Planning for college isn’t what it used to be… especially when it comes to the financial aspects. The Worth It Workshop brings together experts from the financial planning, college financial aid, admissions, and scholarships worlds to help families make sense of financing higher ed.
Panelists will leverage their combined 70+ years of experience to answer your burning questions, such as:
How can I make college more affordable for our family?
What is FAFSA, and how does it work?
How do colleges determine eligibility for financial aid?
Is my child eligible to earn a merit scholarship?
And more
Join us on Monday, June 23rd, for this can’t-miss conversation that might just change how you look at the value of your child’s college education.
Participation is complimentary with advanced registration, and refreshments will be provided. Registration is first-come, first-served and limited to one representative per family. Click the orange “Book” button below to sign up!
Meet the Panelists
Jim Femia
Senior Financial Advisor & Director of College Planning, Apella Wealth
Jim Femia has been helping clients reach their long-term financial goals for more than 30 years. He provides independent, fee-only investment advisory and financial planning services, specializing in the areas of retirement and college planning. He combines his financial planning experience as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) with his college planning knowledge as a Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS). Jim holds a B.A. from Villanova University and obtained additional education through Merrimack College. He currently resides in Marblehead, MA.
About Apella Wealth
Apella Wealth is a dedicated wealth management firm committed to helping you plan for and achieve your ideal financial future. Our experienced team offers personalized, hands-on support backed by advanced tools, technology, and expertise in areas like retirement planning, taxes, college savings, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating complex financial needs, we’re here to guide you through life’s biggest financial decisions with confidence, clarity, and care.*
Jean Ricker
Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Planning, Dean College
Jean has worked in the higher education affordability space for over 25 years. She joined the Dean College Student Financial Planning team in 2024, where she oversees the coordination of the Financial Aid and Student Accounts functions. Jean received her B.A. from Providence College and an M.S. from Northeastern University. She has a special interest in promoting access and equity within the enrollment process through student centered financial counseling, advising, and providing life-long financial literacy to students as they progress through their degree programs. Jean currently resides in Boylston, MA
About Dean College
Dean College is a small liberal arts college in Franklin, MA, that prides itself on a supportive academic environment that thrives on student engagement, exceptional teaching, and delivering The Dean Difference. The Dean Difference is exemplified through each student’s commitment to their professional futures, social responsibility, and leadership.
Margaret Bolton Baudinet
Owner, CEO, & National Scholarship Specialist, College Solutions
Margaret graduated from the University of Virginia with the highest distinction with a political and literary thought degree, finishing her academic tenure with research at Oxford University. She holds five years of admission experience from the University of Virginia, specializing in legacy admissions. Margaret has served on the selection committee for the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program and the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship. At College Solutions, Margaret has been a writing coach, counselor, application editor, managing director, and CEO. She is the proud mother of eight-year-old quintuplets and a busy toddler.
About College Solutions
Since 2003, College Solutions has been a trusted partner for families facing the challenges and complexities of college admissions. Guided by an unwavering commitment to ethical standards, College Solutions provides personalized coaching, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of the admissions process. Through its holistic approach, College Solutions has helped thousands of students embrace their best selves, achieve their academic dreams, and build meaningful futures.
*Apella Capital, LLC (“Apella”), DBA Apella Wealth is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or excluded or exempt from registration requirements. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. A copy of Apella’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, Apella’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. No current or prospective client should assume any discussion or information contained in this material/workshop serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice.