Suzanne Shaffer

Yahoo Finance — Fuse Parents: Get ready to open your wallets! It might be surprising to you that most parents don't think about the add-ons beyond tuition, room and board. Those are the big college expenses, but not the only ones. You might know about textbooks, a computer and some dorm accessories.

collegiateparent.com — If you're the parent of a teen starting college soon, you know some changes are coming. This may be the first time your student manages their own schedule, makes independent financial decisions or grapples with laundry.

Teen Life — It's natural to feel college anxiety and be concerned about doing well in a new environment. During the summer before my daughter went to college, I began noticing some red flags. At first, I ignored them, knowing she was simply nervous. But as the weeks rolled on and more and more began popping up, I began to get concerned.

universityparent.com — By Suzanne Shaffer Every student wants scholarships, but not every student gets them. Knowing how and where to look can make the difference between attending college debt-free or graduating with massive student loans. Whether your student is in high school, already attending college, or considering graduate school, scholarships are available and waiting to be found and awarded.

Road2College.com — If you have a student planning for college, you are probably aware of the current student loan crisis and the ramifications of student loan debt. In the past, many families have allowed their student to attend a college that is financially out of reach by subsidizing the cost with federal student loans, private loans, and parent loans. But parents and students should be concerned when applying to college and determining the cost. Financial experts and college planning experts agree the ability to pay for college should be a part of the final decision. But do the costs outweigh the benefits?

smartcollegevisit.com — We admit it. We're fans of the TV show "The Middle." And we've learned some great parenting lessons from the Hecks. One episode even answered an important college question: what happens when you miss the financial aid deadline? Despite all the reminders, Sue forgot to refile for financial aid, jeopardizing her aid and scholarships.

parentingforcollege.com — This may seem like an odd topic to introduce on a parenting for college blog. But it must be said. Sometimes college just won't do. If you are one of those parents whose child isn't thrilled with the prospect of college, I'm here for you. Not every child should go to college-there, I said it.

parentingforcollege.com — Does your student want to avoid taking a standardized test? Do they bomb them every time they take them? Are you hesitant to pay for a test prep tutor? Good news. There are hundreds of schools, large and small, who will use the SAT or ACT for placement only or other minimal requirements.

collegiateparent.com — ­­­College is getting more expensive by the year, and for some students, a diploma might not be worth the hefty price tag. A new report from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP) asked the question, "Is College Worth It?"