Two weeks ago, I spoke with a good friend who has 2 high school children – freshman and sophomore. I nonchalantly asked if they have discussed what career - what major - what school the children will be in, and if they are prepared from a financial standpoint to fund two college students at the same time. Her response was: “It’s still too early, we will wait until they are seniors before we talk about that.”
A common misconception about college planning is waiting until the last year or two in high school to start. For College Funding purposes, parents can start saving for their children as soon as they are born. For Career Planning purposes, children can start the planning process as early as 8th grade. From personal assessments to GPA improvement (if needed), extra-curricular activities, and volunteer opportunities, College Planning involves several steps to ensure that students are prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically for the first big step in their lives. It’s never too early to get information on how to do college right. If you have a child, we can help. Heartland Institute of Financial Education is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization. heidi.herrera@hife-usa.org
