"Annuities & Financial Aid, What Parents Must Know”

"Annuities & Financial Aid, What Parents Must Know”

Author: Chuck Moore, CCFC, Al Hoffman, CCA and Gary Carpenter, CPA, CCA November 2, 2025 Duration: 17:57

Today we will talk about the complexity of some of the FAFSA rules when it comes to qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and completing the FAFSA. We are going to try to simplify the rules, calm the confusion, and help you make smart planning decisions for your family.


Navigating the financial aid process for college can feel like deciphering a complex code, especially with significant updates on the horizon. The Prepare For College, LLC podcast, hosted by experts Chuck Moore, Al Hoffman, and Gary Carpenter, breaks down that code into understandable terms. Their combined expertise as Certified College Financial Consultants and a Certified Public Accountant focuses squarely on the practicalities of funding higher education. Each episode delves into the major changes coming to the 2026-2027 FAFSA, explaining not just the "what" but the "so what" for families. Beyond the forms, conversations explore broader strategies for selecting the right school and managing the entire spectrum of college expenses without crippling debt. This isn't theoretical advice; it's actionable guidance from professionals who deal with these numbers and policies daily. Tuning in provides clarity and a sense of control during a typically stressful planning phase. Whether you're a parent starting to save or a student finalizing applications, this podcast serves as a reliable resource for making informed, confident decisions about one of life's biggest investments.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

Prepare For College, LLC
Podcast Episodes
Avoiding College Scholarship Scams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:02
Avoiding college scholarship scams is crucial for students and families trying to find legitimate financial help. What we want to cover today is to cover ideas on how to protect yourself from being scammed by companies a…
Student Loans And The One Big Beautiful Bill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:41
If you or your child plans to borrow federal student loans for college in the future, things are about to change in a big way. The new law, often called the One Big Beautiful Bill, makes some of the biggest changes to st…
How the Big Beautiful Bill Changes College Student Loans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:45
If you or your child plans to borrow federal student loans for college in the future, things are about to change in a big way. The new law, often referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill, introduces some of the most signifi…
Higher Education Tax Credits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:51
Educational tax credits are programs from the IRS that can reduce the amount of money you owe in federal income taxes if you’re paying for college. These credits help families lower their tax bill and potentially receive…
How To Shelter Your Assets On The FAFSA/CSS Profile Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:18
When it comes to protecting your money on the CSS Profile to get the most financial aid from colleges, what we discussed so far applies only to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile is a separate form used by many private colleges…
How To Shelter Your Assets On The FAFSA Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:07
When it's time to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), many parents worry that having money saved may hurt their child’s chances of receiving financial aid for college. The truth is, the FAFSA d…
Income Threshold for Asset Reporting On The FAFSA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:17
To qualify for the asset reporting exemption, applicants must meet certain conditions. If these conditions are met, the FAFSA form may automatically allow you to skip the asset questions, and you won't need to report the…
What Colleges Do Not Always Tell You But You Really Need to Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:03
Colleges, especially those under pressure to meet enrollment or revenue goals, may not always be fully transparent about key aspects of the student experience and the real costs of attendance. This podcast will cover sev…