A few years ago, I was with a group of college counselors when someone sighed and said, “Welp, it's Rocktober — I get rocked by it every year.”

We all laughed, because… fair. October can hit hard.

The semester’s in full "midterms and applications" swing, and everything feels a little crunchy. (Meanwhile, the only crunch most of us want is from pumpkin biscotti or leaves underfoot, amiright?)

But then I said, “Hey — what’s one thing we can all do right now to make sure we rock Rocktober instead of the other way around?”

And that moment kind of stuck with me.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission every Rocktober to keep things light and musical by celebrating the shredding virtuosic writing happening in my students’ essays and making space at home for fun and laughter (like turning peeled bananas into "ghosts" covered in chocolate-chip eyeballs).
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Full seasons don't have to flatten you. October can lift you like a glorious key change in an ’80s power ballad.

And so, for a total eclipse of the heart & tone of this email (see what I did there?)....let’s hit the financial-aid beat:

Here’s what’s true right now:
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​The FAFSA is already open — and this year, it launched earlier than usual. Because federal funding is first come, first served, it’s smart to submit your form this month. Even better news: since FAFSA opened before the October 1 government shutdown, it’s not being affected — and so far, the system’s been running smoothly, with no major glitches or slowdowns reported.

So no need to sing "take my breath away!"

I'm inviting you to a totally myth-busting session that will bring harmony to your college strategy, starring:
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🎓 Me, Mindi Trimble — college coach, chaos coordinator, and fairy godmother to overwhelmed families everywhere
💰 Shanna Due, founder of Due Financial — funding wizard, spreadsheet whisperer, and all-around lifesaver

✨ College Funding Demystified: How to Pay Less Without Sacrificing Quality​
🗓 Sunday, October 12 at 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET​
📍 Zoom (aka: no pants required)
🎟 Grab your fr3e spot....TO RECEIVE THE REPLAY IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND LIVE

What we’re not doing: selling you something, fear-mongering, or speaking in financial gibberish.

What we are doing:​
• Explaining how you probably do qualify for some financial aid (hint: it’s not just for low-income families)
• Showing you where families overspend — and how to avoid it
​ • Sharing the story of a student who’s attending her private dream school for less than a UC​
• Giving you real next steps to take (even if your kid’s still in 9th or 10th grade)​
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If you’re raising a big dreamer and want to fund their future without losing your balance, this one’s for you.

​Bring your questions. Bring your partner. Heck, bring snacks!​
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You’ll leave smarter, calmer, and maybe even a little smug.
Ya know, the good kind of smug that comes from knowing your numbers and trusting your plan.
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XO
Mindi