qualify. Our system is so broken.

  • @dinasingleton6811
    @dinasingleton6811 4 роки тому +57

    I listed separation and the date. My husband lived 1,500 miles away for 2 years. The university made me change the FAFSA because we were legally separated.

    • @mrschristyjane
      @mrschristyjane 3 роки тому +2

      They made you change it to what?

    • @DrewDiddy7703
      @DrewDiddy7703 3 роки тому +5

      I'm lost...You said you listed "Seperated" and the school made you change it to "Seperated". 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
      Wouldn't need to change it since you Already filed that way

  • @Ruby-eq1qg
    @Ruby-eq1qg 4 роки тому +191

    you are amazing and im glad theres people like you in this world

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +14

      Thank you so much!

    • @heatheranncomalander7277
      @heatheranncomalander7277 4 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru is

    • @jehanmuharam8359
      @jehanmuharam8359 3 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru Hello thank you so much for this information.
      I have a question, I start school on spring. Due to some issues I submitted my fafsa early October. Will I not get any aid for this year?

  • @averynmitchell
    @averynmitchell 2 роки тому +33

    I'm so grateful to have stumbled upon this video. I have a friend who qualifies for the Federal Pell Grant even though both of her parents combined make a six-figure income; significantly more than my single mother and I do not qualify for. At first, I was appalled at how FAFSA determines who gets need-based aid, and how many students out there who really need aid aren't getting it. For the first time, I am wondering if I'm filling out my FAFSA wrong.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  2 роки тому +13

      a family that makes 6 figures does not qualify for pell grant unless they are self employed and they make their income look like less on their taxes.

    • @averynmitchell
      @averynmitchell 2 роки тому +2

      @@TheFAFSAGuru Thank you!

    • @teeybannister
      @teeybannister 2 роки тому

      What about married with 5 dependents making about $120/ year. Wife not working. Filed jointly. Do we qualify??

  • @TRose-hc9pv
    @TRose-hc9pv 4 роки тому +52

    Well said. I work at a financial aid office and we always try to get them these tips.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +2

      thank you, sorry I didn't see this sooner, and I worked in financial aid offices for years, admire the work you do!

    • @dawudj2286
      @dawudj2286 2 роки тому

      hi what do I do. I was offered financial aid this week for Fall and Spring but needed Spring and Summer . I had some things on checklist and thats done. I logged on and saw what I was awarded. I planned on going back to chage some things after I had message to do so. I recently put down English as a major and it went through but no longer wanted Fall. Its already October and its NOvember in a few days !!!

  • @JayneRohlfing
    @JayneRohlfing 4 роки тому +12

    Thank goodness for random youtube recommendations! We had already submitted the FAFSA but I was able to go back in and change the investment part because I had included our 401k. THANK YOU!

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +4

      I'm so glad you caught that! It's a costly mistake!

  • @AugustusAsgeir
    @AugustusAsgeir 3 роки тому +11

    I'm from the ghetto of Chicago, my parents divorced wen I was 4 and unfortunately they still don't make much.... so my EFC has always been 0. I moved out at 17 , in my early twenties now and just getting back in school. I'm on the cusp of 24 so fafsa won't let me file independent even though I've been paying my own rent since 18.... with that said tho I'm just extremely grateful that I'm back in college and can get that degree so I can make more money

    • @SniperWolfKing77
      @SniperWolfKing77 3 роки тому

      That's odd, you should be classified as an independent by the time you are 23 and not have to report parent income.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      Good for you!

  • @sdmods619
    @sdmods619 3 роки тому +54

    My daughter was an honor student with high GPA with every award you could imagine. Worked herself to tears all through grade school and she didn't get shit because I had no idea of these tips. We also didn't waive Healthcare because we weren't paying attention which cost us alot. Also didn't realize I had to fill this out every year so had to pay partially out of pocket because I was last minute.

    • @sdmods619
      @sdmods619 3 роки тому

      Fucking robbery if you don't do your research to avoid gotchas. Feels like I got scammed.

