About Us
CFS is a comprehensive, financial consultant that specializes in preparing families of high school students for what is often the single most expensive endeavor they will undertake… their children’s college educations.
College Financial Strategies was founded in 2001 by Scott Anderson. Scott was trained by a Fortune 500 company in the world of financial planning. He has a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Theology, and a Bachelors in Aviation Management. Scott is an author and has written several books and reports on the subject of college funding including STOP! Everything You Thought You Knew About Paying for College Is Wrong! He has instructed guidance counselors and teachers in the art of college funding.
Shortly before starting CFS, Scott was asked by some of his financial planning clients what they should do to prepare for their students getting ready to go to college in a year or two. Considering everything that is taught to traditional financial advisors is what to do if you have ten to fifteen years to save, Scott didn’t have any good answers for them. Then he started doing the research; talking to the right people; reading the volumes of books. Soon he discovered there is a great deal that can be done to minimize what families will pay for college.
If you want to know how to save money on your students’ college educations, then start with the three steps to the left.
“Scott Anderson is truly a well-kept secret. I went to one of his free seminars and came away amazed at his vast expertise in how to pay the least for college. I learned all sorts of tips and possibilities – stuff I never heard at the various “college night” events I had been to previously. I wished I had found him a couple years earlier. We thought it was too late for us because we had already filed the dreaded FAFSA for both of our older boys, and both had already accepted aid packages form their schools (one at Bradley and one at NIU). Even so, Scott’s help and advice saved us an additional $7,400 in grant money (free money!) over the past two years. And we still have one more year for each of them to reap savings from his sound planning!!!” – Rita Weinert, East Moline, Illinois
“We recommend Scott highly because of his knowledge, professional services, and assessment.” – Dr. Kelly & Mary Anne Carroll, East Moline, Illinois
"What an eye opener! We wish we had attended this seminar sooner. This seminar has given us ideas and information but also hope..." -- Dave & Maria Sullivan, Rock Island, Illinois
"The information Mr. Anderson shared was incredibly eye opening." -- Tricia Christiansen, Guidance Counselor, Hampton-Dumont HS, Hampton, Iowa
"Very good presentation that covered a wide range of material." -- Robert Martensen, Rock Island, Illinois
"[I like] the knowledge they have with regard to preparing for college... how to handle my assets, filling out the forms. I would have struggled trying to do it on my own. and I like that they will be there for me in helping me to make the right finance decisions throughtout my son's college years. Having someone on my side is invaluable to me." -- Cindy Sackett, East Moline, Illinois
"This was wonderful information that parents of every high-schooler should know." -- Bret McGreer, Illinois City, Illinois
"He has provided our families with invaluable information. Scott does an excellent job..." -- Linda Cutler, Guidance Counselor, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"We select the finest teachers across the region, and Scott is certainly one of them." -- Kim Patterson, Rock Valley College, Rockford, Illinois
"[CFS is] very knowledgable, friendly, courteous, and business-like." -- Tim Feldheim, Northfield, Illinois
“Listening to all the options available to pay for college encouraged us that we don’t have to sacrifice a quality education because of a lack of money.” Pastor Scott & Tonya Culley, Silvis, Illinois
“Very informative to people who think they can not afford college, especially for single parents. Knowledge is always the best thing.” Lynn Pevlicek, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
“It gives hope and clarity of information.” Carol Border, Silvis, Illinois
"I like CFS's fast responses to our questions." -- Peter Mitchell, East Moline, Illinois
“Scott was easy to understand. I left not feeling as lost as when I came in.” Mike & Patty Molmstead, Moline, Illinois
"[CFS is] a straight shooter, provides well-informed responses. Keeps clients on task during college selection process, FAFSA applications, etc. Always willing to come to our house to make visits." -- Jim & Deb Frick, Davenport, Iowa
“I am more aware of all the details we could or would face in getting our child into college.” Randy & Debbie Reuther, Illinois City, Illinois
“The best thing about the seminar is, knowing now that there is money available.” Mr & Mrs. Guetsko, Mt. Vernon, Iowa
“The seminar has given us the knowledge that, there are services available to use in seeking financial help for college.” Lori & Mark Lebeda, Toddville, Iowa
“The seminars give optimism for families with all levels of financial need.” Dion & Lana Hake, Marion, Iowa
“Honest about the sales pitch. Good discussion about the expected contribution from the schools.” Dave & Ann Bowman, East Moline, Illinois
“The presentation was straightforward and fast-paced, good examples.” Greg Griffiths, Port Byron, Illinois
“They show you all of the options available.” K & Pat O’Brian, Springville, Iowa
“I came in a skeptic and left a will informed customer.” Ron & Dorthy Gierut, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
“Was given more information than what I was aware was available.” Bill & Cherie Hess, Robins, Iowa
“Information was clear, and was very good at showing that private schools may be very affordable.” Larry Thomas, Rock Island, Illinois
“Gave information on where to go for aid, and what programs there are to get help from.” Maria Medina, Hampton, Illinois
“The presentation gave an overall view of the facts and options relative to college financial planning,” James & Robin Boyd, Port Byron, Illinois
“We learned that college won’t make my family go broke.” Phil & Kerri Pancrazio, Silvis, Illinois
“Very direct presentation. It took away a lot of the fears I had of applying, by showing the “myths” and misconceptions of sending a child to college.” Maryann Benge, Andalusia, Illinois
“For the first time, since we started checking into the cost of college, we feel we may not have to go into debt the rest of our lives to pay for college.” Gerald & Patricia Martin, Andalusia, Illinois