Many questions arise as parents send their next generation off to college.  Some of the biggest questions are related to financial aid and fully understanding what your letter says.

Wording in financial aid letters is often confusing.  Without completely understanding the letter, you or you next generation could be on the hook for more money than expected after graduation.

Part of what we do as Your Family CFO is work with you through life’s many cycles.  This includes not only your life cycles, but your next generations’ as well.  We work with your children to ensure they are set up for financial success as they begin their journey to higher education!

Below is a graphic, created by Kiplinger, explaining the various points on your letter which require your attention.  Click HERE for the interactive version on Kiplinger’s website!

Graphic created entirely by Kiplinger.com.  Click the image or link to view interactive version.

If you would like to explore the benefits of your own Family CFO, please contact us today !

Recent Buttonwood Articles


Calendar showing the weeks remaining for 2026 year-end tax planning
By Jon McGraw • October 28, 2026
Most year-end tax moves must happen by December 31. What Kansas City families should review for 2026: giving, Roth conversions, gains and the KS–MO divide.
By Jon McGraw • October 21, 2026
How Buttonwood's Investment Policy Committee rebalanced its Core and Tax Aware Allocations on September 22, 2026: same convictions, smaller bets.
Estate planning documents representing family, legacy, and financial planning.
By Danielle Brown MSF, CFP® • September 28, 2026
The 2026 federal estate tax exclusion is $15 million per individual. Learn why being under the threshold does not make estate planning irrelevant.
Buttonwood Financial Group Investment Policy Committee May and June 2026 portfolio rebalance summary
By Jon McGraw, Investment Policy Committee Chair, Buttonwood Financial Group (Kansas City) • July 20, 2026
How our Investment Policy Committee approached the May & June 2026 rebalances: trimming equity risk, upgrading bond quality, and adding liquid alternatives.
Child placing coins into a piggy bank while learning about saving and financial responsibility.
By Danielle Brown, CFP MSF • July 7, 2026
What families should know about Trump Accounts eligibility, contributions, financial literacy. Child investment accounts may fit in broader financial plan.
By Jon McGraw • July 1, 2026
Beyond fees, DIY investing carries hidden costs — time, taxes, and coordination. A Kansas City wealth management perspective on when self-directed makes sense

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