Wed, Jun 25, 2025 11:30 AM

You might be thinking—wait a minute, Dan—didn’t you already cover this in last week’s #1 Biggest Mistake? Well, yes… and no. While I did emphasize the importance of running your SAI and EFC, it bears repeating. Families hear it, agree with it, even plan to do it—but life gets busy. Kids have activities, parents are juggling work and responsibilities, and before you know it, no one has actually run the numbers. This simple delay can create a ripple effect of unintended consequences.

Here’s the issue: without knowing your numbers, your student might fall in love with a college that’s completely out of your budget. And that emotional attachment—formed during a campus visit or while browsing dorm tours online—can lead to serious stress when the financial reality finally hits. It’s heartbreaking to have to say no later in the process, especially when it could’ve been avoided early on.

So here’s my challenge to you: carve out time as a family for the College Money Talk. Get everyone together, gather your real financial details, and use the calculator to run your SAI (Student Aid Index from the FAFSA) and EFC (Expected Family Contribution from the CSS Profile). This simple step shows you what prospective colleges expect you to pay each year. Once you have that clarity, you can focus on building a realistic college list that fits your financial situation before you schedule visits or fall for campuses that could derail your budget.

The sooner you take this step, the more empowered your student will be. They’ll look at colleges with confidence, knowing what’s within reach—not just academically, but financially. And you’ll be able to guide them without guilt, frustration, or sticker shock.

Need help getting started or unsure how to run your numbers correctly? I’m here for you. Schedule a free 15-minute Discovery Zoom Meeting with me, and we’ll walk through the process together. Let’s make sure your family’s college journey starts on solid financial ground in 2025.

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