In the end they have the same amount of money but not to the financial-aid people.

You'll get more money doing a good job on the form than rushing haphazardly and throwing it together,

[Keep in mind, too, that the aid process is] a business transaction, ... They're rationing the money out to meet the college's needs and get the kids they want to get.

Some people think that December 31 is the cutoff for assets but you can make changes up until you file your application,

By selling now, you can lock in losses and reduce your child's 2001 tax bill, ... And your college savings will grow faster with the tax treatment in a 529.

If you paid down credit-card debt that would reduce the net value of your savings.