<p>Run, don’t walk to the nearest bookstore that has a copy of the 2010 Paying for College Without Going Broke, by Kalman Chany (I think it is published by the Princeton Review). We were in a situation similar to yours 3 years ago. This book offers a step-by-step guide to both the CSS profile andthe Fafsa, and much information regarding how the colleges look at parent’s income vs. students, parent’s assets vs. students, etc. It is VERY enlightening, and if nothing else will help you make certain your parent’s filled out the documents correctly. There are several opportunities for big mistakes on the CSS profile. We’ve purchased this book each year (it is updated on a yearly basis) and it’s been a lifesaver!!!</p>
<p>Thanks, onlychildmom! I’ll go look into getting that book. Do you think it would help me in financing a private education?</p>