FAFSA Has Changed We Help Your Family Understand It Clearly and Without the Stress.

Financial aid rules are different now, and many families feel unsure about what’s required. This track explains the new FAFSA, how the Student Aid Index works, what to expect after filing, and how to avoid common mistakes — all in clear, parent-friendly language. 

A graduation cap with a red tassel sits atop stacked coins in front of a glass jar filled with more coins, all arranged on what appears to be educational materials. The background shows a blue surface with chalk-drawn education-related icons including clocks and graphs, symbolizing the financial planning and savings needed for education.

TRUST & TRANSPARENCY

Why Is This Track Free?

Because families shouldn’t have to pay just to understand the basics of financial aid. We keep this track free by supporting the platform through our other tools, optional premium tracks, and partnerships that help us continue building resources. We don’t sell personal data, and we’re not here to turn FAFSA into a sales pitch just to make the process clearer for families who need it.

We believe no family should have to pay just to understand financial aid basics.

What You’ll Be Able To Do

Understand the FAFSA and Why Filing Still Matters

A clear look at what FAFSA does, how the new system works, and why most families still benefit from filing. 

Avoid Common Mistakes That Delay or Reduce Aid Eligibility

Contributor issues, missing steps, and reporting mistakes explained simply.

Navigate Special or Unusual Family Circumstances 

Guidance for situations like divorce, foster care, homelessness, or missing contributors.

Know How Your Information Affects Your SAI

General factors that shape your SAI, including business, farm, and self-employment considerations.

Understand When Appeals May Be Appropriate

When families often consider contacting a financial aid office.

60-Second Track Overview 

FAFSA Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming.

This track helps families understand:

  • What’s new in the redesigned FAFSA
  • How SAI is calculated
  • Contributor requirements
  • How FAFSA treats divorced/separated parents
  • What happens when contributors don’t respond
  • When to make corrections
  • What to expect after submitting

Our goal:

Make the FAFSA process clearer and easier to navigate.

What You Get 

22 Short, Clear Explainer Videos
Educational guidance that explains each step of the FAFSA process
Support for unusual family situations
SAI explanation framework
Appeal education (general, not personalized)
General FAFSA deadline guidance (federal, state, and college)
FAFSA readiness checklist and preparation guidance
Three students collaborate at a white table in a library, surrounded by colorful bookshelves. The student in the center wearing headphones and a light purple shirt works on a laptop, while a student on the left in an orange shirt and dark jacket uses another laptop, and a student on the right in pink takes notes. The table is covered with books, notebooks, folders in various colors, and study materials, depicting an active group study session.

FAFSA Timeline (General, Safe) 

BEFORE FILING:

  • Create FSA IDs
  • Gather basic information
  • Review contributor requirements
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WHEN FAFSA OPENS:

  • Complete sections
  • Ensure all contributors sign
  • Submit early if possible 

AFTER FILING:

  • Look for confirmatio
  • Review your FAFSA Submission Summary
  • Make corrections if needed
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WHEN SCHOOLS SEND AID INFO:

  • Review notifications
  • Compare award types
  • Reach out to colleges if you have questions
Three students standing together against a white and yellow wall - a young woman on the left wearing a light blue button-up shirt holding a pink notebook, a young woman in the center wearing a checkered shirt, and a young man on the right wearing glasses, a backwards white cap, and a black jacket while holding papers. All are smiling and dressed casually in a bright, modern educational setting.

Why This Track Matters

FAFSA changes have introduced new challenges for families. This track: 

Breaks down the process in plain language
Reduces confusion and stress
Helps families understand special circumstances
Builds confidence for filing and reviewing aid information

Gives families confidence without guessing or misinformation.

Who We Support

Who This Track Is For 

Students

Short videos explaining why FAFSA matters and what happens next.

This image shows two photos on a coral pink background - a circular photo of a blonde student with books, and a square photo of four students together outdoors. The photos are separated by a diagonal dashed line, creating a modern, friendly design suggesting student life or education.This image shows two photos on a coral pink background - a circular photo of a blonde student with books, and a square photo of four students together outdoors. The photos are separated by a diagonal dashed line, creating a modern, friendly design suggesting student life or education.

Parents

Clear explanations, timelines, and support without the confusion.

This image shows a tilted photo of a smiling couple against a turquoise background with a white dashed line design element. The couple appears to be middle-aged, both wearing casual polo-style shirts, photographed outdoors with natural lighting.

Counselors

This track supports the advising you already provide not replace it.

This image shows a tilted photo of a smiling young man with a beard wearing a white shirt, positioned against a dark navy blue background with a white dashed line design element running diagonally across the composition.

Equity Note

Includes general educational information for students facing homelessness, foster care, unusual circumstances, or other unique situations. 

A young woman with long dark hair wearing a bright yellow/mustard colored long-sleeve top stands smiling in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, holding a tablet or folder. The background shows desks and a bright, modern learning environment. The image is framed with a decorative blue border with a dotted path design.

Mini Parent FAQ’s

Lessons In This Track

What Is FAFSA and Why Should You File?
Do You Still Need FAFSA If You’re Not Taking Loans?
How FAFSA Affects Scholarships and How It Doesn’t
Federal vs. State vs. College FAFSA Deadlines
Dependent or Independent? How FAFSA Decides
Divorced or Separated Parents: Who Files FAFSA?
Undocumented Students and FAFSA
FAFSA and Unusual Circumstances (Homeless, Foster, etc.)
What Happens After You File FAFSA?
Filing FAFSA When a Contributor Doesn’t Respond
FAFSA Corrections
Understanding Your SAI
Siblings in College No Longer Lower SAI
FAFSA Planning 101
Changed Income? Special Circumstances Appeal
Appealing Under New FAFSA Rules
How to Avoid FAFSA Scams
Using FAFSA’s New Estimator
FAFSA for Self-Employed / Small Business
Farm and Family Business Rules
FAFSA for Business Owners
Multiple Students in College