Meet a College Finance Consultant: Beth Feinberg-Keenan

Our Meet a Finance Educator series introduces students and parents to members of the Bright Horizons College Coach finance team. Drop in to see what we do to relax, where we went to college, the best financial advice we’ve received, and how we work with families to navigate the college finance process. Whether you’re looking to appeal a financial aid offer, maximize merit scholarship opportunities, or spend your assets strategically, our college finance experts are here to help. Today we introduce Beth Feinberg-Keenan.  Where are you from, where have you lived, and where do you live now?  I grew up in Marshfield, Massachusetts, in the house where my dad and uncle were raised. I attended college in California and now live in Plainville, Massachusetts.  What do you do for fun or to relax?  I enjoy working out and, in winter, I enjoy skiing, biking, and short hikes around the area. At home, I love to cook; grilling pizza is one of my specialties.  Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what, and are there certain causes that are close to your heart?  I have been involved with Youth Enrichment Services for over 20 years. I first worked in their ski shop fitting kids for skis and teaching. My involvement evolved to working with high school students, talking about college finance and the scholarship process. Additionally, I sit on their scholarship committee. I also volunteer with MEFA, a not-for-profit, state-run organization, through which I present financial aid nights at local high schools to students and parents. I also help at my children’s school reading to their classes, serving as lunch parent, and assisting with seasonal events.    Where did you go to college?   I received my bachelor’s degree from Scripps College in Claremont, California, and I have a master’s degree in College Student Development and Counseling and an MBA from Northeastern University.    What jobs did you have as a student?  I was a lifeguard at the campus pools and a work-study student in the admissions office. This is where I realized I enjoyed higher education and decided I wanted to go into that field upon graduation. During the summers I taught swimming lessons and was a lifeguard.  Where did you work in financial aid?   My first job in aid was at Northeastern University, where I worked with the graduate and law school populations, and later with undergraduate students. I also oversaw the loan department, processing all loans for students attending Northeastern.    How do you encourage families to incorporate financial fit into their college search?  Financial fit is so important! Early in the process I encourage families to determine the amount they are willing to pay for college and make sure they share that information with their college-bound student(s).  I ask them to consider if that amount is affordable for each year of college for all of their children, and I educate them on reasonable borrowing of loans.  What is the advice you give students who are thinking about borrowing loans for college?  While in college, it is important to live like a student and borrow wisely; decisions you make in college will affect future decisions. Think about how you envision your life after college and how student loan payments are going to fit into that plan. Borrowing too much may affect where you live and the job you’ll need to repay your debt.  What is the best financial advice you ever received?  Start saving for retirement early no matter the size of the contribution. The power of compounding interest is powerful.