Lisa Endlich's Blog

October 17, 2025

Christmas Gift Guide for College Guys and Young Adult Men (2025)

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Gifts for guys can be challenging, and I often struggle to decide what to buy my sons. But here are some of our favorite Christmas gifts for college guys — sons, nephews, or any young adult male on your holiday shopping list.

Our favorite Christmas gifts for guys 1. Anker Nano Ultra Slim Magnetic Power Bank

Here is the ultimate easy way to power a...

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Published on October 17, 2025 05:10

October 16, 2025

To The Dog Who Raised My Kids, Thank You

We went to meet the transport that brought you from Tennessee with our little one still in a carseat bucket and our two preschoolers toddling ahead. Somehow, even after just walking you a few steps–which is about all we could manage at the time–we knew you were meant to be our family dog.

The dog is grayer now. (Photo credit: Kim Ablon Whitney)

You had big floppy ears and an unknown past. We were told you were basically potty trained and knew how to sit on command. We signed the paperwork and yo...

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Published on October 16, 2025 12:54

October 6, 2025

21 Important Questions to Ask Colleges

Stephanie Meade, CEO and Founder of educational consulting firm, Collegiate Edge, discusses how students should think about making their college list. To refine that list, look at the following questions by New York Times journalist and bestselling author, Ron Lieber.

Editor’s Note: Ron Lieber, the “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times and bestselling author, provides his insight to families about the questions they should ask colleges when they visit.

I’m curious for a living. When I b...

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Published on October 06, 2025 12:20

October 2, 2025

Five Questions to Ask Your Teen Without Annoying Them

Let’s be real: You asking your kid what they want to be when they grow up for the umpteenth time isn’t going to create a lightbulb moment. And asking them to share their feelings or limiting beliefs will probably get an eye roll.

So what CAN you ask your teen to connect with them and get them excited about their future?

Here are ideas for engaging in conversation with your teen, without annoying them. (Shutterstock Lopolo)5 Powerful questions to ask your teen

Here are 5 Powerful Questions that w...

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Published on October 02, 2025 06:17

October 1, 2025

100+ Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teens and College Students (2025)

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When your teen lumbers into the family room on Christmas morning, takes their stocking down from the mantle, and looks inside, you might glimpse their little kid self. We’ve searched far and wide and here are our favorite stocking stuffers for teens, college students, and young adults.

Some of these would be great Secret Santa gifts, too.

Stocking...
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Published on October 01, 2025 10:00

Parents Weekend: 19 Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting a Kid in College

The first time I visited one of my sons in college was a wonderful and awkward experience. He was thrilled to see us (thank goodness), and I held back tears of joy at seeing him for the first time since dropping off six weeks earlier. But we were on new and unsteady ground. This was my first visit to his world, and I was unsure how to proceed.

(Shutterstock: Melinda Fawver) Academical Village at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville Do’s and don’ts of parents’ weekend (and anytime you visi...
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Published on October 01, 2025 08:04

September 30, 2025

To Parents of High School Seniors: Nine Important Reminders

Over the years, I have received panicked calls and inquiries from friends who are parents of high school seniors. They are preparing to send their child, often their first, off to college, and maybe they call because I have been talking about the impending empty nest for a long time (my first child’s departure for college was over eight years ago).

mom and daughter Author and daughter at college. (G McCree)

Perhaps they know I will be sympathetic and happy to talk about incredibly personal thoughts and emotions ...

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Published on September 30, 2025 11:46

September 25, 2025

Fifteen Biggest Financial Aid and FAFSA Mistakes (2025)

“College is one of the most expensive purchases a family will make in their lifetimes,” according to Jeff Levy, a Certified Educational Planner with 17 years of experience as an educational consultant.

2025 FAFSA, CSS & Scholarships Tips: Get the Most College Financial and Merit Aid

In this comprehensive video, Elaine Varas, Senior University Director of Financial Aid, University of Pennsylvania. walks parents through the 2025 financial aid process step by step, sharing secrets, strategies, and i...

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Published on September 25, 2025 11:35

Best EARLY Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (Oct 7-8) (2025)

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days returns October 7–8, kicking off the 2025 holiday shopping season with millions of deals and deep discounts across popular categories like home, apparel, toys, and beauty.

Do I Have to Be a Prime Day Member to Take Advantage of Prime Savings? 

Yes! Before shopping, ensure you already have a Prime membership (which you can get a 30-day free trial of right now). And, your college student (18-25 year olds) can get their own account at Prime for Young Adults Membership. Le...

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Published on September 25, 2025 08:00

September 24, 2025

The FAFSA Is Now Open: How to Get Ready

Worried about paying for college? You’re not alone. College expenses continue to rise and the process of finding affordable colleges and applying for financial aid is complex. Families need clear answers about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) merit aid, scholarships, and how to get the most money for college.

In this comprehensive video, Elaine Varas, Senior University Director of Financial Aid, University of Pennsylvania. walks parents through the 2025 financial aid process s...

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Published on September 24, 2025 08:28