It’s no secret that college is expensive. But exactly how much does college cost? What type of necessary expenses should you expect? To get a closer look, let’s break down the average estimated full-time undergraduate budgets for the 2012–2013 academic year. Total...
CBRG Blog
David Slater and Steven Sirot Discuss Living with College Debt with Inside Jersey magazine
Deferment allows you to delay payment for a period of time, but it's only offered under specific circumstances and interest will accrue during this period. If you don't qualify for deferment, you can look at forbearance options, says David Slater, co-founder of...
Steven Sirot and David Slater explain College Debt with Inside Jersey magazine
Some 43 million Americans owe about $1.3 trillion in student loan debt. And the borrowing trend keeps climbing. Graduates in 2016 will owe an average of more than $37,000 for their college educations — 6 percent more than the previous year, according to the Federal...
David Slater and Steven Sirot featured in AVVO Stories and Discuss Ways Divorce Impacts College Financial Aid
When a couple files for divorce, they’ve probably considered its effect on their children. Most changes-- emotional, physical, and financial—can be anticipated and, therefore, prepared for. Some, however, may pop-up in seemingly random places. For example, a divorce...
Steven Sirot and David Slater Advise NJMoneyHelp Readers How To Apply For Grants
Grants are based off of the financial need of an individual and their capacity to afford higher education, said Steven Sirot, co-founder of College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) in Roseland. “There are several types of grants that are sponsored by the federal...
Steven Sirot and David Slater Advise NJMoneyHelp Readers on How To Maximize Financial Aid
There’s no comprehensive checklist that works for every family, but there are several planning principles everyone should consider. There is no one particular financial move which everyone should make when planning for college funding. But there are important...
CBRG Explains Where to Look for Financial Aid to NJMoneyHelp.com
There are lots of opportunities to find scholarships. It’s just going to take some legwork. The first place to start is the website for the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, or HESAA, said Steven Sirot, co-founder of College Benefits Research Group (CBRG)...
Steven Sirot Helps NJMoneyHelp.com Readers Understand College Financial Aid
Let’s try to walk you through the process. It all starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most of the deadlines have already passed, but it should still be done, even if it is late, said Steven Sirot, co-founder College Benefits...
CBRG Advises On When To Appeal A College Financial Award On NJTV
Now that we’ve been doing this business for the past 10 years we’re finding that many of the misconceptions that are out there have kept going but the prices of college have gone so far up that parents and students are not even prepared for what it is that they’re...
CBRG Discusses Options When Falling Behind on Your Loan on 101.5 FM Radio
Steven Sirot of College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) in Roseland, said you can ask your loan service provider for the specifics on alternative payment plans, as well as deferment, forbearance, and forgiveness options. “Deferment allows you to delay payment for a...
David Slater Discusses 529 Financial Plans And The Best Options For College Savings in NJMoneyHelp.com
If you are in an age-based 529 plan, the investment portfolio should morph into a more conservative allocation as your kids approach college age, but the values are certainly not guaranteed,” Slater said. “Of course if the investments are in a totally conservative...
David Slater Provides 529 Plans and The Best Options For College Savings On 101.5 FM Radio/NJ MoneyHelp.com
Let’s start with why 529 plans are so popular, and why a 529 plan could be appropriate for some families. From a financial perspective, 529 plans offer tax-free growth when the funds are used for qualified educational expenses, said David Slater, co-founder of College...