    • @SniperWolfKing77
      @SniperWolfKing77 3 роки тому +17

      I was an honor student with a 4.10 GPA and I arrived in college with 21 credits already. Even though I have a single mother that worked for years to get us out of the gutter, I didn't get nothing except a $1500 loan. I will still fill it out, but the fafsa is a joke to me. To get substantial relief from the fafsa, you need to basically have a single parent with 2 children that makes under 30k a year (how do you even live on that?)

    • @sdmods619
      @sdmods619 3 роки тому +3

      @@SniperWolfKing77 I wonder if there are any parents out there that thought ahead and divorced and thought of everything just to get the max. Then when they got what they needed, remarried :)

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +2

      I'm sorry you didn't see this sooner. The whole process can be confusing

    • @melissatheron8153
      @melissatheron8153 2 роки тому +13

      @@SniperWolfKing77 You're so right, you literally have to be below the poverty line to get aid. We have 3 children and none of them are going to receive financial aid because both parents work. They've all done exceptionally well in grade and high school, but because they have two working parents, they don't qualify for a dime. And it's so frustrating that we have to fill this form out every year knowing we won't qualify. Offering a federal loan that has to be paid back is NOT financial aid.

  • @candymccann1
    @candymccann1 4 роки тому +460

    When you’re actually poor so you get the max 🤣😭

    • @kayg3635
      @kayg3635 4 роки тому +4

      what’s the max

    • @juliannaferguson7812
      @juliannaferguson7812 4 роки тому +11

      Depends on how much each college charges for the year/semester

    • @katherinelemus5111
      @katherinelemus5111 4 роки тому +21

      @@kayg3635 depends.. some get up to $10k a year at community college & 4k in uni 😙

    • @merialysborges3523
      @merialysborges3523 4 роки тому +26

      Not super true. My parents don't make alot of money (not even average fam of 4 salary) and I still get pretty much nothing in FAFSA......... it sucks

    • @stefannymartinez3007
      @stefannymartinez3007 4 роки тому +5

      Was gonna say this 😭

  • @joyce_zhong
    @joyce_zhong 4 роки тому +19

    Thank god I did everything correct. Recommended after literally just finishing filling it out 🤠

  • @chuckbaxter5909
    @chuckbaxter5909 3 роки тому

    We made these mistakes and would have to get my daughter to college in the fall with zero financial aid. We will be contacting her this week!

  • @danab5356
    @danab5356 3 роки тому +7

    Great information thanks for sharing. When I spoke with my son’s financial aid office about my separation. They informed me that I was required to include my estranged spouse’s tax information in spite of his refusal to share his tax information with me. The office then told me to call the IRS to obtain his information 😦. When I attempted to complete my son’s FAFSA with only my income listed the computer system rejected the information stating that my prior application reported a higher income and the electronic form would not allow me to proceed. 😞 Long story short after several phone calls. My ex had a change of heart and provided his tax information. However the amount owed toward college tuition is higher because I am forced to add two incomes when in actuality there’s only one household income. 😫

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +4

      Is that because you live in the same household? That would be the only case where both incomes would need to be counted... That is strange! I would follow up on that.

    • @danab5356
      @danab5356 3 роки тому +3

      @@TheFAFSAGuru I appreciate your feedback. We no longer reside in the same household. We’ve been apart for over a year. I’ll be sure to follow up as you’ve recommended. Thanks again 💯✨😊

  • @Kingdoperks
    @Kingdoperks 3 роки тому +2

    My mom working record has been completely disappeared, plus she is self employed and right now I'm studying at UTI with a tuition of 38,000$ but thanks to her FAFSA took off 15,000$.

  • @PhoenixIsGray
    @PhoenixIsGray 3 роки тому +36

    This is so important!!!! Thank you for spreading awareness and helping others learn about this

  • @AllMedia13
    @AllMedia13 2 роки тому +1

    Thank God.

  • @resolute1922
    @resolute1922 4 роки тому +26

    From my experience the biggest mistake is that applicants simply don't read, especially, the question mark/more information by each question.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +2

      yes for sure.... that little question mark is so helpful

    • @sharaerussell33
      @sharaerussell33 3 роки тому

      And to be honest every screen tells you wat they want and need from you.

