Meet Crystal Tate | College Financing Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Tate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I take pride in being upfront and honest with both my clients and potential clients. In my role, I view my responsibility as educating families about the ins and outs of the admissions and financial aid processes. This means having those difficult conversations about who may or may not get accepted into certain schools and why, as well as discussing the costs associated with attending those schools. My reputation precedes me as someone who is known to tell it like it is. In fact, one of my clients once remarked that they appreciated my “New York attitude” and how their daughter saw me as an authority figure and how that really helped her in the process. I believe that my authenticity and dedication to providing a comprehensive service to families has helped me build a strong reputation. Clients know they can count on me and often refer me to others. Consistency has been key to my success, as I always present myself in the same professional and knowledgeable manner.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What distinguishes me from others in my industry is my unwavering focus on educating families not just on how to gain admission to colleges, but also on how to secure funding from those colleges. The affordability aspect is often overlooked, as admissions counselors are not necessarily equipped to provide such guidance. As someone with a background in finance, I believe that college can be made affordable by implementing strategies that take both admissions and aid into consideration.

For over 12 years, I have provided College Planning services to families, and it has been a journey full of challenges and growth. I have always strived to adapt my services to better align with what families have shared with me they need. A few years ago, I completely overhauled my program, and it was the most instrumental change I made for my business. Today, I have a streamlined process for families, and I have added a group coaching option that makes it even more accessible for families to receive the help they need.

I have come to realize that being an active listener is essential to my success. As someone who wears many hats in working with families, I serve as a resource, an expert in college planning, a therapist, and a friend. I want people to know that I understand the struggle that all families face when navigating higher education. As a first-generation college student with no financial support from my family, I worked my way through school and learned the hard way. Now, I am here to impart my wisdom to others and help them achieve their dreams of obtaining a college degree.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Bothell, WA is a fantastic town with plenty of great places to eat and exciting activities to enjoy.

Park at Bothell Landing: If you’re looking for a tranquil outdoor experience, head over to the Park at Bothell Landing. This picturesque park sits along the Sammamish River and offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot to relax, have a picnic, or simply take a leisurely stroll.

McMenamins Anderson School: This unique destination is more than just a place to eat; it’s a whole experience. Located in a renovated school building, McMenamins Anderson School offers multiple dining options, such as the Tavern on the Square, North Shore Lagoon, and Woodshop BBQ. Enjoy delicious food, craft beers, and explore the beautiful grounds with its own movie theater, swimming pool, and more.

The Bine Beer & Food: If you’re a fan of craft beer and delicious food, The Bine is a must-visit spot. They have an extensive beer selection and offer a delectable menu with items like juicy burgers, flavorful tacos, and crispy fries. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff make it a fantastic place to spend an evening.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friend Cori Murphy has been there for me both personally and professionally. I would not be where I am today without her support!

Website: http://collegefinancingcoach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegefinancingcoach/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-tate-3028b52a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/220038353665812

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzL-fIHeiTfZeZ1yFgZn5g