How to start a consultancy for guiding families through the college financial aid application process?

Hello! If you have a knack for navigating the labyrinthine world of FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship applications, this is a highly valuable service. Families are often overwhelmed and make costly mistakes.### 💵 My Professional Advice on Launching: Get Certified/Educated: Being able to legally and ethically advise on financial matters is crucial. Consider courses or certifications in financial planning or college counseling. Understanding the nuances of Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the differences between need-based and merit-based aid is your bread and butter. Stay Current: The rules change every single year. Subscribe to official publications, attend webinars from organizations like NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), and constantly update your knowledge base. Pricing Model: Offer tiered packages: * Basic: FAFSA/CSS review and submission. * Premium: Full strategy (asset positioning, tax implications, scholarship sourcing). * Hourly: Q&A sessions for complex situations. Marketing: Your target is stressed parents, so focus on peace of mind and maximizing aid. Run seminars at high schools (if allowed) or local libraries. Use testimonials that highlight the dollar amount of aid you helped secure.You need to be the expert who takes the scary guesswork out of a five-figure life decision. Reliability and precision are everything here. For a baseline of how the official process works, always refer clients to the official Federal Student Aid website, which should be your primary source of factual information!