  • @jessie1697
    @jessie1697 3 роки тому +1

    and this is why i love youtube, thank you (even tho I knew the tips) but it is still good to listen and understand from an expert :) all blessings

  • @mr.anonymous3103
    @mr.anonymous3103 4 роки тому +33

    I’m gonna put all my savings on my retirement account before reporting the fasfa.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +16

      That’s a great place to put it because retirement is a protected asset and you don’t have to report it on the FAFSA

    • @debbieelwood8200
      @debbieelwood8200 4 роки тому +1

      @@TheFAFSAGuru what about 401k? Isn’t that reportable? Thank you!

    • @ppumpkin3282
      @ppumpkin3282 4 роки тому +3

      True the FAFSA doesn't consider retirement assets or homes an asset, but many schools require you to file a supplemental statement disclosing that info. And some consider your home value an asset.

    • @JackieWeni
      @JackieWeni 3 роки тому

      I thought the FAFSA specifically asked for retirement totals? We do not have to report IRAs?

  • @julia.md2b707
    @julia.md2b707 3 роки тому +5

    Holy crap! This is incredible. I definitely included my father’s retirement and business values.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +2

      Glad you found this video... make sure you correct the FAFSA

    • @julia.md2b707
      @julia.md2b707 3 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru Thank you. I actually went back and looked. I didn't make the mistake on the FAFSA but on my school's own form, they require business value and home value. I think we might have overinflated business value, but either way it's really hard to calculate for a small business.

    • @bradleybell9581
      @bradleybell9581 2 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru How long do you have from the date you submitted it? It says my estimated loan is 9,000 but we got a lot more than that our first year of health professional school. I may have made a mistake...

  • @acrobizer1238
    @acrobizer1238 2 роки тому +15

    My wife and I started saving in a 529 when each were born, as soon as they came home from the hospital with a social security number. Encouraged each to work to have skin in the game in lieu of assuming that debt is the answer. Three kids later, all debt free and no reason for FAFSA. Just sayin, if there is a will, there is a way.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  2 роки тому

      that's awesome! Kudos to you!

    • @karlabarrios5890
      @karlabarrios5890 Рік тому +2

      great for you, but some students dont have parents that can save from birth. i am an immigrant and my parents can't afford to pay for my college. I must work my ass off and get financial aid and scholarships

    • @acrobizer1238
      @acrobizer1238 Рік тому

      @@karlabarrios5890 Two generations ago my parents were in your shoes, and seeing that I took early action on my kids.
      I can tell you’ll be successful, therefore in your case, if you choose to have children, you can do what I did.

  • @Czar1249
    @Czar1249 3 роки тому +2

    I think my dad reported the house on the FAFSA all five years :/ now I'm off to grad school and it's too late. Hopefully a lot of people avoid that mistake from your video.

    • @sdmods619
      @sdmods619 3 роки тому

      I just filled it out for the second year. So you mean the next 2 years I don't have to report it? Or will it be on record? It's a interrst only heloc so we have zero equity since forever on it

  • @BGCflyer
    @BGCflyer 4 роки тому +15

    I didn’t realize you can’t deduct your partner student loans from you assets. Also, when you apply, apparently you have to report what is in your checking and savings account at the time of application. So, I learned that if you want to reduce the amount of money to report in your savings account, do it before you apply.

    • @jacky1493
      @jacky1493 3 роки тому +4

      in a part of the application it asks for the amount on your bank account, but this refers to money specifically meant to be used for college. if you do not have a 529 or any account specifically for college funding, then you don’t have to report it.

    • @acedricw
      @acedricw 3 роки тому

      @@jacky1493 for the parents. It is the current amounts in your checking and savings accounts as of the day reported. Also pre-paid/529 account cash value specific to the child.

  • @rufus5208
    @rufus5208 4 роки тому +6

    Wow, this is such valuable information! I will make corrections to my FAFSA. Thank you ma'am.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому

      Glad it was helpful!

