The Following Services are available through PCFS or Our Partners:

Financial Strategy

Learn the strategies of college funding and how to pay for college.  PCFS will help you develop a financial strategy that may help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Paperwork

Correct and timely filing of paperwork is one of the biggest challenges for college-bound families. Our families get help from our partners in getting their forms completed.  They will be happy to answer your questions throughout the college planning process.  They are just a phone call away.  

Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

We will show you legal, balanced and appropriate ways to reduce your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by using up-to-date and powerful "Income and Asset Planning Strategies."   Because this is a “Financial Plan” a financial planning agreement must be signed that covers the planning involved.  We will also make recommendations for perhaps paying your out-of-pocket costs on a “ tax-favored” basis.

Career-Planning Programs

These programs allow students to assess their interests, skills, abilities and values to determine potential majors and careers.  Parent looking for a career change find the program helpful, too. Too often families are introduced to career -planning programs, but get no further help.  Our partners will help college-bound students and their famillies through the career-planning process.

College Search and Selection

Find the best schools with your student’s major field of interest through programs and databases of 3000+ colleges and universities.

Determine % of Need Met by Colleges

Colleges have different aid standards.  It is important to know which schools may be the most generous to your student, depending on his or her unique set of abilities and characteristics.  As you have no doubt learned, different schools are looking for different qualifications in a student, so it can literally pay to know which schools might most highly value your student.

Electronically File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To be eligible for any college aid (grants, scholarships and loans), all college-bound families must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in January, based on income estimates. While it appears to be a simple form, the Department of Education freely admits that a large percentage of FAFSA forms are filed incorrectly.  Many families make the mistake of not filing a FAFSA at all, because they feel their income or assets will keep them from getting financial aid.  This is NOT TRUE.

Electronically File CSS Financial Aid Profile (FAP)

Ten percent of private colleges require an additional aid application, known as the CSS Profile.  Over 700 intrusive questions cover everything from home equity and retirement plans to medical expenses and even what you paid on the cars you own.  And it's crucial that the answers match the FAFSA.  If you are divorced or own your own business there are two additional supplemental forms.  The way all of these forms are answered greatly impacts your potential aid.

Compare Student Aid Report (SAR) & Taxes

Once you complete your taxes you must update the FAFSA form you filed in January of each year.

Review Aid Awards

Each aid offer should be reviewed.  If the aid offer is substantially less than expected based on historical standards then a negotiation strategy may be necessary.  If you have a substantial reduction in income or if you have new information about the student that will impact their decision financial aid officers need to be aware of these circumstances.

Letter of Negotiation

In these tough financial times, it is increasingly difficult to negotiate for aid.  If it is appropriate a letter of negotiation is the first step in trying toprocure more finacial aid assistance.

Assistance with Student & Parent Loans

Low-interest college loans are considered financial aid.  We will help you determine the best loans or other ways of paying for college expenses without tapping your retirement funds or other assets.

Peace of Mind

Working with PCFS, you will have PEACE OF MIND as you make major financial decisions for you and your family.