July 17th, 2025

Time vs. Money: How Red Kite Helps Parents Save Money

Dear Red Kite Parents,

If you’re feeling like college and career planning has turned into a part-time job… you’re not alone.

Between juggling your own responsibilities and helping your student plan for what’s next, the stress (and cost) can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why Red Kite was created — to give families a way to cut through the noise, save money, and get back their time.

This month’s newsletter breaks down exactly how Red Kite makes the process easier and what simple steps you can take today to move forward with confidence.

5 Ways Red Kite Helps You Save Time and Money

1. Everything In One Place

Red Kite organizes everything you need — scholarships, financial aid, career planning, military education paths — in a single, easy-to-navigate platform. There’s no need to continue with the 20-tab search marathons. 

2. Deadline Tracking, Simplified

Missed deadlines can mean a missed opportunity to get financial help. No more guessing which deadlines matter most. Red Kite gives you a clear timeline with action steps, reminders, and the key dates you can’t afford to miss.

3. Tailored Financial Aid Tips

Financial aid isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether your student is heading to college, job training, or the military, Red Kite helps you build a personalized plan, including lesser-known grants and aid options.

4. Cost Comparisons You Can Trust

Compare college vs. career training vs. military service, not just with tuition, but real out-of-pocket costs. Red Kite shows you what each path will actually cost, so you can choose wisely and plan ahead.

5. Peace of Mind from Day One

Our tools and checklists help you avoid last-minute surprises and missed opportunities. It’s like having a guide in your corner, every step of the way.

What You Might Be Missing

Here are just a few cost-saving tips most families don’t realize until it’s too late:

  • Stacking aid is possible – Grants, scholarships, and work-study can often be combined. But only if you understand how to layer them without canceling each other out.
  • Timing matters – Applying early (or even late!) can open doors to aid programs and institutional funding that disappear quickly.
  • Scholarships – Many scholarships go unused each year simply because people don’t know they exist.

✅ What Can I Do Next?

  • Explore your Red Kite dashboard to compare college costs, uncover new financial aid opportunities, and discover scholarships.
  • Set your student up for success by identifying one new scholarship or training program this week. Interested in a scholarship but short on time? Bookmark it now and apply later.
  • Check your to-do list in your dashboard regularly to manage tasks and stay ahead of important deadlines.

Feel More Confident About College Costs

Whether your student is packing now or still a year or two away, knowing what to expect makes a huge difference. Red Kite helps parents prepare, not panic.

“Red Kite’s checklist saved us hundreds before classes even started.”
— Jen M., Red Kite Parent

Every parent wants to give their child the best shot at success. But it’s important to note that you don’t have to burn yourself out or drain your savings to make it happen.

At Red Kite, we believe in planning smarter — not harder.

If you haven’t already, log in to your account to see how much time and money you could be saving.

You’re not behind. You’re just starting to get started and we’re here to help.

The Red Kite Team

July 2, 2025

The Real Cost of College: What Every Parent Should Know

Dear Red Kite Parents,

Your student got accepted. The dorm is assigned. The roommate has been found.
You’re riding the wave of college excitement, until you start adding up all the “little things.”

Bedding bundles. Laptop upgrades. That $80 “required” textbook.
Suddenly, the budget you thought was set starts changing fast.

What Most Parents Don’t Expect

  • They saved                                                                  
  • They planned
  • They paid the deposit on time

But as summer rolls on, reality hits: college is far more expensive than it is advertised, and this catches parents off guard.

Tuition may be the main event—but it’s the hidden costs that drain your wallet before the first class even starts.

The Sneaky Stuff: Unexpected Costs That Add Up

Let’s break it down. According to the College Board, the average student at a public college spends over $1,200 per year on books and supplies alone. But that’s just the beginning.

Here are a few common expenses that catch families off guard:

  • Dorm essentials: mattress toppers, cleaning supplies, fans, storage bins
  • Lab and rec center fees: some aren’t included in tuition
  • Tech updates: laptops, software licenses, warranties
  • Holiday travel: flights or gas to get home for Thanksgiving
  • Snacks and late-night eats: those quick food runs add up
  • Clubs and organizations: many have dues or event fees

“We thought we had everything covered—until move-in day hit.”
— David D., Red Kite Parent

What Parents Are Really Asking

You’re not alone in wondering: Why didn’t anyone warn us about this?

That’s why we’re creating newsletters exclusively for parents—to answer the questions most parents only think to ask after they’ve been surprised. Questions like:

  • Are there scholarships or aid for tech and supplies?
  • What does a realistic freshman budget actually look like?
  • How can we avoid overspending in the first semester?

We’re pulling together a practical guide that gives you:

  • A checklist of must-haves (and what can wait)
  • Cost-saving tips that actually work
  • Real numbers from real Red Kite families
  • Tools to cut down on out-of-pocket costs

Why Red Kite?

Unlike traditional scholarship sites, Red Kite is built for parents, not just students. We go beyond search tools to offer:

  • Real financial insights from real families
  • Planning tools made for the whole journey—not just applications
  • Peace of mind when it comes to money and college readiness

Visit our Parent Resource Page for helpful guides, timelines, and college prep advice. Let us help you step into this next chapter with confidence. Because when you’re informed, your student is empowered, and your budget breathes a whole lot easier.