    • @bennavarro1142
      @bennavarro1142 3 роки тому

      Hey you have the Santa Cruz logo on your profile pic. What’s up bro you from Santa Cruz as well?!!

  • @sharaerussell33
    @sharaerussell33 3 роки тому +157

    I highly recommend teens to get a part time job that help out at home. Your tax return makes you fall into the the low income bracket ,that qualifies you for A LOT.

    • @vinnysaccount
      @vinnysaccount 3 роки тому +9

      But since they are under 26, they will still ask for parents information right?

    • @sharaerussell33
      @sharaerussell33 3 роки тому +15

      @@vinnysaccount No not at all. If you are not a dependent on their taxes any more they will only use the students income. I am 24 and recently started school using FASFA however I had a small part time job. It qualified me to get all 6 years paid for ,book vouchers ,and i do get federal refunds from FASFA within the first 3 weeks of each starting term.

    • @Trojehem
      @Trojehem 3 роки тому +47

      @@sharaerussell33 That's because you're 24. Under the age of 24 you have to use your parents information as well. So having a part time job would increase the households income.

    • @marwahnur286
      @marwahnur286 3 роки тому +2

      @@sharaerussell33 wait, so technically if you work and get tax returns but still live with your parents you could potentially use your tax returns and get more fafsa because your income would obviously be lower?

    • @marwahnur286
      @marwahnur286 3 роки тому +2

      @@Trojehem damn, I thought i found a loop hole 🙃

  • @wishIKnewHowToLove
    @wishIKnewHowToLove Рік тому

    GREAT HELP!!!! THANK YOU!!!

  • @lfms2660
    @lfms2660 4 роки тому +8

    Wow, literally wish I saw this when I’ve started schooling. I’ve been filling out the assets, so wrong... I’m graduating from my master...

  • @Cositahermosa
    @Cositahermosa 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much ❤️🙏🏻

  • @daniela.hector6258
    @daniela.hector6258 4 роки тому +6

    Me watching this as a junior taking notes 💀💀💀

  • @Adamsg0505
    @Adamsg0505 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the info. Very informative

  • @孙仲伦
    @孙仲伦 4 роки тому +17

    When you had financial aid but lost eligibility from failing classes REEE

    • @Javierisnotatryhard
      @Javierisnotatryhard 4 роки тому

      Reeeeeee

    • @m3o245
      @m3o245 4 роки тому +1

      @@Javierisnotatryhard seriously

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      thats tough you can appeal that you know but within a certain timeframe

  • @shelleyjeanne257
    @shelleyjeanne257 Рік тому

    It’s frustrating that my three adult sons who have lived on their own for years and paid their own bills have to report anything about my income. It’s wrong.

  • @Indigenousgirl1
    @Indigenousgirl1 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you very much for your tips, it is greatly appreciated.

  • @sandyisntmandy4853
    @sandyisntmandy4853 4 роки тому +2

    thank you daddy fasfa... you hooked me up while i was in college

  • @indirabriseno7707
    @indirabriseno7707 5 років тому +5

    Great info because😭📷📹 south west collage!! have a terrible helping or people who live in the south & san Di ego ca!!!!

  • @amandadavis4701
    @amandadavis4701 2 роки тому

    Thank you this was very good on information

  • @TheRealestRT
    @TheRealestRT 4 роки тому +5

    This is a wealth of knowledge

  • @Elyz8606
    @Elyz8606 2 роки тому

    Always had a problem - I don't have parents in the US, I moved to the US by myself when I was 18, my parents are still abroad - no social for parents, no American income for them, no parents in the US. Some counselors in my school say I still have to put them on FAFSA, some say I should not ... Every year is such a pain

    • @elinapant12
      @elinapant12 Рік тому

      It has been a year so hopefully you have some answers. I'm in a similar situation. Any advice would be helpful.

  • @robingarcia8388
    @robingarcia8388 5 років тому +33

    Can my daughter fill out her own FAFSA for grad school even though we still claim her on our taxes? She is paying for grad school on her own.

