Episode 267

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Published on:

23rd Aug 2023

Top 10 Changes to the FAFSA for the 2023 - 2024 FAFSA Season

Welcome back to another episode of Wine and Dine! In today's discussion, we will be diving into the changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a financial planner, it is my goal to provide you with valuable information that can help you navigate the complexities of college planning. So grab a glass of wine, sit back, and let's explore the recent updates to the FAFSA.

Don't miss out on valuable insights and empowering financial advice! Subscribe to "Money Roots" today to embark on a journey of financial growth and empowerment. Join host Amy Irvine as she simplifies personal finance, making it accessible to everyone, from beginners to seasoned experts. By subscribing, you'll stay up-to-date with each episode, gaining access to practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights that will help you take control of your financial future. Whether you're looking to budget smarter, invest wisely, or secure your retirement, "Money Roots" has something for everyone. Subscribe now and start nurturing your financial well-being!

If you have any questions that you would like answered on the show, feel free to email us at info@rootedpg.com

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Introduction

The FAFSA is a crucial tool for families seeking financial aid for college education. It helps determine the expected family contribution (EFC) and the amount of financial aid a student may be eligible for. In this episode, we will be focusing on the changes in the FAFSA, including the transition from EFC to the student aid index, the shorter FAFSA form, and the impact on small businesses and farms. We will also discuss the expansion of the Pell Grant and the changes in reporting assets and income. So let's dive right in!

Key Takeaways:

  1. The FAFSA is transitioning from the expected family contribution to the student aid index.
  2. The FAFSA form is getting shorter, reducing the number of questions.
  3. Small business and farm owners will now have to report the value of their businesses on the FAFSA.
  4. The student aid index can be below zero, allowing for more financial aid for needy students.
  5. The Pell Grant formula is linked to family size and the federal poverty level, providing additional funding opportunities.
  6. Families with an AGI up to $60,000 will not be required to report assets on the FAFSA.
  7. Contributions to pre-tax retirement plans will no longer be added back to AGI for FAFSA calculations.
  8. Child support received will no longer be added to income, but the amount will be added to non-retirement assets.
  9. Financial help from family members or friends will no longer be considered untaxed income for students.
  10. Funds used from a grandparent-owned 529 plan will not be considered untaxed income for students.

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Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, the changes in the FAFSA aim to simplify the application process and provide more accurate financial aid assessments. While some changes may pose challenges for families, such as the inclusion of small businesses and farms in the formula, there are also opportunities for families to strategically manage their assets and increase their eligibility for financial aid.

As the FAFSA continues to evolve, it is essential for families to stay informed and seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of college planning. By understanding the changes in the FAFSA and exploring the planning opportunities they present, families can make informed decisions and ensure a smoother path to funding their children's education.

Remember, college planning is a journey, and with the right knowledge and resources, you can navigate the financial vineyard and craft a delicious life for yourself and your loved ones. Cheers to a fruitful future!

Links for more information:

The FAFSA Simplification Act - Upcoming FAFSA Changes - College Aid Pro - B2C

A New FAFSA Form Is Coming, Along With Changes in College Aid - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

This episode is brought to you by Rooted Planning Group. Rooted Planning Group is a fee-only financial planning firm that specializes in working with women in their 30s and 40s who want to take control of their finances and plan for the future. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to make a big change, Rooted Planning Group can help.

Visit www.rootedpg.com to learn more.

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About the Podcast

Money Roots
Money Roots with Amy Irvine
Welcome to "Money Roots," the podcast where personal finance becomes personal. Join host Amy Irvine, CEO of Rooted Planning Group, as she demystifies the world of finance and makes it approachable for everyone, from beginners to financial experts.

In each episode, Amy and her guests dig deep into the financial soil, planting the seeds of financial knowledge and helping you nurture your financial future. Whether you're looking to build a solid budget, invest wisely, or plan for retirement, "Money Roots" has you covered.

Get ready to explore practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert insights that will empower you to take control of your financial destiny. It's time to grow your money roots and thrive financially!

Subscribe to "Money Roots" now and join Amy on this exciting journey to financial empowerment. Let's put down some roots and flourish together.

About your host

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Amy Irvine

Uncorking Amy Irvine!!

If any of you have ever met Amy, you know she is passionate about
three things. Family, Finances, and WINE! This comes through in all
that she does and all that she is. When asked to describe herself she first and foremost states, “I am a wife, a daughter, and hopefully a good friend, who happens to also be a financial planner.” Amy holds a Master’s Degree in financial planning and is a Certified Financial Planner TM , Enrolled Agent, Certified College Financial Consultant, and a Financial Wellness Coach with over 25 years of financial planning and industry experience. She is the Founder and owner of Rooted Planning Group, (Formerly known as Irvine Wealth Planning Strategies LLC), which started in 2016 and has grown to include 6 other planners and 2 part-time staff members. Amy is definitely “doing it her way” and has been recognized by her financial planning colleagues as being a “disrupter,” a title she holds close to her heart and is proud of.

Uniquely, at the age of 44, she decided to not only start her only company, but to act on what she defined as her perfect life and she splits her time between Parrish, Florida and Jasper, New York.
On her website it states, “I love what I do, but I also very much enjoy warmth, good
conversation, wine tastings, and volunteering. New York is extraordinary in the summer and fall, but so is Florida in the winter.”
In 2018, she decided it was time to take the stigma out of finances by combining her passion for finances and wine. She started a podcast called “Wine and Dime,” which highlights a different wine and financial topic each week, and she released her book combining those same two passions, titled, “Uncork Your Finances.”
Many of you may know her as one of the co-founders of the Southern Tier Women’s Financial Conference – a day of collaboration and financial education, which will be hosting it’s sixth year!
To round out her volunteering passion, she often provides financial education to the
community through the financial management program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County, she serves on the board of Faith-in-Action of Steuben County, volunteers for various Fund For Women of the Southern Tier events, works with the finance committee of the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, and serves on the board for the Corning Painted Post Historical Society (also known as Heritage Village).
In her downtime, you’re likely to find her with a glass of red wine from one of the many Keuka or Seneca Lake wineries that she highlights in her Wine and Dime Podcast.