90 Seconds With MEFA: The U.Fund

As the Massachusetts 529 college savings plan, the U.Fund offers affordability, flexibility, and powerful tax advantages. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains how the U.Fund works, how the money is invested, and which expenses the funds cover.

The MEFA Institute: A Deep Dive Into the CSS Profile with Gail Holt of Amherst College

This webinar for school counselors and college access professionals, presented by Gail Holt of Amherst College, introduces the nuts and bolts of the CSS Profile, a financial aid application required by approximately 250 colleges, universities, and scholarship agencies across the country. Topics include tips on completing the Profile, specific financial and household data collected, and how colleges and universities use the application information.

90 Seconds with MEFA: College Gifting

Did you know that friends and family members can contribute directly to your college savings account? With more money in the account to invest and earn returns, your savings have the potential to grow faster to help you reach your goals. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains how you can set up gifting for the U.Fund College Investing Plan and the U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program.

College Admissions with Andrew Carter of College of the Holy Cross

The college search and application process can be overwhelming. This webinar, presented by Andrew N. Carter, the Senior Associate Director of Admissions at College of the Holy Cross, helps you establish a personalized admissions road map by addressing topics such as current trends in admissions, building a balanced list of colleges, and the different components of the college application including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Transition to Adulthood with ABLE

ABLE is the perfect tool for youth with disabilities to use to save for current and long-term expenses as they transition out of high school. In this webinar you’ll learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the impact work may have on benefits, Social Security Administration (SSA) Work Incentives, and student benefits counseling.

90 Seconds with MEFA: Why Save for College?

Even if you understand the importance of saving for college, it can be challenging to start the process. And many people fear that if they can't pay for all of college with savings, it's not worth it to try. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains why saving is important, how the cost of college might not be as high as you think, how savings can reduce the need to borrow, and why saving for college sends a message to a child.

90 Seconds with MEFA: What to Do with COVID-19 Room and Board Refunds

If you used funds from a 529 account to pay for room and board expenses, the deadline to deposit these funds back into a 529 account without paying income taxes on the funds has been extended. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains when the deadline has been extended to and how to initiate the process of returning funds.

90 Seconds with MEFA: What is a 529 Plan?

Any way that you can save for college is a good way, but 529 plans were specifically created to save for college and have tax advantages. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains how to set up a 529 account, how the money is invested, where the funds can be used, and which expenses the funds cover.

90 Seconds with MEFA: Can I Get a Loan Without My Parents?

Students often wonder if they can get a college loan without their parents on the loan application. MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains how by filing the FAFSA, students are eligible for Federal Direct Student Loans without any co-borrowers. Private loan approval is dependent on income and credit score, so students often need the assistance of a co-borrower for these loans.

A Sibling's Perspective: Special Needs Financial Planning with ABLE

CFP Alexandria Nadworny will share her insight as a sibling of a brother with Down Syndrome and the financial planning needed to plan for his future. Alex shares her story and how she utilizes various tools, including ABLE, the tax-advantaged savings plan for individuals with disabilities, in her practice.