    • @makinziehunterclark9832
      @makinziehunterclark9832 4 роки тому +10

      Students report parent income until they are 24 years old, married, or legally emancipated. Even if she is an independent in her own taxes and paying for her tuition on her own.

    • @tylerderynck7268
      @tylerderynck7268 4 роки тому +10

      @@makinziehunterclark9832 students are independent if they are applying/in grad school. So no parent info in that case

  • @tyching456yung9
    @tyching456yung9 3 роки тому +1

    👍..thanks lady.

  • @charliedang3904
    @charliedang3904 4 роки тому +12

    So I filled out last year’s FAFSA with my parents retirement and home value. What will happen if I choose not to fill that out this year?

    • @dreamsdeep1076
      @dreamsdeep1076 4 роки тому

      You won’t be getting aid support from government for 2021-2022.

    • @MDO_666
      @MDO_666 4 роки тому

      @@dreamsdeep1076 so if i don't fill 2020-2021 form, i can't fill out the 2021-2022?

    • @dreamsdeep1076
      @dreamsdeep1076 4 роки тому

      @@MDO_666 Yes. That will mean you have to pay for that one year you did not had the chance to file

    • @goofydumbgoofyhobtch2765
      @goofydumbgoofyhobtch2765 4 роки тому

      Also you can’t claim any scholarships without a data even if you are accepting no fed money

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      you don't have to report those things, so it could help you get more aid possibly

  • @insideoutsideupsidedown2218
    @insideoutsideupsidedown2218 2 роки тому +1

    Actually, filling out the fafsa and borrowing money is the biggest mistake you can make. Pay cash, go to school in state, get a degree in the STEM field, stay away from the garbage degrees

  • @jerrys9226
    @jerrys9226 5 років тому +17

    What if you have shared custody, equal time, who fills out the FAFSA?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  5 років тому +13

      Jerry S Typically you would go with the parent with him the child resided with the most in the last year but if everything is completely 50-50 then my suggestion would be to go with a parent who makes the least income and remember if the parent is remarried step parents income is also included on the FAFSA

    • @BestCollegeAid
      @BestCollegeAid 5 років тому +3

      Jerry S keep in mind that CSS Profile schools offer non custodial parent asset waivers!

    • @AugustaWilliamsJr
      @AugustaWilliamsJr 4 роки тому

      Pick one parent

  • @renee6511
    @renee6511 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the information

  • @shujayethossain6554
    @shujayethossain6554 4 роки тому +10

    Can I change my marital status to single from married after submitting my fafsa?
    I filed for 2020-2021 and my 2018 tax return is single tax return and fafsa pulled a random verification. My wife is not American,doesn’t live here or never came here.
    Thank you

    • @JuicyFruitDarling
      @JuicyFruitDarling 4 роки тому +3

      curious as well

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому

      If you’re married you cannot list that you’re single on the FAFSA… It’s OK that you were selected for verification you can just explain the circumstances and they will want to know if she had any income

    • @LadyPoochieLe
      @LadyPoochieLe 4 роки тому

      This will most likely comes down to financial aid judgement. They will definitely look at her income tho

  • @leinaalam133
    @leinaalam133 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you so much for your advice and help. This is so important!

  • @purplefarmdog4047
    @purplefarmdog4047 4 роки тому +6

    Hello. Thanks for the tips. However , I wish I'd seen this video earlier. I filed a few days ago and they already processed the application. Is there a way to go back in and change the info.unfortunately I am one of those that did all that you said not to do. Thanks for the advice.

    • @eb6195
      @eb6195 4 роки тому +1

      Yes, just login and do an update on your account.

