Unique Focus on Your Family

Because every family’s needs are different, I only focus on what YOUR family needs.  Since I charge by the hour ($125), I prefer to get all of the family’s information before our meeting.  This way our time spent is more efficient and productive.

Services include:

• One-hour phone to discuss the family’s specific situation.  Hourly charge of $125.
• Three step "Financial Fit" Package for $500.
  
• Two-hour home visit ($250) where I guide the family through the important areas of college finances and other areas of interest to the family, including:

• Paying for College
  
• Best Value Colleges
• Financial Aid Forms
• Determining which Colleges are a Financial Fit
• Majors, including Future Earnings
• Searching for Scholarships
  
• 529 Education Plans
• Student Loans

• Education Tax Benefits
  
• WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) Schools
• How to plan to make College a good Investment
• Having the College Money Talk
• California Community Colleges
• Loan Forgiveness Programs
  
• Career Tech Programs
• Graduate Degrees

• Helping families prepare a college budget that they can afford.
  
• Advising families on strategies to pay for college including the rules for financial aid, 529 plans, loans, gift tax, and education tax benefits.
• Recommending colleges with excellent financial aid and the lowest net cost.
• Explaining the Pros and Cons of attending a U.C., California State University (CSU), California Community College, Out-of-State Public College, Private College, and International College. 
• Assisting with the Financial Aid Process which includes preparing or reviewing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form & CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile form.
• Comparing Financial Aid Awards received from colleges and determining if appealing an award is worthwhile.
  
• Providing Assessments to determine the best major and career fit for your student.  This includes estimated earnings for the majors and careers recommended.
• Preparing a comprehensive plan with your student, including all of the requirements and courses, so that your student will graduate on time.
  

Tim Lenahan, C.P.A., M.S.
College Financial Counselor