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Financial "To-Do" List

This month, we’re focusing on a "Financial To-Do List" for your college students.


When your kids go off to college and they are 18 years and older, you as the parent/guardian will no longer be the “point person”.


To put it bluntly, no one – from advisors and professors to student financial services, counselors and health services -- is going to talk to you. Essentially, your child is now considered an adult, so information will no longer be shared with parents/guardians.


What does this mean? It’s time to take steps to support their independence.


Below is a helpful financial to-do list and we encourage college students to take the following steps:


  • Open bank accounts in your own name
  • Apply for a credit card in your own name to build credit and share the financial responsibility. Get one with no annual fee and that gives you points (eventually they do add up!)
  • Apply for a passport before the end of summer in case you decide to study abroad or just be ready if a great opportunity comes along (the passport process may take 6+ weeks)
  • Work with an attorney, like me, who has experience with putting a Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney in place so your parents can have some peace of mind in case of an emergency.


Allow PCCI to help set you up for success.


To arrange a complimentary PCCI consultation, simply email me or call 508-622-5250.


Best regards,

Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.

nod@personalcollegecounseling.com


P.S. Thank you for the shout out, Mark & Laura Ayasse of Tutor Doctor! For students who need test prep and tutoring, we encourage you to learn more about Tutor Doctor.

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Tips for Freshmen & Sophomores

Summer is a great time to research colleges/universities. Create an Excel spreadsheet of schools, respective test dates and deadline requirements. Add a column where you can include notes of interest, for example an activity or particular club. Don't forget to sign up for the SAT exam slated for October 5, 2024.

Packing "To Do" List

Packing for and moving into the dorm can be challenging to say the least. Here’s what you absolutely need to know or consider when figuring out what to pack for your dorm:


1. Before buying that microwave or dorm fridge, make sure you know the university’s policy on them. Some only allow students to buy or rent those items provided by the school and some electronic items may not be allowed at all. Others may include them as standard.


2. Once you know the policy, talk to your prospective roommate to determine who is bringing what. No need to duplicate. Remember, space is very limited in your typical dorm room.


3. Bedding – a) Most college beds are twin XL so buy the right size sheets! b) Consider getting spacers (ie: caps for the bedposts) that add height. These come in very handy when you want more height under the bed for storage or when stacking the beds into bunkbeds, which is another good way to maximize floor space.


4. Laundry – Collapsible laundry baskets, detergent and fabric softener sheets, which are not only eco-friendly, but weigh almost nothing and take up very little space. And for those of you worrying about sorting laundry, just wash everything on cold and you won’t have to ever worry about turning your whites pink.


5. Luggage – If you’re driving a long distance from home, unpack your stuff and send any suitcases back with Mom/Dad. Just keep a weekend bag or backpack handy.  


6. Clothing - Only bring what you need for the season. Swap out to winter clothes when you go home for Thanksgiving or winter break. If you need to take a plane or train to get to campus, invest in soft-sided luggage that you can collapse and easily store under the bed or in your closet.


7. Shoes – Get a multi-level shoe rack for the closet or one you can hang off the back of the door or from the closet pole.


8. Mail order – If you are buying any larger or heavier items, just order them online and have them shipped to you once you’re there. No need to overstuff the car.


9. Storage – If you are traveling from afar and hate the idea of packing and lugging all your belongings at the end of every year, don’t. Get a small, short-term storage unit near campus and leave your stuff there.

College Visit Highlights

We’ve visited dozens of campuses all over the country and researched several hundred universities and colleges throughout the U.S. View the entire list here.

Our campus visits included:

University of Nevada, Las Vegas


For those looking to get into hospitality, check out UNLV - rated #1 in the world. The hospitality program is located in their state-of-the-art facility on a 332-acre campus. Need we mention proximity to the Las Vegas Strip?


Caldwell University


Caldwell is a private Catholic University in Caldwell, New Jersey. This small liberal arts university boasts innovative programs, study abroad opportunities and Division 2 athletics – and it's located just outside New York City.


Podcasts, Publications & Awards

Club Sandwich, Hey Boomer Live, The Relatable Voice, Business Way Outside the Box

Cape & Plymouth Business (pg. 7), Positive Living Show with Patricia Raskin,

Positive Talk Radio, Simple Passive Cash Flow Podcast, IAMCEO Podcast

Positive Talk Radio KKNW 1150AM Seattle, CFO at Home Podcast

Cape & Plymouth Business Reader's Choice 2022 Watch List

My Generation Podcast

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Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.

Address: 2 Richard Street,
Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: 508-622-5250
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