  • @evegua4977
    @evegua4977 2 роки тому

    I see this was 2 yrs ago, very good information … although what would be good guidelines apply to older adults to get help with fanfare? Thank you for your time …

  • @areumkim4393
    @areumkim4393 4 роки тому +47

    This may sound like a dumb question, but I've heard different answers from my peers, If I am graduating in 2021 does that mean I can fill out the fafsa right now? I've heard that we need to wait for the upcoming October in order to do so but other sources say that the fafsa is a cycle so you can apply as early as October 2019 if your a 2021 graduate. Some clarification would be greatly appreciated.- confused rising senior

  • @danger--zekednb465
    @danger--zekednb465 3 роки тому +1

    i wish youtube recommended this 2 years ago

  • @CleanMusicLover229
    @CleanMusicLover229 4 роки тому +4

    If I applied for FAFSA in August of this year, for the fall semester, do I renew it for the 2021-2022 school year?

  • @sairyndenizard8135
    @sairyndenizard8135 2 роки тому

    ThankU for all this great info!!!
    Hv 3 college students; one recent graduate w/a Bachelor degree and we wld lk to verify if she won’t b able to continue filling for financial aid as we hv heard that after you hv finished your 4yrs degree you won’t qualify any more?...

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  2 роки тому

      you're welcome! students can still fill out the FAFSA when they go on to graduate school but will no longer be eligible for the federal pell grant. Typically graduate students can borrow $20,500 per year in direct student loans

  • @floridabby1793
    @floridabby1793 5 років тому +15

    What if I have certain amount in savings will that affect me?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +5

      Any money you have in your savings or checking accounts can impact your financial aid it just depends on the amounts and how much income you have

    • @kolabone3739
      @kolabone3739 4 роки тому

      If you have more than $20k saved and attend a public college with average tuition of $5k, will that affect the fafsa amount available from the school ?

    • @steveakeman8371
      @steveakeman8371 4 роки тому

      @@kolabone3739 Take it out of the bank and invest it. You can remove what $$ you put into certain funds without penalty or tax. You can't take earnings out without tax. Double check with a fiduciary advisor. You have some special tax circumstances in your favor for school expenses too.

  • @prototoy4360
    @prototoy4360 3 роки тому +1

    I would further to contribute as much as possible to your retirement accounts-win win for parents and children.

  • @umaimanaveed9314
    @umaimanaveed9314 3 роки тому +27

    Should I appeal for more financial aid from a college before or after accepting their acceptance offer? So I could finally choose which college to go to after comparing their financial offers, etc

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +8

      you should appeal within a couple of weeks of receiving the aid offer and before you commit to the college

    • @yadirarivera2387
      @yadirarivera2387 3 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru what does this mean? I got my financial aid offer a few days ago. Do I just ask them for more financial aid?

  • @Dude408f
    @Dude408f 4 роки тому

    Thank you very much for your video!! I wish I have seen it one week before!! My son linked my FSA id and the amount of help the FAFSA would award him became significantly lower... We're so distressed

  • @rulas1000
    @rulas1000 5 років тому +7

    If my assets are under a trust, will that be consider by them when making a decision?

  • @angelicaortega3994
    @angelicaortega3994 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much for that information.

  • @melvinvasquez-gomez2797
    @melvinvasquez-gomez2797 4 роки тому +4

    I just submitted my FASFA and it says i need to wait in order to get a Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Is it because I put the same number for the gross and net income? Will I be able to change the information once it is processed?

  • @jeisonb5345
    @jeisonb5345 3 роки тому

    The fact that this doesn’t have millions of views shows people don’t want to learn

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      I hope eventually it does have millions of views :-)

  • @margiejb8112
    @margiejb8112 5 років тому +4

    So do not put the value of home?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  5 років тому +2

      Margie JB No you do not include the value of your primary residence on at your FAFSA

    • @margiejb8112
      @margiejb8112 5 років тому

      The FAFSA Guru thank you! I saw ur first video n adjust my kid saving n after submitting view another video n that’s when I learned about it from ur advise ahhhhhh so now it wouldnt let me change. I guess I have to wait 3-5 days?! So what happens to my savings I’m reporting? I have Checking n savings. Do I combine. With bills n stuff the numbers goes down

    • @jdurando21
      @jdurando21 5 років тому

      @@margiejb8112 maybe you should go to college with that atrocious spelling .

