Basic Information
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Company
Crystal Clear College Planning -
Phone
3605805106 -
Email
crystal@crystalclearcollegeplanning.com -
Mobile phone
(360) 580-5106 -
Website
www.collegefinancingcoach.com -
Describe How You Would Like To Be Introduced Via Email
For families:
Crystal Tate is the founder of Crystal Clear College Planning and a nationally recognized expert in college admissions and financial aid strategy. She works with families across the country to help them understand the full admissions landscape, build strong college lists, and reduce the cost of college through strategic planning. Crystal is known for making a complex process clear, organized, and financially informed, giving families confidence at every step. She welcomes referrals to students in grades 9–12 who want personalized guidance on admissions, financial aid, and long-term education planning.
Financial Professionals:
Crystal Tate is the founder of Crystal Clear College Planning and a specialist in college affordability strategy. She partners with financial advisors to help their clients understand true college costs, maximize aid, and avoid unnecessary debt. Her work complements advisory services by providing expert admissions and financial aid guidance that enhances overall client value.
Corporate Benefits (HR & Workplace Programs):
Crystal Tate is the founder of Crystal Clear College Planning and creator of TRIBE | The College Game Plan™, a turnkey college planning benefit for employees with high school students. She helps organizations strengthen financial-wellness offerings by providing clear, strategic guidance on admissions and financial aid, reducing stress and improving outcomes for working families. -
What is your "why"? Why do you do what you do?
My “why” comes from my experience as a first-generation, low-income student from a rural community who had no roadmap for college. I know firsthand how overwhelming admissions and financial aid can feel without clear guidance. That experience drives my commitment to making college accessible, affordable, and strategic for every family I serve. I believe education can change a student’s trajectory, and I do this work to replace confusion with clarity, help families avoid unnecessary debt, and ensure students can pursue their goals with confidence. -
Qualifying Questions: What are three questions we can ask clients to help pave the way for a referral? List them here.
For Families:
How confident do you feel about navigating your student’s college admissions and financial aid process?
Do you have a clear plan for building a strong college list and understanding the true cost of each school?
Would support from a college planning expert be helpful as you balance admissions decisions, timelines, and affordability?
For Financial Professionals:
Do your clients ever ask you for guidance on college costs, merit aid, or FAFSA/CSS strategies?
Would it be beneficial to have a trusted partner who can provide your clients with comprehensive college affordability and admissions planning?
Are you looking for a way to deepen client value without adding additional workload to your own practice?
Corporate Benefits Leaders / HR Teams
Do your employees ever request support or resources for navigating their children’s college planning or financial aid?
Are you exploring benefits that support employee financial wellness, especially around education costs?
Would a turnkey, low-lift college planning program help enhance your benefits package without increasing administrative burden? -
Unique Selling Proposition
What makes my approach different is that I combine comprehensive college admissions guidance with advanced financial aid strategy, giving families a clear and financially informed plan from start to finish. In addition to serving families directly, I operate a scalable service center that partners with financial professionals, corporations, and school districts to deliver high-quality college planning support at volume. This dual model allows others to leverage my systems to expand their services while ensuring families receive accurate, accessible, and cost-effective guidance. -
About me
I am a professional member of HECA and IECA, and I actively participate in national conferences each year—both as an attendee and a presenter for organizations across the country. My work is centered on helping families navigate college admissions and financial aid with clarity, confidence, and a strategic plan.
Outside of my professional life, I love to travel, explore new places, and invest in personal development. I also enjoy discovering fun local activities and trying new experiences whenever I can. I bring that same curiosity and energy to my work with families and partners. -
Profession
College Admissions and Financial Aid Consultant -
Title
Owner -
Hobbies and interest
I love traveling and always aim to hit Gold Status with Alaska Airlines each year by exploring new destinations. I enjoy decorating for every season and holiday, building Lego sets, and playing board games. I’m continually seeking new activities and opportunities to connect with like-minded people. I’m also passionate about personal and professional development, strategy, and business building.
Contact Information
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City / Town
Kirkland -
State
WA -
Zip
98033-8504 -
Country
United States -
Special offers to the group
I am happy to buy coffee and connect to learn more about you and your business. -
Google Business Review URL
https://nia.bz/44rUZaD -
Facebook Business Page URL
https://www.facebook.com/groups/220038353665812 -
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-tate-3028b52a/
Education
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College / University
Western Washington University -
Graduation Year
2009