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A Different Degree of Wealth

Key Deadlines and How to Maximize Aid

 A young woman with a backpack preparing for college, representing FAFSA readiness. This image emphasizes the value of working with a financial advisor in Greenville, SC, to explore financial aid opportunities and education funding strategies.

The start of a new year is always an exciting time, but for families preparing for college, it’s also a crucial one. As of January 6, 2025, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is open for the 2025–2026 academic year. Completing this application is the key to unlocking federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans—and even some state and institutional aid. Today, we will walk you through the process, highlight critical deadlines, and share strategies to help you maximize your financial aid opportunities.

 

Understanding the Deadlines

Deadlines are critical when it comes to FAFSA. Missing one could mean losing out on essential aid. Let’s break them down:

The federal deadline for FAFSA submissions is June 30, 2026. Corrections can be made until 11:59 pm CT September 13, 2026. While these deadlines may seem far away, submitting your FAFSA early gives you the best chance of receiving aid before funds run out.

State deadlines vary widely, and many states award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s important to check your state’s specific deadline at studentaid.gov. Colleges and universities also have their own deadlines, which are often earlier than federal or state deadlines. These institutional deadlines are important if you’re applying for school-specific financial aid.

 

Quick Reminder of Key Deadlines:

  • Federal Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Submit corrections by 11:59 pm CT on September 13, 2026).
  • State Deadlines: Vary by state—check studentaid.gov for deadlines.
  • College Deadlines: Confirm with each school’s financial aid office.

 

 A graduation cap resting on financial aid documents, symbolizing the importance of financial planning and FAFSA guidance in Greenville, SC. Highlighting how financial advisors in Greenville can help students maximize aid and plan for a debt-free future.

Strategies to Maximize Your Aid

Let’s ensure you get the most out of your FAFSA submission with these strategies:

First and foremost, submit your FAFSA early. Aid is often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so filing early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available aid.

Accuracy is key. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer tax information directly into your FAFSA. This not only saves time but also reduces errors that could delay processing. Before you begin, gather essential documents, including Social Security numbers, tax returns, and records of untaxed income.

After submitting your FAFSA, don’t forget to follow up. Check your email or FAFSA account regularly for any requests for additional information. Responding promptly ensures there are no unnecessary delays in your aid processing.

Finally, don’t limit yourself to just federal aid. Explore scholarships and grants offered by your state, college, or private organizations. These opportunities can supplement your aid package and reduce the burden of student loans.

 

 A woman assisting a young girl in filling out forms, symbolizing guidance in navigating the FAFSA process. The image highlights the importance of working with a financial advisor in Greenville, SC, to maximize financial aid opportunities, adapt to FAFSA changes in 2025, and align education funding with long-term financial goals.

Changes to FAFSA This Year

The Department of Education has made the FAFSA simpler and more user-friendly this year. This includes fewer questions and a more streamlined interface. These updates are aimed at reducing the time and stress involved in applying. If you’d like help navigating the new system, feel free to reach out—we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.

 

Let’s Make It Happen

Navigating the FAFSA process and college financial planning can be complex, but working with us provides significant advantages. From optimizing your FAFSA submission to maximizing aid eligibility, we ensure all required information is accurately submitted and help you understand how your financial situation impacts your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). By identifying strategies to present your financial profile effectively, we aim to increase your eligibility for aid while also integrating long-term financial goals into the plan. Whether it’s reviewing your income and assets or exploring tax-advantaged savings options like 529 accounts, we help you make the most of every opportunity to support your family’s educational aspirations.

Bryan Ballentine, in his book Wealth on Purpose, underscores the value of collaboration in financial planning. Partnering with us allows you to develop a personalized strategy tailored to your goals, from navigating FAFSA and managing college savings to aligning financial strategies with your family’s long-term objectives. Together, we can help you plan effectively and confidently for the future.

 

 

Sources located at the bottom of the article


 

Golf Tip of the Week

Tiger’s Former Coach Breaks the Record for Most Slices Fixed…ONLINE!

If you want to play better golf and maximize your potential, we’ve got one piece of advice.

Stop ignoring your slice!

Don’t kill your distance and chance of hitting fairways by letting this issue continue in your golf swing.

To fix your slice you need to first understand why it’s happening. Once diagnosed, it’s about making the necessary adjustments to fix it fast.

