Andy Leardini used to be a bank loan officer.
His partner used to work at a college’s finance department and also was a loan officer. Between the two of them, they believe they know all the ins and outs of finding money to pay for college.
Leardini of Youngstown has created a service where he and his colleagues visit families and homes and for a one-time fee of $250, help to sort through the challenging, complicated paperwork to find money to pay for college educations. Recently Leardini took a few minutes to answer some questions about his business, called the College Financing Group.
•••
QUESTION: As a mother of two sons in college, I can’t believe you would want to live in that crazy world of college financing.
ANSWER: That’s why I got into this business. It’s truly broken. Every school processes financial aid a little bit differently so there’s not a set model for families to work with.
•••
Q: So where did you get your experience?
A: I spent 10 years at M&T; Bank in their educational lending area and saw over the course of time in visiting financial offices across the state that families were having a difficult time navigating the financial aide process. They (the schools) seem to want to make it impossible as far as I’m concerned.
•••
Q: When I was helping my sons fill out their loan and grant applications I didn’t feel like I had a lot of options. Did I?
A: Every family is unique. Their financial situation is unique. Sometimes, by working with me, we can discover opportunities to increase the financial aid offerings.
•••
Q: What is it that surprises you most about what people don’t know?
A: It’s really all about what people can afford. That’s the number one thing. The way things are set up today is that the parents will owe the majority of the money. But, there’s a lot of options out there. Remember, it’s a very emotional decision to make. You want to look at a lot of schools and you probably want to consider what’s the best return on your investment.
•••
Q: Talk more about it being emotional.
A: The parent wants the best for their child. They only have to make their decision once or twice in their life. Depending on the number of children the cost of a four year school can range anywhere from $19,000 to $55,000 per year. It’s a lot for a family. It’s a very stressful process.
•••
Q: So what exactly do you do?
A: My goal is to minimize the time, minimize the stress and save the family money, so when the student gets to school, the parent will have a clear understanding of how they will pay for the loan.
•••
Q: My sons and I just keep taking out loans. Is that what most parents today do?
A: The federal loan limits have changed a little bit. They’ve increased. But, the cost of education has increased at a faster pace. Under the federal program the student can only take out (through a Stafford loan) $5,500 a year as a dependent student. It doesn’t go that far, unless you have scholarships or grants or mom and dad contribute a whole bunch of money.
•••
Q: There is all kinds of talk about the government acting on the high cost of education. What do you know about that?
A: This administration understands that college has to be more affordable and I think there will be changes in the federal loans and grants programs to make college a little more affordable.
•••
Q: You have two little boys, one 3 years old and a 1-year-old. What do you anticipate by the time they’re in college?
A: My guess is that colleges are going to have to change the model. They cannot continue to increase the cost of education at the rate they have in the past.
•••
Q: Any advice for parents helping their kids into college?
A: Do your research early. Look at the college application process as a business. Try to set up appointments. Try to have educated conversations to see what they can offer up front. There’s a lot of different kinds of colleges for students and families to look at. The earlier they understand the process the better they’ll understand which college is the most affordable.
Editor’s note: Leardini will be speaking on how to make college affordable at several upcoming events including 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Tonawanda High School in Tonawanda; and at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Wilson High School. For more information call 745-7286 or visit www.collegefinancinggroup.com.
Features
Related Photos
-
Michele DeLuca
BUSINESS Q&A: Youngstown man helps families find college money
- Features
-
-
PROFILE: Jonathan's Magdalene
An artist's rendering of the companion of Jesus comes forth, he says, from a higher power
-
FORGIONE: Fitness successes inspire lots of 'D' words
There are a lot of "D" words associated with working out at a gym and getting healthier. Determination is a big one. There's also gems such as dream, dedication, develop, duty and desire. And of course, ones that elicit fear like deadlifs and dumbells.
-
DELUCA: The Leadership Chronicles
Leadership Niagara 'newbie' has surprising change of heart
-
RIVERKEEPERS: Tending the waterways
Environmental group seeks the help of Niagara volunteers
-
SCIENCE MUSEUM: Special Valentine-themed event coincides with CSI exhibit.
BUFFALO — For the romantically inclined, Valentine’s Day might conjure images of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy and candle-lit dinners. For those at the Buffalo Museum of Science, however, they’re hoping some blood, guts and a little bit of disaster might set the mood for some couples.
OK, so maybe not that much blood and guts — it’s a family-friendly environment after all. -
NATURAL HEALTH: Is HPV worse than vaccine?
For many young girls, and now boys, the American Medical Association and other medical organizations are recommending vaccination with the Gardisil (or similar) vaccine.
Gardasil is a vaccine that supposedly helps prevent 4 types of HPV (human papillomavirus), 2 of which have been linked to cervical cancer and 2 types that are associated with genital warts.
What most people do not know is that there are more than 100 various strains of HPV. -
IRON CHEFS: Cooking competition will help fight ALS
Daniel Tracy's second annual Iron Event gathers top chefs from region
-
NIAGARA BUSINESS: Developing young minds
Two area dayscares have opened in the region, offering advantages for children
-
TIM CHIPP: Figuring out the changes on Facebook
The website that is almost solely responsible for a complete change in social behavior since its wide release in 2006 is about to completely redefine the Internet again for 2012.
-
DIRT FREE GARDENING: Owners of a new hydroponic store say it's not what you'd expect
Say the word “hydroponics” and images of incense, peace signs and tie-dye might come to mind, but for Justin and Claire Holler, the husband/wife owners of Big Bloom Hydroponics, it’s more about science, healthy eating and year-round gardening.
- More Features Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
