Financing Any Student’s Educational Future: FAFSA Tips with Ruben Reyes, New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation Financial Tea in the Morning

Ready for back to school? Whether you’ve got a college freshman about to spread their wings or a high school graduate intent on certification in a skilled trade, the bill for whatever comes next will arrive sooner than you think. Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer close out the season with financial aid tips plus plenty of resources to help anyone navigating life and debt after high school––with Ruben Reyes, New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF), a provider of New Mexico student loans.
Want to know the best time to apply for post-secondary education funding options? “As soon as you can,” advises Ruben. With most financial aid awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, your chances of securing more money increase when you apply early. And often. Many folks don’t realize they can apply for financial aid each year that a student attends college or trade school. 
But where to begin? 
Regardless of your graduate’s plans or your family’s financial status, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the place to start. FAFSA data is critical to determining federal aid eligibility, including grants that recipients aren’t required to pay back. 
The FAFSA is easy to navigate and includes the most current information on application deadlines for each state, award amounts, and eligibility assistance. Still, some opt-out of the FAFSA because they don’t think their need is great enough. Ruben urges them to reconsider. “I always say just do it because you never know.” For those needing additional guidance, the NMEAF has many recommendations for funding their educational future, including Money Mondays, the Q & A session for all things FAFSA. 
Ruben also suggests contacting the financial aid offices of your short-listed universities or schools to learn about funding options like merit-based scholarships and local monetary awards. Del Norte Credit Union, for example, offers DNCU account holders access to its scholarship program through the Del Norte LOV Foundation. Don’t let financial aid go unclaimed. There’s a funding path for every educational endeavor and economic status. All you have to do is ask. “I see a lot of good things coming,” says Ruben, “and it's because of these new students that are coming into our world now.”
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Fill out that FAFSA! It’s the quickest, easiest way to assess your eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. For those with more lead time, open a 529 savings plan for your student today. And for everyone with a student in their life, never miss an opportunity to let them know how special they are and how proud you are of them. 
RESOURCES MENTIONED Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Del Norte LOV Foundation
New Mexico Higher Education Department - 1-800-279-9777 
New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF)
The University of New Mexico
The Surrender Experiment - by Michael A. Singer
FTM0202: Fostering a Vibrant Financial Future with Connie Tooker Nuñez, Del Norte LOV Foundation
FTM0204: Put Your Money to Work for You, Investing for All Budgets with Scott Covey and Cynthia Frederick, Del Norte Investment Services
FEATURED GUEST Ruben Reyes
New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF)
Provider of New Mexico Student Loans
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is