Telling people to MYOB

[Anonymous]

I called bullshit. We sent four kids to college and never once had any conversation with anyone about filling out financial aid forms. It was never brought up ever. OP acts as if it is an every day occurrence for her, and it can’t be. Unless of course, she hangs out with a bunch of college obsessed people like herself. Which wouldn’t surprise me.

[Anonymous]

I didn't have a gut reaction but after reading all these posts my answer would be to tell the truth. It's usually fine to tell the truth but it's the delivery where you can be an arse. Something like we didn't fill it out... We have a ton in the 529. Sounds like a huge pain in the the ass tho!

[Anonymous]

The subject of this post is absolutely bizarre.

Nobody was prying into your personal life in a rude way. They were raising a topic of conversation that makes complete sense under the circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you’re upset people think you’re poor. You’re insecure because you’ve figured out people think you’re eligible for the FAFSA. Sounds like you’ve sacrificed a lot for OOS college and now you’re worried it was a bad choice.

Just say you’re paying for it and didn’t fill out the FAFSA. Who cares?

[Anonymous]

What a weird post. I'm also not filling out FAFSA and occasionally hear from friends complaining about all the problems with the form this year. It's so easy to say something sympathetic without getting specific.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Ugh, yes! I heard the new FAFSA is a bear to fill out. What a drag. Have you made any plans for spring break?”

From what you write, no one is trying to pry. Part of the human experience is commiseration. Join in where you can and then steer the conversation elsewhere.

This

[Anonymous]

OP, your post only makes sense if someone, usually family or close friends, were speculating re: the wisdom of such an expensive school. For a lot of instances, maybe you say, "we have the savings."

[Anonymous]

I had true concern re: a big expense of my brother"s (not college), and it helped when he said, "Sis, I was able to pay it off two years later."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but you sound obnoxious, like you're just dying to tell someone you're so rich you didn't have to fill out the FAFSA. By the way, I'm in your boat - with our seven figure HHI, we're never gonna qualify for aid. But I realize we're in a different financial situation than the vast majority of people, so when people ask me about the FAFSA, I just nod along and murmur in agreement. You CAN still fill out the FAFSA, you know. You don't have to accept loans and scholarships.

+1. Seriously

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What a weird post. I'm also not filling out FAFSA and occasionally hear from friends complaining about all the problems with the form this year. It's so easy to say something sympathetic without getting specific.

This. Just say IKR and change the subject

[Anonymous]

The high EQ to handle stuff like this (FAFSA, mortgages, sports, politics) is to learn a little about the popular topic, and then mention a talking point about it and share a mild opinion about how it helps or hurts people somehow.