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Ok, first my son wants/plans on going to a state school, not one of those CSS profile schools. We always use 1040A tax form. So you can't deduct your 401 Contribution from FAFSA ?? Here I thought I read that is not included before. Oh My. If our income must be put on that form BEFORE the 401 K, it will most likely be over $50,000 for next year, when I need to do this FAFSA. We have 6 kids. We ARE eligibe for "reduced lunches" at school. We do not get any form of welfare, only the reduced lunches and "wic" for my youngest child. So if my son gets a job, even if he only makes $1000 for the whole year, he must report this, but as long as it is under $3,000, they will not take 20% ? Am I understanding this correctly? And whatever he makes must be reported with OUR income --so if , by chance, my husband made less than Grossing $50,000 -- his income would bring it up over that mark----which could keep us from the simplified needs Test? What is the best way to muddle through all of this confusion, recommend any books for those who are close to the cut off (lower income to middle income) paying for college? Did most of you visit a Guidance counselor for this information. DId most of you have your teens work before College? How important is this today? I know I worked while I was in school but I had a car. We are not ready to get our son a car, which means we have to haul him around and we live far from town, which takes alot of gas & time after he is just making Min wage, then alot of these jobs only give you 3 or 4 hours to work a night. Just not sure it is worth the hassle. BUt if working before College HELPS him in the long run --if this says alot to employers, Then the hassle might be worth it. I just don't know, too many factors to weigh. If a teen does NOT work before College, but is involved in many activites (example, my son is in 2 youth groups, karate, cross country & Track)....Can any of these things be listed on a Resume , or will it just have to remain BLANK as you have not had a Literal Paycheck? He does volunteer every year for the "Carpenters Project" and helps some older folks in Church, cutting grass and odd jobs, but again, this is all volunteer things with no paycheck. Can this sort of thing be put on a Resume? Thank you all for your help
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