"We'll let you in on a little secret that "they" don't want you to know: College is expensive!

But seriously, it's not just tuition, either. Chances are your child will also have to buy books (which are increasing in price faster than tuition!), new clothes, kegs of beer, and even some housewares to furnish a dorm room or apartment.

With all this spending going on, the line between "need" and "want" can get a little blurred. 

Though ultimately a lot of these expenditures are up to the parental unit, we've put together a list of things that you might think a college student needs, but that you could easily avoid buying for back to school all together, if you're trying to save as much money as possible. (And while you're at it, check out all our back-to-school guides for further buying advice.)"

• Back-to-School: Time to Design a College Financial Plan - Webinar:
  Wednesday, August 20th 2014 - 7pm to 8pm
   
• Tackling the Runaway Costs of College - Webinar
  Wednesday, September 17th 2014 - 7pm to 8pm 

Soon-to-be Seniors: While you rightfully have college on the brain, don't unknowingly dismiss the last year of your high school career.

Visualize yourself stepping onto campus as an official senior.  Keep these thoughts in mind as you traverse classes, time alongside your friends and all the wonderful life experiences you're about to embrace:

1. Teachers still love when you ask questions and other students will thank you.
   You aren't the "annoying student" if you ask questions.  In fact, many classmates let their shyness get the best of them and avoid raising their hand at all, even if they are truly lost in the muddle of information.  If you've been one of those quiet students, now is the perfect time to break the habit, even if it means only asking one question a week.  Eventually, speaking up will seem like a breeze.
   
   Asking questions to clarify or spark a new avenue of discussion not only will potentially help other students, but also stick in your teacher's mind.  Who knows; it may be your path to confirming a mentor or a letter of recommendation.

Find out some tips for recent grads delving into the IT industry on our Google+ page. 

If you are a typical parent with college bound students, you're probably overwhelmed by all the research necessary to help your sons and daughters make the right choices and prevent overpaying for their education.

You are not alone!

Get the facts. Educate yourself to potentially save tens of thousands of dollars on a single college education. Parents of more than one child heading to college in the next few years, can save even more.

At Westface College Planning we work with families to help you plan for and navigate the "paying for college" process. We teach you how to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses, maximize financial aid eligibility, understand the best way to navigate through the college selection process and prioritize your sources of college funds to protect your life savings!

Sign up for a free workshop or webinar or call to schedule a complimentary college funding consultation today.

More information at westfacecollegeplanning.com.