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Authored Blogs by

Michelle Smoley

College Finance Consultant
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Buena Vista University

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Banking and Finance

Cardinal Stritch University

Master's in Business Administration

I began my financial aid counseling career working in a community bank. I provided families with paper FAFSAs and assisted them in completing the application in person. Through the years, the process, products and regulations in the financial aid industry may have changed, but the reward I feel when I help students and families has not. During my tenure at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, I had the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of students working towards all types of degrees from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. From there, I worked in student loan finance and became very passionate about financial literacy. I love educating families about various financial vehicles and assisting them in determining what is the best financial strategy to pay for college.

Featured Blogs from Michelle

Discussing student loan relief
COLLEGE LOAN ADVICE

Still Need to Secure Education Loans for Fall 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

filling out student loan application paperwork
COLLEGE LOAN ADVICE

How Much College Debt is Too Much?

two women in back of car
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTING

The Four Kinds of Insurance You Should Consider for Your College Student

All Blogs from Michelle

Discussing student loan relief
COLLEGE LOAN ADVICE

Still Need to Secure Education Loans for Fall 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

Explore financing options for college tuition and expenses, including Federal Parent PLUS loans and private higher education loans, to ensure your family is prepared for upcoming tuition bills.

Posted on June 11th, 2025
filling out student loan application paperwork
COLLEGE LOAN ADVICE

How Much College Debt is Too Much?

With the average student loan debt around $29,000, it’s important to ask: how much debt is too much debt when it comes to education?

Posted on April 11th, 2024
two women in back of car
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTING

The Four Kinds of Insurance You Should Consider for Your College Student

College students should consider protecting themselves and their assets from risk with these four kinds of insurance.

Posted on February 9th, 2023
woman sitting on bed with laptop and phone
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTING

Five Steps to Help Your College Student Build a Credit History

Before your student sets off to college, it’s wise to help them build their financial health and credit history. Here are some tips from an expert!

Posted on August 9th, 2022

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