College Planning 101 believes that our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.
We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and offer you the best, most comprehensive service in the college planning industry. We make the overwhelming college application and admission process easier.
Together, we will find the right college fit academically, socially, and financially for your family.
Stephanie has taken so much of the stress out of the process of not only finding and applying to colleges, but also figuring out payment and scholarship options. Without her help my dad and I would've been completely lost. Not only did she provide guidance before I even began applying to colleges, she also continues to be of aid every year when it came time to fill out the FAFSA and apply for financial aid. She quite literally has helped my dad and I save thousands of dollars throughout the entire process in realistic and doable ways. Paying for college can be extremely stressful, Stephanie has absolutely helped in making it less so.
95% of our clients get more than their fee back because our service helps position the student for free money from colleges that many people miss. We take our clients through a thorough process, using our proprietary college planning software, that helps students and parents make informed decisions which has translates to merit and need-based monies a family would have otherwise passed up.
College Planning 101 has held thousands of educational seminars and webinars at libraries and high schools. These presentations have helped thousands of families understand what it takes to get into college today and the tumultuous financial aid process. Hundreds of families have reaped the benefits of getting students to the right college at the right price.
Owner and Founder
Owner and Founder
Stephanie Goldberg-Mauro is the owner and founder of College Planning 101. With 10+ years of college planning experience, Stephanie has helped hundreds of families get their students into the “right” college at the “right” price for their budget. Prior to starting College Planning 101, Stephanie was a VP of the Life Division at Frankel & Company in New York City where she worked with the president of the Life and Benefits Division to build and launch an individual asset protection product to complement their health benefits product. Stephanie’s motivation to begin a career in college planning was borne of the realization that today’s college graduates are immediately faced with monthly student loan payments of $600 to $1,000+. Given her extensive financial experience and background, Stephanie knew she could help students reduce those payments, and so, College Planning 101 was created.
Stephanie’s free seminars have helped thousands of students and their families understand the challenges of managing the college application and financial aid processes. She has professionally guided over a thousand families through the complete college planning process.
Stephanie attended Berkeley College in White Plains, New York. She has a son, Patrick, and together they enjoy baseball, traveling, fishing and cooking.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
With over a decade of experience in the field of education, Tonica has worked with hundreds of students and their families. Formally a high school English teacher, Tonica noticed the need for more support throughout the complicated college search and application process and made it her mission to help. She wants every student to end up at the school that is the best fit for them- academically, socially, and financially.
College is one of the largest investments a family will make, so the stress that comes with making the right decision is understandable! She eases the anxiety and makes this process as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. She is fueled by her commitment to excellence and goes the extra mile to make sure clients are fully satisfied.
Tonica holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. As a professional Educational Consultant, she believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes.
CFP®, CRPC®
CFP®, CRPC®
David Lasco, CFP, CRPC is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner professional in an independent practice of Ameriprise Financial in Westchester, NY. David provides personal service and advice to clients focused on their goals, including wealth accumulation, retirement, tax strategies, risk protection, long-term care, and estate planning. In addition, David serves as an elected member of several professional and non-profit Boards of Directors, including the Financial Planning Association of the Greater Hudson Valley and The Center for Aging in Place. He is Co-President of the Fordham University Alumni Chapter of Westchester County, and is a member of the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center Advisory Council and the Estate Planning Council of Westchester County. David graduated with honors from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business and received his Certified Financial Planner designation education at New York University.
College Planning 101 is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ameriprise Financial. We are not under the supervision of Ameriprise Financial, and are not a broker-dealer or investment advisory firm. Financial planning services including wealth management strategies and protection planning are being made available to our valued clients through a formal referral relationship with Ameriprise Financial. For more information on Ameriprise Financial, visit ameripriseadvisors.com/david.lasco.
Owner and Founder
Owner and Founder
Stephanie Goldberg-Mauro is the owner and founder of College Planning 101. With 10+ years of college planning experience, Stephanie has helped hundreds of families get their students into the “right” college at the “right” price for their budget. Prior to starting College Planning 101, Stephanie was a VP of the Life Division at Frankel & Company in New York City where she worked with the president of the Life and Benefits Division to build and launch an individual asset protection product to complement their health benefits product. Stephanie’s motivation to begin a career in college planning was borne of the realization that today’s college graduates are immediately faced with monthly student loan payments of $600 to $1,000+. Given her extensive financial experience and background, Stephanie knew she could help students reduce those payments, and so, College Planning 101 was created.
Stephanie’s free seminars have helped thousands of students and their families understand the challenges of managing the college application and financial aid processes. She has professionally guided over a thousand families through the complete college planning process.
Stephanie attended Berkeley College in White Plains, New York. She has a son, Patrick, and together they enjoy baseball, traveling, fishing and cooking.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
Michael has 30 years experience working with college bound families. He has worked with college loan lenders, online application providers and for the last 20 years. Michael has worked directly with families and students in finding the best college fit and meeting the families financial ability to pay.
College Planning 101 has helped more than a thousand students in the last decade achieve acceptance into a variety of colleges and universities throughout the United States.
College Planning 101 reduces stress and anxiety for students and parents while navigating this complex and overwhelming college planning and financial aid process.