The MEFA Podcast

MEFA

We provide subject matter expertise on every step within the college planning process. Subscribe and listen to the MEFA Podcast to learn key information and helpful tips on 529 college savings plans, the college application process, financial aid & the FAFSA, student loan repayment, and more.

  1. SEP 30

    FAFSA Filing Tips and Fidelity’s Insights on Savings and Student Debt

    Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with MEFA’s Julie Shields-Rutyna about tips for filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They also answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag about remarried parents filing the FAFSA. Jonathan then talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about the results of Fidelity and MEFA’s recent College Savings & Student Debt Study.

    31 min

  2. SEP 16

    Expanded Uses for 529 and 529A Plans

    Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about expanded uses for 529 and 529A plans, including MEFA’s U.Fund and Attainable Savings Plans. They discuss the expanded uses of 529 funds for K-12 expenses and certain credentialing programs, as well as the changes to ABLE accounts, which include expanding eligibility requirements, making certain provisions permanent, and introducing new tax benefits.

    21 min

  3. SEP 9

    Celebrating 30 Years of Saving for College with the U.Plan

    Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three current and former U.Plan customers about their experiences of saving for college with MEFA’s Prepaid Tuition Program. They discuss what made them save, why they choose the U.Plan specifically, and more.

    21 min

  4. SEP 2

    Navigating Changes to Federal College Loans Part 2

    In part two of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to student loan borrowing and forgiveness, including PSLF regulations and borrowing limits for undergraduate students, graduate students, and Parent PLUS Loan borrowers.

    23 min

  5. AUG 26

    Navigating Changes to Federal College Loans Part 1

    In part one of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to federal student loan repayment options, navigating delinquency and loans in default, and steps borrowers can take now.

    28 min

  6. AUG 13

    Using Magic to Spark STEM Curiosity in Children

    Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Sabrina Welch, a high school student, magician, and neuroscience enthusiast who founded the program, Mind Tricks, which teaches children neuroscience through magic. They discuss how she got started, how the program grew, and of course, her post-high school plans. The episode also listens in to her performance at Harvard Square!

    31 min

  7. JUL 22

    Future Ready: Teaching STEM at an Early Age

    Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Barbara Jorda about her program STEM Beginnings, which introduces STEM learning to children at an early age. They discuss what STEM is, how to make STEM fun for young children, and the impact of teaching STEM early in a child’s life. The episode also listens in on a STEM Beginnings lesson at Douglas Public Library.

    24 min

  8. JUL 8

    MEFA Mailbag: College Loans

    Host Jonathan Hughes talks with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about college loans, while answering questions from you, the listener. They discuss federal loans, MEFA Loans, the process of applying, different repayment options, and much more.

    28 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

We provide subject matter expertise on every step within the college planning process. Subscribe and listen to the MEFA Podcast to learn key information and helpful tips on 529 college savings plans, the college application process, financial aid & the FAFSA, student loan repayment, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    MEFA
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority copyright 2024.
  • Show Website
    The MEFA Podcast

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