 

What is a Slice?

This undesirable golf shot that curves to the right (for a right-handed golfer) or to the left (for a left-handed golfer) is a common problem for many golfers. It typically results in the ball starting on target but then veering off course, leading to disappointment.

A slice occurs when the golf ball spins in a clockwise direction (for a right-handed golfer) or counterclockwise (for a left-handed golfer).

This spin causes the ball to curve away from the intended target. Several factors can contribute to a slice; improper grip, open clubface at impact, an outside-to-in swing path, or a combination of these elements.

We go over the difference between a slice and a hook in this blog post, where you can learn more about these shots.

 

The Truth About Fixing a Slice

Here’s the thing…fixing your slice is simple, even if you’ve been told otherwise.

As Tiger’s former swing coach Hank Haney says, “We have to do one thing. We have to get the clubface square relative to the path of your swing.”

It doesn’t take hours on the range, either.

In fact, Hank has helped more than 110,000 golfers fix their slice without seeing any of them for in-person lessons. If it’s worked for them, it can work for you too.

His proven and simple formula is known as the One Shot Slice Fix.

 

The Solution: One Shot Slice Fix

The One Shot Slice Fix is an exclusive online video training where you can learn Hank Haney’s tried and true, 5-minute Counter Slice Sequence.

One reason so many golfers simply learn to live with their slice is they think it’s too hard to fix.

But that’s not true, and can be solved after hitting just a few range balls (even without an in-person lesson).

Hank Haney’s proven One Shot Slice Fix will give you the blueprint to learn why slices occur and the easiest way to fix it.

 

Inside this easy-to-follow video training you’ll find:

  • The ONE major reason golfers slice the ball
  • Three simple drills to create a permanent draw-producing position
  • Hank’s proven technique to add 20-30 yards to your drives
  • How fixing your slice can help you hit more greens

 

Hank’s proven system is different because most golf instructors refer to the symptoms of a slice – like a steep downswing or outside in swing path instead of focusing on the root cause.

For lasting results in your swing, you need to get the fundamentals down.

 

Why the One Shot Slice Fix is Truly Unique

You may be thinking, how is this different from free YouTube videos or training aids that can help you correct a slice?

First, the teacher. Hank Haney is one of the top coaches in the golf world and has worked with arguably the greatest player in history – Tiger Woods. He’s witnessed golf at the highest level and knows what it takes to eliminate the slice, or as he calls it, the big miss.

Aside from working with Tiger and other professional golfers, his proven method has helped more than 100,000 amateurs in the last two years alone. His system is simple and effective. No fluff, just results.

The best part is that it’s designed to work for golfers of all levels with NO in-person lessons or one-on-one feedback. Simply follow the steps outlined in the videos to see consistent, on-target flush contact on every swing. Improve your swing on your own time!

Additionally, it’s the only slice training program that identifies the ONE root cause of the slice and provides three easy-to-implement drills to fix it fast. Remember, most programs and videos only help golfers cope with symptoms instead of fixing the cause.

Hank makes it easy for golfers of all skill levels to understand why a slice is happening and what to do now to fix it. By fixing the root cause, it’ll be practically impossible to continue hitting a slice.

 

Next Steps to Fix Your Slice

The sooner you fix your slice, the sooner you can hit it longer, straighter, and hit more greens in regulation. Which will make it a lot easier to score lower and avoid costly blowup holes.

What are you waiting for?

 

 

Golf Tip adapted from golfdigest.comi


 

Recipe of the Week

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 large carrot, diced

1/3 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 28-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes

1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 15-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup elbow pasta

1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

 

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the celery and carrot and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the green beans, dried oregano and basil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; cook 3 more minutes.
  2. Add the diced and crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in the kidney beans and pasta and cook until the pasta and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt. Ladle into bowls and top with the parmesan and chopped basil.

 

 

Recipe Tip adapted from foodnetwork.comii


 

Travel Tip of the Week

This Utah Mountain Is an Alpine Skiing Dream, Gets 325 Inches of Snow a Year, and Is Hosting a 2034 Olympic Event — Here’s How to Plan a Trip

Snowbasin is one of three ski resorts in Ogden Valley, Utah, but it’s the only one that can claim Olympic-level runs.

