Book SummaryLaunch, by Jeannie Burlowski

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Launch

Starting the journey towards obtaining a college education debt-free from the onset of middle school years.

This section of the book highlights strategies recommended by Burlowski for parents to implement beginning in their child's middle school years, which will facilitate their path to higher education while avoiding the burden of financial debt. The foundational approach focuses on initiating the journey early, fostering prudent fiscal habits, and prioritizing academic and career development to boost the chances of earning scholarships and to reduce the overall costs tied to pursuing higher education.

Earn a college degree without accumulating any debt.

Burlowski recommends a holistic approach that goes beyond simple savings to ensure a debt-free college graduation. The strategy involves educating your child on fiscal responsibility and exploring various methods for earning college credit, all while meticulously navigating the college application process to maximize opportunities for financial aid and scholarships.

Cultivating a family atmosphere that prioritizes economical living and promotes the practice of setting aside funds from a young age.

Burlowski underscores the significance of demonstrating economical living habits starting in childhood. Begin by reassessing your personal beliefs regarding the allocation and saving of funds. Frequent visits to thrift shops and making coffee at home can naturally influence your child to develop these habits. By adopting a lifestyle of frugality within the household, you achieve the dual benefit of increasing savings for upcoming educational costs and instilling in your child the importance of wise money management.

The authors suggest making thriftiness an enjoyable endeavor that engages all family members. Motivate your children to devise creative strategies for reducing costs and make sure to celebrate their achievements in this endeavor. This strategy not only encourages prudent financial behavior but also instills a passion for saving, establishing a mindset intent on avoiding debt throughout their high school and college years.

Employing monetary contributions from grandparents and other family members to accumulate savings for future college costs.

Burlowski recommends initiating open conversations with kin and acquaintances accustomed to giving your child presents during holidays and special events. Encourage them to allocate the funds they might have used for tangible gifts, which quickly lose value, into a savings account specifically for your child's college costs. This approach ensures that considerable financial investments are directed towards a major project that will yield enduring benefits for your offspring.

The authors acknowledge that while conversations about finances in the family setting may be uncomfortable, they emphasize the importance of understanding that most people will comprehend the financial elements of higher education and appreciate the chance to positively influence their child's future. The emotional impact of these contributions can be substantially increased, Burlowski proposes, when grandparents pair their gifts with heartfelt messages expressing their backing for the educational pursuits of the young student. Burlowski believes that these correspondences will become treasured keepsakes that your children will value.

High school students can earn college credit by engaging in test-based credit initiatives like CLEP and DSST.

Burlowski outlines methods for obtaining college credits through participation in testing programs like CLEP and DSST. Students can demonstrate their mastery of college-level material through standardized tests offered by these programs, which allows them to accrue college credits without being enrolled in the corresponding college courses.

Burlowski argues that to minimize the time and cost of higher education, students should earn credits for subjects they have mastered in middle or high school by taking CLEP or DSST exams. The author suggests that students gauge their grasp of a subject by first trying a CLEP or DSST exam and then, if needed, to improve their knowledge by taking advantage of resources that are readily available at little or no cost. Burlowski suggests that by passing proficiency exams, students can lower the costs associated with their education and more swiftly advance to higher-level classes that align with their career aspirations.

Cultivating an attitude of readiness and a distinct path for personal or professional advancement.

The author emphasizes the importance of concentrating on career development during the middle school years, as it can provide a substantial benefit to your child when they apply for colleges and scholarships. Students can enhance their prospects in college admissions and scholarship assessments by choosing extracurricular activities, community involvement, and summer jobs that align with their career goals and individual interests from the beginning.

Evaluating a student's capabilities, along with their individual characteristics and passions, to determine suitable career trajectories.

Burlowski advises tenth graders to consult with specialists who can perform and interpret career assessments, which should include tools like StrengthsFinder 2.0, along with other established instruments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. She asserts that identifying their inherent abilities, interests, and unique personality characteristics early on can assist students in establishing a solid foundation for a fulfilling career.

The authors illustrate...

Launch Summary Securing funding assistance to alleviate the costs of pursuing higher education.

This part of the book delves into strategies for increasing the amount of financial assistance received and minimizing the expenses related to higher education. Investigating different strategies for obtaining college credits. Burlowski aims to demystify the Parents gain the essential understanding to navigate the financial aid process with the ability to make informed decisions at every step. that minimize their expenses incurred directly.

Understanding the FAFSA and the qualifications required to obtain financial aid.

Burlowski provides comprehensive strategies to maximize the amount of aid obtained via the FAFSA. Jeannie Burlowski advises families to initiate the yearly task of seeking federal student aid by completing the FAFSA form when October begins, should they have a child poised to enter college the following year, including those who doubt their income might disqualify them.

Jeannie Burlowski highlights the critical need for families to strategically manage their finances to minimize the assets reported when seeking student assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, especially if these changes are implemented prior to December 31 of the...

Launch Summary Guiding students through the transition from their academic studies to their professional careers.

This segment of the conversation explores the emotional dimensions, in addition to the financial planning, associated with preparing for college. The adjustments in mindset and social behavior necessary when moving from a secondary education setting to a university-level environment. Throughout adulthood. Burlowski offers assistance to skillfully guide and support parents. Parents can steer their offspring through this pivotal stage, nurturing self-reliance while preserving a A robust and encouraging bond.

Cultivating the individual financial management abilities of the student.

The author emphasizes the importance of equipping your child with strong financial management skills before they embark on their university education. She argues that by the time students enter the tenth grade, parents should start to diminish their oversight of their children's financial decisions, encouraging autonomy by allocating a carefully considered allowance.

The author recommends that parents establish a method of providing a regular stipend to teach their offspring about managing finances, making wise spending choices, and recognizing the value of prioritizing, while also using this...