Remember watching the old Superman cartoons? The bad guys would be destroying

the world and endangering the leading lady.

As a child, I would watch the devastation wondering if the hero would show

up. Part of me knew he would come, but part of me wondered if those in

trouble would call out for Superman. Of course he wouldn’t come until

someone asked for him.

So what was it about Superman that saved the day? He was stronger than the

other guys. He knew the territory. He had a plan. And he was always nice.

The world of college funding has its villains and Supermen (and women). So

how can you tell who is the villain and who is the hero without the cape,

tights, and giant ‘S’ on the chest?

Try the following guidelines:

1. The Hero will always have a storefront, reputable website, phone numbers

that work, or other ways to contact the company. Before you sign anything or

give any money, try using the email, phone number, and website.

2. The Hero may not be able to lift a locomotive, but he does have the

ability to lift YOUR college funding burden. Each family is an individual

with unique financing options needed. Be sure your chosen company offers an

individual plan not a “one size fits all” plan.

3. The Hero knows the college funding territory. He knows where to find the

information to questions such as: which schools are the most generous, how do

I estimate my expenses, how do I address large medical expenses?

4. The Hero will have knowledge about taxes and investing and how these

activities impact your financial aid package. In most cases, the Hero will

work with your accountant and financial advisor. In some cases, your Hero can

be your financial advisor, but this is your choice.

5. The Hero will collect your information and fill out the financial aid

forms as much as is legal. Your Hero will NOT guarantee scholarships. Only

your student can fill out the forms and only the sponsoring organization can

award the money.

6. The Hero knows the plan. Even though all families are unique, the general

path is similar. Your hero will lay out a plan with due dates that help your

student meet their goals.

7. The Hero will tell you the hard things. Even though you may think your

student is the smartest, most qualified student in the world, your Hero will

tell you realistically where they fit. Even if Harvard or Yale may be your

dream, your Hero will give you other choices just in case Harvard or Yale

can’t see your brilliant student.

8. The Hero will not pressure you to purchase his plan. He will handpick the

families with which he works; it must be a win-win situation. Now don’t

confuse enthusiasm with pressure. Pressure is “sign up tonight, give us

your credit card for --- easy payments of $59.99”. Enthusiasm is explaining

the possibilities but in most cases, you cannot buy anything at the free

presentation.

The Hero comes when you call, reminds you of deadlines and assignments, and

generally tries to make the college funding process understandable and

relatively easy. The villain tries to take your money and run leaving you to

do all the work.