College Financial Aid Financial Aid Forum Writer Kristin Davis answers your questions about financial aid and figuring out the forms that go with it Dec. 4 through Dec. 15. Go to the forum . By Kristin Davis Now is the time to fill out those maddening financial aid forms. For well-off but not wealthy parents of college students, January may seem even crueler than April. Here's what you can expect.
Income matters more than assets in determining a family's wherewithal.
The gap between that amount and your child's expenses is the amount of aid you're eligible for. But don't expect free money. Reduce the balances in your checking and savings accounts by paying bills and making needed purchases before you sign and date the aid forms. The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.