In the quest to keep my waistline trim and fit, I have exhausted every tactic and technique possible. Anybody know what I’m talking about?  Well, the latest rage is meal prepping and I tell you I think this thing is going to work for me. It does involve a little thought, time and preparation (hence the name) but the pay offs are great so far. I find that I have more time in my evening with my girls and husband, I don’t have that sinking feeling in my stomach when the girls ask, “what’s for dinner?” and I think I have just found my next investment platform in plastics! Would you believe me if I told you that prepping for college can provide you with the same kind of peace of mind? It’s true and I want to share 3 easy prep tips that can save your mind, your wallet and your household. I used them on my oldest daughter who graduated this May.
 

1. Start planning EARLY! Nothing good happens when I find myself up against the clock at meal time because I didn’t go to the grocery store BEFORE 6 p.m. and the meal the girls (I have 4) want, takes at least an hour and a half to prepare. Prepping for college is the same way. To get the best results for what you want for your child’s college experience, you really need to start in middle school. YES, middle school. By starting early, your child(ren) has the TIME to explore numerous academic pursuits to get a perspective of their interests. It also allows for ample engagement in community service and civic opportunities that they care about. Waiting until high school to do this adds unnecessary stress to your child and YOU.  My grandmother would tell me “haste makes waste.” Just like with food, it’s the same with college planning.
2. Make sure you have all the ingredients. There is nothing worse than planning for a meal only to discover that you’re missing something. With college planning you can be sure to have all the “ingredients” necessary for a painless process by creating a checklist. Do you know what high school classes are needed for college entrance? Have you prepared your child to take the SAT/ACT starting in the 9th grade? Have you encouraged your children to look at colleges and universities of interest online BEFORE 10th grade? Those are a few things that should be on your checklist as key ingredients.
3. Don’t Be Afraid of Convenience. Companies like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh are a God send for moms on the go who want to provide a great tasting meal but don’t always have the time to prepare it from scratch. Who feels bad when the outcome is a delicious meal and satisfied family? If you don’t have the time to delve into college prepping, there are educational specialists who can help take the guess work out of what needs to be done. Never lose sight of the goal: having a child fully prepared to enter college academically and financially prepared.