Real Money, Real Experts Counseling Families Through College Costs with Michelle Smoley, AFC®
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Sep 2, 2025 Michelle Smoley, AFC®, a seasoned financial counselor with over 20 years of experience, shares her expertise in navigating college costs. She discusses the complexities of student loans and financial aid, addressing common misconceptions parents and students face. Michelle emphasizes the importance of early financial education and transparent conversations about college financing. She also provides insights into the FAFSA process and strategic planning for financial decision-making, helping families empower their futures.
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Farm Roots And Rescued Pigs
- Michelle grew up on an Iowa family farm and cared for baby pigs, which sparked her lifelong love of animals.
- She later rescued two pot-bellied pigs, Trixie and Duke, after moving to an acreage closer to home.
How FAFSA Work Led To A Career
- Michelle started in banking in the mid-90s and helped families fill out the FAFSA as part of her loan-processing role.
- That early work and her own experience as a returning student led her into a career counseling families on higher education finance.
Families Focus More On ROI
- More families now save for college and use multiple funding sources including savings, cash flow, and borrowing.
- Families increasingly evaluate college choices based on financial return and realistic starting salaries.