<p>I’ve managed to get my parents somewhat on board with my financial matters. They’ve both sent in all required taxes and financial aid documents and right now have just to fill out CSS Custodial Profile, CSS NonCustodial, and FAFSA. Hopefully, we can get this done by tonight. My Dean and the Financial Services office have been lenient and accommodating to our situation thus far, and have assured me aid should be comparable to last year’s if all financial information remains relatively the same.</p>
<p>I’ve run into a few issues however…</p>
<p>My father has remarried and has been for about 6 years. My stepmother was unemployed until this year and is now an auditor with some bit of income. I’m a bit concerned how this might affect aid. My father has told me that for the 2012 taxes they each filed jointly (this was also before she had a job) so the income won’t change my aid. However, it may next year as they won’t file jointly. Next year will also be the same year that my brother enters college, so perhaps that may alleviate some of the financial constraint when her income is included (if it’s included). She also has 3 other kids, one who has just graduated college, one who is entering a nursing college program, and another who will be entering college this year. My stepmother also maintains custody of her children even though they all lived with their father prior to attending college, after she married my father. Since CSS and FAFSA both process information based on the “household” I don’t know how to factor this in. Any help, advice, suggestions?</p>