There’s no doubt about it: Snowbasin has a stacked resume. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, the privately-owned resort hosted the Super-G, Downhill, and combined races; in 2034, it will welcome back some of the world’s best winter athletes for all alpine skiing events.

The Utah destination was also recently named SKI magazine’s no. 1 ski resort in the West and received recognition in a “Best Restroom” contest — there are crystal and bronze chandeliers — and it boasts a jagged peak that begs comparison to the Matterhorn. One glimpse of the dramatic Needle, and you’re instantly transported to the Swiss Alps. A fondue lunch at the base of the mountain helps set the scene, too.

First established in 1940, Snowbasin was purchased by the Holding family, who also own Sun Valley Resort, in 1984. Today, it’s one of the oldest continually operated ski areas in the country. The 325 inches of annual snowfall aren’t anything to scoff at either, especially if you’re used to skiing in East Coast conditions.

 

What we Like:

  • Snowbasin is only a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), so it’s a great option for travelers coming to Utah for a short weekend trip.
  • The majority of the terrain is intermediate and advanced; you can even ski Olympic-level runs if you’re up for it.
  • The resort’s mountain lodges are made of spruce logs and accented by stone fireplaces, glittering chandeliers, and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range.

 

When to Go

According to Krista Clayton, director of the resort’s Ski and Ride School, February is the best time to visit for “great coverage.” Though it changes every year, my visit in mid-December was a bit on the early side; most of the snow was machine-made, and the terrain veered a bit icy and bumpy. On the plus side, it put my carving skills to the test, and I left the slopes definitively more confident in my abilities.

As with most mountain resorts, Snowbasin tends to draw larger crowds over holiday weekends. If you can squeeze in a trip during the week, you’ll find the lift lines shorter and the runs less congested.

 

Where to Stay

Compass Rose Lodge

There’s currently no slopeside lodging at Snowbasin, but Huntsville, Utah, where you’ll find Compass Rose Lodge, is a 15-minute drive from the resort. The boutique hotel sits in the middle of the small, Hallmark-esque town, and it’s outfitted with a range of thoughtful amenities. The on-site coffee shop is convenient for an early morning pick-me-up before heading to the resort — guests receive a complimentary breakfast of juice, a breakfast bar, and Greek yogurt —  and the ski-themed lobby is ideal for remote working or relaxing with your travel companions after a day on the slopes.

 

The Grand America Hotel

Staying overnight in Salt Lake City is also an option, but you’ll need to set your alarm a bit earlier to be one of the first on the mountain. The Grand America Hotel, sibling property to Snowbasin, is arguably the most luxe choice for a ski weekend — with traditionally decorated rooms, an indoor pool, and 24-hour room service.

 

Where to Eat

 

Earl’s Lodge

Earl’s Lodge is one of the first structures you notice at Snowbasin. The magnificent mountain lodge is even more impressive when you get inside and discover the contrast of the handcrafted logwork with the dramatic Italian chandeliers. Given its location at the resort’s base, it’s ideal for fueling up before your first run or enjoying a station-style lunch. The Cinnabar is another meal option inside the lodge — and it’s here where you’ll find the aforementioned fondue.

 

Needles Lodge

Take the Needles Gondola to Needles Lodge, drop your gear off outside, and step indoors for nachos, burgers, pizza, and hearty soups, all paired with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valley. On a bluebird day, grab a cocktail from The Overlook bar and make your way to the patio outside.

 

John Paul Lodge

The chicken and waffles at John Paul Lodge are high on Clayton’s list, but the food is far from the main event at the sky-high establishment. The Bavarian-style entrees, including bratwurst and a chicken schnitzel melt, come second only to the views. The lodge looks across all of Snowbasin, so even if you aren’t having lunch here, you’ll still want to take the lift up for the experience.

 

Where to Après-ski

The Cinnabar

Snowbasin’s après-ski scene is relatively limited. The Cinnabar in Earl’s Lodge, however, is hosting live music from 3 to 6 p.m. on the weekends this season. Local artists, a well-deserved drink, and bubbling fondue? There’s no better way to end a powder day.

 

Shooting Star Saloon

If you plan on continuing your après-ski activities after 6 p.m., you’ll need to head off the mountain — specifically to Huntsville. Clayton’s pick is the Shooting Star Saloon, a cash-only landmark housed in a building from the 1850s; it’s purportedly the oldest continually operated saloon west of the Mississippi. Grab a booth or saddle up to the bar, tuck into a burger, and wrap up the day with a game of pool.

