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Featured in September

MoneyEdu brings you a new financial wellness theme every month.

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College and Higher Education

College and Higher Education

How to Plan and Pay for College

From college savings plans to continuing education, this month is all about paying for college - making smart, informed financial decisions for each stage of life. Join the NorthWinds team to explore higher education topics that affect millions of families each year.
A new college graduate with her mother.
This Week

September 2026

A weekly series that explores concepts related to September's theme.

Saving for College

College Financing

Scholarships 101

Continuing Education

Starts Sep 21, 2026
New for September

Paying for College

The basics of financial aid, including the types of aid, applying for aid, borrower responsibilities, and repayment strategies.

A new college graduate hugs his parents.
Financial Aid Introduction
Whether you're considering higher education for yourself or starting to plan for the education of your kids, understanding the financial aid process is the first step to meeting your education goals.
A student sitting in class.
Types of Financial Aid
The main types of financial aid are education loans, grants and scholarships, work-study, and service programs.
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Creating an Aid Strategy
Considerations when planning to pay for school, including school choice, employment options, accounting strategies, and the importance of borrowing wisely.
A college cap with the words financial aid written on it.
Understanding Financial Need
Some aid is based on financial need and some is not. What exactly is "financial need?"
A hypothetical FAFSA admission ticket
Applying for Aid
The aid application process, including descriptions of the FAFSA and Profile forms.
A college mortar board cap on a pile of money.
Education Loans
A description of the main types of student loans, including government loans, consolidation loans, and private loans.
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Repaying College Debt
A look at common repayment plans, including how different plans affect your monthly payment and overall cost.
A happy student standing in a library.
Independent Student Status
Understanding your financial aid dependency status, including a discussion of what to do if the parents of dependent students refuse to help them pay for college.
A woman reviewing documents on her sofa.
Borrowing Wisely
Making smart choices about student loans, including a description of the impact of loan capitalization.

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A hiker climbing a hill into the sunset. August 2026

Financial Planning

What you need to know to start making a long-term financial plan, from getting married to planning for retirement.

A couple meeting with a financial planner in an office.
Financial Planning
Learning the "how" and "why" of short-term and long-term financial planning.
A couple in the kitchen reviewing their spending.
Creating a Will
A will is a foundational part of most estate plans - here's what to know before creating one.
Hanging file with label
Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, and other end of life issues.
A man signs a legal document.
Powers of Attorney
Everyone faces the possibility of temporary or permanent incapacitation. Make sure your wishes are followed.
A woman visiting a doctor.
Medical Care Planning
How to make sure your wishes are followed in a medical crisis.
A happy couple reviewing bills at home.
Talking About Money
A look at some of the financial considerations of getting married.
A focused woman using a calculator while sitting on her sofa.
Saving for Retirement
Why save for retirement and the impact of fees on investment performance.
A worried couple reviewing a bill.
Planning for the Unexpected
Planning for unexpected events, including accidents, death, and even the possibility of divorce, are all part of a responsible marriage.

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About Us

Our suite of Financial Education Services (FES) is founded on providing a thorough education and consistent guidance with a confidential personal representative. With this relationship in place, we’ll work with you to determine your broad goals and set tactics for direct outcomes that build credit and help manage debt. We’ll empower you with the mindset, tools and products it takes to make an impact on your financial health.

Have a question?

Tiffany Wright
952-358-9723
twright@southmet.com

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