About Us
About Vaylark College Planning
At Vaylark College Planning, we believe that paying for college shouldn’t feel like an unsolvable puzzle. Since 2005, we’ve been helping families across Connecticut find clear, practical answers to one of life’s biggest financial questions: How do we make college affordable without sacrificing our future?
What began as a full-service financial advisory firm quickly became something more. Over the years, we saw the same worry in countless parents’ faces; college was approaching fast, tuition costs were intimidating, and the options felt overwhelming. We knew we could make a difference. Today, college planning is at the heart of what we do.
Why Families Trust Us
We are proud to be recognized as the premier college planning company in Connecticut. Our book has become a trusted resource in high schools across the state, helping parents navigate the tough questions about what to expect from the college experience. Our seminars, hosted in high schools across the state, are widely recognized as one of the most valuable resources for parents. They provide clear, practical guidance to help families understand the admissions process, make sense of financial aid, and feel more confident about the path ahead.
We believe every family deserves the opportunity to pursue a college education. That’s why we proudly remain the only firm that never charges for our services; because supporting families through this journey should never come with a price tag. Read our latest college planning insights, complementary to you!
With more than 45 years of combined experience, Charles and Jim bring both expertise and empathy to every family they work with. They take pride in making the college process feel less overwhelming and find joy in helping each family build a plan that leads to their child’s college goals.
How We Can Help
Our Process, Made Simple
Our approach is straightforward:
- Connect with Us – Call, email, or schedule a meeting.
- Build Your Tuition Roadmap – We map out your assets, projected costs, and aid opportunities.
- Take Action – From opening a 529 plan to negotiating scholarships, we guide you through each next step.
Our relationship doesn’t end when your child starts college. We continue to check in with families throughout the college years, making sure the plan stays on track—even when circumstances or needs change. Learn more about how our college planning process works.
What Makes Us Different
We’re the only firm in the state offering these services complementary to both schools and parents. Our goal isn’t just to crunch numbers, it’s to give you peace of mind and a clear path forward. That’s why we’ve been honored as Best Financial Advisor in the Best of Hartford awards for eleven straight years.
While our main focus is on college planning, we also offer broader financial guidance including retirement planning, so that your long-term goals stay secure. Get in touch with our team today!
Our Promise to You
We’re more than advisors, we’re advocates, educators, and partners in your family’s journey. Whether you’re just beginning to think about college or you’re knee-deep in financial aid forms, we’ll meet you where you are, answer your questions without jargon, and create a plan that works for you.
For us, success is measured in more than numbers, it’s in acceptance letters, scholarship awards, and the relief on parents’ faces when they realize they can make this work. Reach out to us today or check out our complementary Connecticut high school seminars.
Get Our College Workbook at no cost
Download Our Complementary College Workbook!
Every year, Connecticut families overpay for college, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars, simply because they don’t know the right questions to ask or the right steps to take. A New Approach to Paying for College changes that.
This easy-to-follow workbook reveals the exact strategies we’ve used to help families uncover hidden scholarships, negotiate better financial aid packages, and create a plan to pay for all four years without wrecking their savings or piling on debt. If your child is in high school, this isn’t “nice to have” , it’s information you can’t afford to miss. Download it now before you make a decision that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
