Many families skip the FAFSA on the assumption they won’t qualify for need-based aid. While that may or may not be true, there are plenty of other good reasons to fill it out.

What is it? Does it matter? Demonstrated interest is a topic of considerable confusion these days, especially since information about it varies widely.

You get what you negotiate so it’s worth trying to maximize your student’s merit awards by trying.

Does your student have some down time during the winter break? A quick and easy way to make some money is to do some test prep for the ACT or SAT. In fact, this is likely to pay off far more than any juggling strategies you might be attempting with your income or assets in order to bring your EFC down.

If you want to change any of your 529 account investments, now is a good time to do so. That’s because you’re allowed to make changes to your investments twice a year. If you make changes now, you’ll still have both opportunities in 2016. If you wait until January, you’ll be using one of your 2016 changes.

Learn about how the FAFSA 4caster can help estimate your EFC, but be aware of its limitations.

529 savings plan tax planning strategies to best position your financial situation for the FAFSA.