Take the Stress Out of College Planning With the G.O.A.L.S. Framework
Planning for College Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Whether you’re a one household family, a single parent, remarried, or co-parenting from two households, college planning can feel daunting. From building the right college list to filing financial aid forms and navigating student loans, there’s a lot to get right.
At College Financial Prep, we created the G.O.A.L.S.™ Framework to bring clarity, strategy, and peace of mind to families during this critical time. This 5-step roadmap works for all types of families—and can help you avoid costly mistakes and save thousands.
What Is the G.O.A.L.S.™ Framework?
G.O.A.L.S.™ stands for:
Generate a smart college list
October 1: File financial aid on time
Analyze award letters and file appeals
Look for additional scholarships
Smart student loan strategies
Let’s walk through each step.
G – Generate a Smart College List
Your college list is the foundation of your financial strategy. A well-built list ensures your child has affordable options—without sacrificing quality or fit.
At College Financial Prep, we help families:
Identify colleges that offer generous merit aid
Understand which schools treat divorced or blended families fairly in aid packaging
Build a list that’s financially balanced from the start
O – October 1: File Financial Aid Applications On Time
October 1 is when financial aid season officially begins. Submitting early increases your chances of receiving the maximum aid.
We help families navigate:
FAFSA, CSS Profile, and college-specific forms
Which parent should file (for divorced/separated households)
Required documents and how to stay organized
A – Analyze Award Letters & File Appeals
Once the aid offers arrive, you need to understand what you’re really being asked to pay. We help you:
Compare financial aid packages across colleges
Spot errors or omissions
File professional appeals to request more aid (Some clients have save an additional $40,000!)
L – Look for Additional Free Money
Scholarships and grants can help close the gap between what a college offers and what your family can afford. We show you:
Where to find legitimate, high-value scholarships
How to organize the process to avoid overwhelm
Tips for making your student stand out
S – Smart Student Loan Strategies
Borrowing may be part of your college funding plan—but it doesn’t have to be a burden. We guide you through:
Federal vs. private loans
Parent PLUS vs. student borrowing
Creating a repayment strategy that fits your family’s finances
Who Is This Framework For?
The G.O.A.L.S.™ Framework is ideal for:
Divorced or separated parents
Blended families
Married parents who want to make informed, cost-effective decisions
Single parents navigating the process solo
No matter your situation, we provide support that’s clear, confidential, and tailored to your needs.
Common Questions
Q: What if my child is already a senior?
A: It’s not too late! The G.O.A.L.S.™ Framework works at any stage and meets you where you are.
Q: Do you work with parents who don’t communicate well with each other?
A: Yes. We offer neutral support and strategies that reduce tension between co-parents.
Q: Can I do this on my own?
A: Yes! We offer a self-paced toolkit, group coaching, and full-service consulting—so you can choose what works best.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Whether you're building your child’s college list or choosing between award letters, the G.O.A.L.S.™ Framework gives you a path forward.
Explore our Online Store, Group Programs, or private consulting services today.
Or book a free consultation to find the right fit for your family.
About the Author
Vicki Vollweiler is the founder of College Financial Prep and a leading expert in the area of "Divorce & College Planning." As a parent and professional, she brings both compassion and strategy to each and every client who is looking to save money on the cost of college.
📧 hello@collegefinancialprep.com
🌐 www.CollegeFinancialPrep.com