2014 Edition (College Admissions Guides) - Paying for College Without Going Broke

I had high hopes for "Paying for College Without Going Broke" by Kal Chaney. I have a freshman in private university and was rather shocked by the financial aid process as it exists today versus many years ago when I attended college. I read through the book, which is geared more towards parents and students approaching college years. The book does point out some strategies and tactics, but large portions of the book provide step by step instructions for filling out tax and college financial aid applications. This information could be covered by providing tips rather than page after page of instructions for forms. Also, the key punchline to the book, a family's expected contribution towards education is sort of hidden at the end of the book. This critical information could have been presented in a more straightforward manner at the beginning of the book, and discussed in an open and critical manner. It's almost as if the book in some ways contributes to the opaque process of determining financial aid.

Finally, I emailed the author with a couple of questions after finishing the book. I received a very terse response to my inquiry. I followed up with an apology and simple question, and received no response from the author. I think a reader deserves a better response than this to a question after reading a supposed "how to" book.

This is a very informative book. Planning for paying for college expenses start long before enrollment. The sooner you start the better, but there are many things you should do even a few years before your son or daughter is about to start their colllege education.

Have only read the first chapter and all ready have gain so much information. A friend recommend this book to me and it has been a great tool looking for colleges for my son. I recommend trying to read the book their Junior year.

I was wondering whether I could convert several rental properties into a business which would provide a lot of benefits. Kalman Chany provides the succinct advice of "probably" in this book and then doesn't bother to explain how. Gee, thanks. I bought this book to hear "probably." What a help.

Very disapointing! On the EFC Worksheets, there is no FM or IM difference, FM for Federal Methodology & IM for the Institutional Methodology.

We must read pages 321-324 on the IM! Just not what I was expecting!
Have bought this book for years! While I will continue to purchase this book while I have children in college, it just won't be the same!

this product is garbage. It says in its decription it has 6 practice tests. Guess how many in the book? Only 2, the rest in on their website. Why the hell would I need a book whose practice tests are online? 80% of the book is garbage. They have an entire section on how to write an essay, excuse me but this book is for people who already hold an undergrad degree, if u cant wrte a 400 word essay and need a book to teach you how, pls dont take this test or buy this book

After borrowing the 2009 version from the library, I purchased this 2012 edition. I am impressed with the book's emphasis on planning ahead. It is easy to read, suggestions are plentiful and I highly recommend it for parents with children in middle school or just starting high school. My first takeaway from the book was learning about the first base income year which starts when the child is midway through their junior year of high school. Second was learning how to improve the chances of getting financial aid by planning ahead. Note that this book is revised and updated each year to stay current. There's also a website to find the most recent changes in advice to families.

I have purchased three years of this book over the last 3 years for my kids entering college. The rules change slightly every year so I wanted to have the most up to date information. This book is great and gives straightforward step by step guidance on how to position your finances for kids to get the most financial aid. All I can say is it works!

I was very disappointed with this latest version (2011) after purchasing the 2007 and 2009 versions. And I agree exactly with another reviewer that the author seems to have lost his mission, capitualting perhaps to the college board. This version has clearly lost it way and that is a shame. I would encourage any buyers to look for slightly older issues and not buy this book.

I have been an independent financial aid consultant for more than 30 years. Since there are numerous changes to the aid formulas and tax laws every year, I always get a copy of the latest edition since "Paying for College Without Going Broke" is the most accurate and up-to-date book on the subject. When I give lectures to the parents of college-bound students, I always recommend this book.

This author is completely off-base with this book. He simply uses linear inflation projections to reach a number in 18 years. Anyone can do that. Simply put, he's using scare tactics to sell books. If successful, good for him as he realizes the American dream of monetizing a simple idea by incorporating a fear factor. This is how financial advisors and life insurance sales people make a living too. Please don't waste your money buying this book. Much of this you can research yourself.