    • @margiejb8112
      @margiejb8112 5 років тому +2

      Jakob Durando LMAOOOO I would but unfortunately, I’m not interested in joining you at CLOWN college. Thanks! 😆

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  5 років тому +5

      Jakob Durando Maybe you should unsubscribe to my channel if you are going to make comments like this on my posts… They are not welcome

  • @jaytrump2537
    @jaytrump2537 2 роки тому

    THANK YOU

  • @matteakowalski2542
    @matteakowalski2542 4 роки тому +3

    Will it look bad if I have like nothing in my checking account? I’ve been working my butt off since March, but a lot of my money went towards a dependable vehicle (I travel a lot for my job, and since my family lives in the country rather than city), school trip (which isn’t happening so I’ll get the money back soon), and gas/other expenses..

  • @SteveFitzpatrick1
    @SteveFitzpatrick1 4 роки тому

    Thank you! You are just what we needed!

  • @rasp489
    @rasp489 3 роки тому +6

    1. Filling out a free application
    2. Don’t report the value of house or retirement money
    3. If parents are separated, use parent you live with the most in the past year.

  • @brandoncazares8452
    @brandoncazares8452 3 роки тому

    Thanks a lot for this information!

  • @hsinglu
    @hsinglu 3 роки тому +5

    If my parents have 2 others houses as rental properties, do I need to list those two houses as assets on FASA?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +1

      yes the total value, net value minus debt owed on those properties would be listed as a parent investment on the FAFSA

  • @JBreeze4598
    @JBreeze4598 Рік тому

    Good day, @ 2:07 you said "do not have to report retirement" I need to ask where can I find that?
    thanks for the help.

  • @madisonhylland2063
    @madisonhylland2063 4 роки тому +3

    Should you avoid putting the business value on the css profile too?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +1

      No you have to report business value on the CSS profile that form is different than the FAFSA.

  • @BJT_89
    @BJT_89 3 роки тому

    Thank you for this!!!

  • @833auto3
    @833auto3 5 років тому +9

    Fafsa guru. I am having trouble filling it out. Me and my wife or not together but she use my same address on her everything. Do I add her name in it ?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  5 років тому +4

      833auto if you’re separated and not living together then only one parents information needs to be provided on the FAFSA

  • @order_truth_involvement6135
    @order_truth_involvement6135 3 роки тому

    This is very useful! Thanks!

  • @chrisgomes1722
    @chrisgomes1722 5 років тому +20

    if i submit my fafsa at the end of october, but i decide to add a school in december, will that push me back farther for financial aid need?

    • @chinanuokoli12
      @chinanuokoli12 4 роки тому

      Did you ever get an answer to this question?

    • @idkidkidk3333
      @idkidkidk3333 4 роки тому +6

      @@chinanuokoli12 you can add schools to your fasfa after you have submitted it, and no it will not push back you financial aid request.

    • @assassin7250
      @assassin7250 4 роки тому

      @@idkidkidk3333 I need help. I already got my processed. I’m on my last year of high school. I’m planning to go to community college. Any suggestion?

  • @lilianasantiago8388
    @lilianasantiago8388 2 роки тому

    Very informational! Thank you so much! GOD BLESS YOU 🙌 NEW SUB

  • @ahmedmuslim4382
    @ahmedmuslim4382 4 роки тому +8

    Hi, they asking about how much money I have in my bank account , how should I understand this ? Thanks

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +7

      They just want to know how much money you have in your cash savings or checking account as of the day you fill out the FAFSA

    • @ahmedmuslim4382
      @ahmedmuslim4382 4 роки тому +4

      The FAFSA Guru ok,is there any certain min amount should be there? To get the aid ? Thanks

    • @ahmedmuslim4382
      @ahmedmuslim4382 4 роки тому +3

      Thank you very much , one more question plz ,if I have like 20k , still will give me the Aid or there is limitation ? Thanks

    • @sherrie5124
      @sherrie5124 4 роки тому +1

      @@TheFAFSAGuru Only cash account or should mutual fund (non-retirement) account also be reported?