 

How to Ride

Tickets

Adult full-day lift tickets start at $169 during the week and increase to $219 over holidays and weekends. Book tickets at least seven days in advance if you want the best price; you can pick them up at the mountain upon arrival. Snowbasin also offers a season pass (called the Premier Pass) and accepts the Mountain Collective pass, which allows two free days plus unlimited half-price single-day lift tickets after that. Snowbasin is also on the Ikon Pass, and pass holders have seven days of unrestricted access (there are a few blackout dates) and can use a “friends and family” discount on window tickets up to 10 times.

 

Rentals

Snowbasin’s rental shop is conveniently located at the base of the mountain, steps from the Needles Gondola and John Paul Express lift. To ensure your gear is ready to go – and you don’t waste any precious time waiting around — reserve your rentals in advance. If you’re already in the area, you can pick everything up between 3 and 5 p.m. the day before your reservation.

 

Skiing

Snowbasin has 13 lifts — including a high-speed quad, two gondolas, and a tram — to reach its 115 runs, which are spread across distinct zones: Needles, Strawberry, and John Paul. The base area is already at 6,450 feet, and the top elevation reaches 9,465 feet, resulting in a vertical drop of just over 3,000 feet.

If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly ski resort in Utah, look elsewhere (I suggest Deer Valley). There are only 10 green runs on the entire mountain, and they’re all found in the Needles area. If you do find yourself at Snowbasin and you’re uneasy on your skis or board — or you want to get in a few warmup runs — Clayton recommends sticking to Little Cat with its “wide and very gentle slopes… [and] great views.” For those comfortable taking it up a notch or two, she says that Main Street, a blue run in the Strawberry area, should be perfect for your skillset thanks to its “rolling and wide daily grooming.”

While there are well over 30 blue pistes at Snowbasin, the majority of the runs are black. That said, those who are right at home on any kind of terrain should explore the John Paul area. “No Name is one of the greatest runs,” says Clayton. “It starts wide open, sort of like a bowl, and funnels you down through the trees.” Of course, if you want to say you’ve skied Olympic-level terrain, the incredibly steep Grizzly Downhill and Wildflower Downhill can be accessed via the John Paul Express lift.

 

Programming

Although Snowbasin’s terrain isn’t ideal for kickstarting your ski or snowboarding career, the resort does have an incredible offering for those who are genuinely interested in learning the ropes. The three-year Learn & Earn program is specifically created for adults and children over 4 who have never skied or snowboarded. Prioritizing affordability and inclusivity, the package includes rental gear for the entirety of the season, a season pass (no blackout dates), and group lessons — although the exact offerings are based on where the participant is in the program. The total cost comes out to $699 for Year 1, $799 for Year 2, and $899 for Year 3 — around $2,000 in total savings for adults and $1,300 for children.

 

The Ski and Ride School also has private and group lessons for kids and adults, and the team works with Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports (OVAS) to provide adaptive lessons.

 

 

Travel Tip adapted from travelandleisure.com iii


Copyright © 2025. Ballentine Capital Advisors. All rights reserved.

 

Our mailing address is: 

Ballentine Capital Advisors
15 Halton Green Way
Greenville, SC 29607

 

Sources:

 

Disclosure:

Ballentine Capital Advisors is a registered investment adviser. The advisory services of Ballentine Capital Advisors are not made available in any jurisdiction in which Ballentine Capital Advisors is not registered or is otherwise exempt from registration.

Please review Ballentine Capital Advisors Disclosure Brochure for a complete explanation of fees. Investing involves risks. Investments are not guaranteed and may lose value.

This material is prepared by Ballentine Capital Advisors for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation or any particular security, strategy, or investment product.

No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve future profits or losses similar to those shown. You should not assume that investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable or equal the investment performance of the past. Past performance does not indicate future results.

 

Advisory services through Ballentine Capital Advisors, Inc.

ihttps://www.performancegolf.com/blog/tigers-former-coach-breaks-the-record-for-most-slices-fixedonline

iihttps://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/minestrone-soup-recipe-1973378

iiihttps://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-plan-a-trip-ski-to-snowbasin-utah-8773306

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