A step by step guide for families who want to enjoy all of the benefits of a college degree - with less anxiety and student debt. Every parent knows that sending their child to college can provide life-changing opportunities. But every day students graduate with too much debt, starting their adult lives with a heavy financial burden. You don't need to pay all cash for college. You don't need to scrounge for rock-bottom prices to avoid debt at any cost. You can make great choices at every step of the way to lower your costs and maximize your investment. Written by two higher education experts, this step-by-step guide provides clear explanations and insider tips for how families can make smart savings decisions, maximize their financial and merit aid, and avoid over-borrowing. We'll help you: Make smart savings decisions Build a college list that gets you the most financial and merit aid possible Figure out how much student debt is too much, and what colleges are actually worth the money Have productive and positive conversations around the kitchen table about this major financial decision Make the right moves now and be better off after college.