Book Description

You'd love to get your kids through college debt-free-but your kids aren't getting any scholarships, you haven't saved for college, and you make too much to get government financial aid. Is there still hope? Yes, but you'll need someone to guide you. In LAUNCH, academic strategist Jeannie Burlowski lays out clear, step-by-step strategies that empower parents to get their kids through high quality, best-fit colleges debt-free-and then directly into jobs they love afterward. Experts rave about LAUNCH: "The checklists at the end of each chapter in this book are fabulous. They're golden. Well worth the entire price of the book." -Bob Shorb, former associate dean of admissions and financial aid and director of student aid and family finance, Skidmore College "Students who go through college without career direction are, as Jeannie Burlowski says, 'like archers who pull the arrow back on the bow string, shoot, and then years later look around for the target.' This book helps parents set their kids up to take aim early and fire a sure shot, whether that's at medical school or at some other worthy endeavor." -Dr. Paul Amble, MD, assistant clinical professor, Yale School of Medicine "I'm a Morgan Stanley wealth management advisor, and after I read this book cover to cover I purchased 30 copies for clients. Every financial advisor needs to know the information in this book. It's valuable for all types of families-from those that think their income is too high to qualify for aid, to those that worry they'll go into debt paying for college. We utilize this book in our financial planning practice as we guide our clients to the things that matter most in their lives. If you're confused about how FAFSA works or what your kids should contribute, this book will provide clear answers. I was especially impressed with the way the book breaks down the pertinent information with chapters that align with the age of your kid. And the checklists for each chapter allow families to pick and choose the advice that best works for their family. My favorite part of the book is that it is truly a parenting book-with tips and insight for raising strong, thoughtful people who care about improving the world. The focus is on the outcome: your child becoming a successful and happy adult. If you're going to choose a financial advisor, you need to make sure that they know the specific college planning information in this book and are utilizing these ideas in their practice." -Alix Magner, financial advisor, Morgan Stanley, Minneapolis, MN "I'm a certified financial planner who cares deeply that parents are able to send their kids to college without risking their retirement. You can be sure I'll be recommending this book every chance I get." -Mike Branch, CFP, Focus Financial, Minneapolis, MN "High school guidance counselors have a difficult time covering the intricacies of the college admission and financing process in the small amount of time they have to work with a large number of students. This book fills in all the gaps-and more-for parents." -Josie Robinson, author and former high school guidance and career counselor, White Bear Lake Area High School And here's what parents like you say about LAUNCH: "We only used a small fraction of the ideas in this book, and our daughter graduated from an excellent private university at age 20 and went straight to her dream job at Disney. Read chapters 1 and 2 when your kid's in middle school!" -Liz and Tim Weatherhead, Bloomington, MN