    • @Vanessa.ra1819
      @Vanessa.ra1819 4 роки тому +1

      I always put $0. They don’t need to know my business lmfaooooo. Nah but idk my money in my account could be snatched any day and be $0 or I could need it and it could be zeroed out. That’s how I see it. So that’s why

  • @iamblessed6741
    @iamblessed6741 3 роки тому +1

    Great information!

  • @TheSlipperyNUwUdle
    @TheSlipperyNUwUdle 4 роки тому +3

    If I’m planning on going to school in spring do I start financial aid now?

    • @Shadow-kq4yc
      @Shadow-kq4yc 4 роки тому +3

      yes! definitely do your FAFSA now! start applying to scholarships as well.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      sorry I missed this!

  • @lockedpermanently1097
    @lockedpermanently1097 3 роки тому

    Great advice, thank you!

  • @stephh.lopeez
    @stephh.lopeez 4 роки тому +7

    I have a question, I live with my grandparents and they don’t pay taxes, Are they a requirement, or will that affect me?

    • @shea2655
      @shea2655 4 роки тому +1

      They don't need to file but they will have to estimate how much that they made in 2019

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      it depends on their circumstances and if they are required to file but don't

  • @jaydab
    @jaydab 2 роки тому

    Son graduating 2023. His mom died when he was 9 years old been with me ever since.. I'm trying to get this started asap.. I need scholarship and Financial aid.. Really don't want to mess with the loans.. Please help me in the right direction.

  • @maryclaireyabut9010
    @maryclaireyabut9010 4 роки тому +3

    Will you still get aid if you do it a little bit later than expected?

    • @poke-talia268
      @poke-talia268 4 роки тому +1

      Yes. It is on a first come first serve basis, but you are still likely to get aid.

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому

      yes

  • @rolandotineo164
    @rolandotineo164 4 роки тому +1

    I appreciate your response

  • @alannguyen555
    @alannguyen555 4 роки тому +3

    Fafsa asked how much I have in my bank account and I have 20k in my bank account and I’m scared they aren’t gonna give me money now

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  4 роки тому +3

      Dependent student bank accounts are weighted more heavily than independent student and parent bank accounts.
      So if you’re a dependent and need your parents information on the FAFSA the government will expect that you can contribute 20% of what you have in your bank accounts towards your education for the year

    • @hehimpapiNsuch
      @hehimpapiNsuch 4 роки тому +1

      @@TheFAFSAGuru will it work against us if we didn't disclose our bank account savings/opted out of filling out the assets portion?

  • @andreaschopbach4190
    @andreaschopbach4190 3 роки тому

    We’ve had 2 in college. No assets to list; got zero aid. Our financial aid award was “congrats, you qualify for loans”. I will be paying loans until I am 70

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  3 роки тому +1

      It's so awful... Have you tried appealing your financial aid offers? I recommend every family do this and offer a digital course or one on one consulting session to help families effectively appeal their aid offers. You should really do this each and every year. About 80% of families who appeal their financial aid offers will receive additional aid.

    • @highlyfavor333
      @highlyfavor333 2 роки тому

      @@TheFAFSAGuru Good morning my Son financial aid was decreased by a big amount how can I find out why, his GPA is good he's a full time student my income hasn't changed much

  • @serenity2975
    @serenity2975 5 років тому +5

    This year will be my second time filling FAFSA. So last year, I put the new house my family was living in as a parental asset, should I do that this year? Would it look bad if you were given the option to skip assets and do skip?

    • @TheFAFSAGuru
      @TheFAFSAGuru  5 років тому +5

      You do not have to report primary residence value as a parent asset on the FAFSA.

    • @serenity2975
      @serenity2975 5 років тому +1

      The FAFSA Guru Hi thank you for responding. I put it last year on FAFSA, so I was wondering if it would look weird if I do not put it again this year.

  • @chazzle8434
    @chazzle8434 2 роки тому

    My dad passed away and my mom currently lives on his life insurance, so we technically show no income. My tuition is about 9k per year, and it all gets paid for