
College aid guidance + personal financial coaching designed to reduce stress and help you move forward with confidence.
My background, and why you can trust me to talk about planning for your financial future.

Hi, I’m Ryan.I help students and families feel less stressed about college costs and more confident in their financial future.I earned my Associate Degree in Banking & Finance from Fox Valley Technical College and my Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Maryland Global Campus. My education gave me a unique perspective on both tech-college and traditional university pathways—and the financial challenges that come with each.Professionally, I’ve worked as a Financial Aid Intern, a Financial Aid Specialist, and a Community Resource Specialist focused on financial assistance. I also serve as Treasurer for a nonprofit in the Waupaca, WI area.After working with thousands of students and families, I created FinAid & Finance to provide clear, honest, practical guidance that reduces stress and empowers you to make informed financial decisions.

Whether you need FAFSA help, a full college cost plan, or support understanding financial aid, I’m here to make the process less confusing and more doable.

Focusing on everyday life skills and financial literacy, we explore budgeting, repaying/managing debt, and understanding credit scores so we can improve them.
Clear, Practical Support for Paying for College
Step-by-step FAFSA completion with you
Review to ensure accuracy + maximize eligibility
Explanation of Student Aid Report
Email support for 14 days after submission
Schedule FAFSA Help
FAFSA Made Simple package
Net Price Calculator comparisons for up to 5 schools
Scholarship search guidance (National + Local)
Family budgeting sessions (how to cover the gap)
Email + text support for 30 days
Book a Strategy Session
Full College Financial Planning Package
College Aid Strategy Session package
Multi-year college affordability strategy (4-years mapped out)
Loan planning & repayment projections
Appeals/negotiation strategy with colleges
Unlimited support during admissions cycle
Start Full Planning
Financial Coaching Services
Personal Finance Help That Meets You Where You Are
Understand your spending
Building a workable plan that focuses on spending money on things you care about the most
Setting up and providing tools that make budgeting feel doable and easy
Budgeting sheet or tool that best fits you
Schedule Budget Coaching
A conversation driven session to help organize your debt
Choose repayment strategies
Understand payoff timelines
Ensure payments fit in your budget
Book Debt Coaching
Credit Building Session
Support for understanding what makes a Credit Score
Why Credit Scores are important
Reviewing your personal score
Creating a short-term plan with suggestions to raise your score
Start Credit Coaching
At the end of the day, you're here because you want results. Below, please read what my clients have to say about working with me.
"Ryan is a walking encyclopedia for all things financial aid. I have found more clarity and answers through Ryan than any other resources I've sought, combined. He enthusiastically tackles any questions and even brings it a step further to include pertinent information you didn't know you needed. He will provide you with all the tools you need in your toolkit, always optimistic, never rushed, and a joy to work with."
"Ryan is a kind and patient advisor who gave me a lot of tools I currently use to move forward in my financial literacy and decision making. He is quite knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable asking him any questions, even if I felt naive in asking them. I appreciate his honesty, resourcefulness and creativity in finding solutions to my specific needs. I really enjoyed asking for his assistance and would definitely ask him for more help in the future"
"Ryan went above and beyond helping me navigate the FAFSA site. He was able to show me my different loan repayment options, that allowed me to consolidate and save. He definitely went the extra mile to help me succeed!"
Are you looking for answers on how to solve the next stage of your life financially? Have questions on the above services? Please submit a "Contact Me" request and I will get back to you with 48 hours. I look forward to getting to know you!
Email: [email protected]