By Meredith Barnhart, Director of Integrated Communications, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. June 28, 2022 The overlap of college savings accounts and financial aid can be confusing for families, and it’s important to know how they affect one another and to understand the financial aid process before starting to save for college. Here are answers to some common questions on […]
By Meredith Clement, Managing Editor, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority April 20, 2021 College is filled with new experiences, challenges and adventures, and for each student, it plays a pivotal role in the course of life. As your family looks ahead to this important time, there are ways your child can prepare. Below are steps to help […]
By Meredith Barnhart, Director of Integrated Communications, MEFA November 10, 2020 It’s Veterans Day, and in honor of those men and women who have served, we’re highlighting education benefits available to military veterans and their families. Opportunities range from financial assistance to counseling services to helpful videos, all provided to help military members and their families […]
By Julie Shields-Rutyna, Director of College Planning and Education, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority October 20, 2020 One evening a few weeks ago, I presented an Early College Planning webinar, providing information to families about saving for college. In attendance were over 100 parents of mostly elementary-aged students, with some middle school and early high school […]
By Meredith Barnhart, Director of Integrated Communications, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. June 23, 2020 The overlap of college savings accounts and financial aid can be confusing for families, and it’s important to know how they affect one another and to understand the financial aid process before starting to save for college. Here are answers to some common […]
The holidays are upon us, and if you have any children on your gift list this season, we have a great idea. Give the gift that opens doors to the future by contributing to a child’s college savings plan. Whether you’re gifting to your own children or another’s, a contribution of college savings can provide […]
By Meredith Barnhart, Director of Integrated Communications, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority October 1, 2019 We all know that saving money is a good habit. It allows us to pay for large expenses and more accurately plan for future purchases. And if you’re a parent, you’re constantly aware of the need to set money aside specifically […]
By Jonathan Hughes, Associate Director of College Planning and Education, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority June 26, 2019 Financial aid is awarded based on two separate factors: merit and financial need. When you hear about academic, artistic, or athletic scholarships, these are examples of merit-based aid, granted in recognition of student achievement. In most cases, family […]
By Julie Shields-Rutyna, Director of College Planning, MEFA January 8, 2019 It’s a new year, and I am two weeks into my new year’s resolutions and doing pretty well! Near the end of last year, I read a lot of different advice and strategies about how to successfully keep resolutions, and I have tried […]
By Anna Scimemi, Director, College Savings Plans, MEFA December 12, 2016 It’s the holiday season, which inevitably means you have some shopping to do. And if there are children on your list, there’s an extra challenge of buying something with staying power, knowing that a favorite toy or gadget one day can easily become yesterday’s […]
By Anna Scimemi September 18, 2016 As a family, you know you need to save for college costs, but you might not know where to begin. Or perhaps you’re too overwhelmed by higher education’s large price tag to get started. You might find help in an unexpected place: a local community event. 529 plans recognize […]