CANFIELD -- While working as a financial planner, Christopher Mediate discovered that many of his

CANFIELD -- While working as a financial planner, Christopher Mediate discovered that many of his clients were making mistakes that were hurting their children's college financial aid packages.
Like any good business owner, he saw a need and filled it by founding College Funding Assistance and Planning, which operates as a division of Mediate Financial Services.
In addition to seeking ways to increase the amount of financial assistance a family can receive, Mediate also helps people come up with a financial plan that eases the burden of paying for college. This includes developing a plan that allows a family to pay for college on a tax-favored basis.
College planning often becomes just one part of the broader financial planning services he can offer a client. Another service offered is researching prospective schools.
"The service is not just for people who need help financially. I work with all income levels, and I charge a one-time consultation fee. I help with applications and forms. I find the best schools for merit money, and I look for the best schools to fit the student's profile," Mediate said.
He said most of his clients are parents with children who are sophomores, juniors or seniors.
"The earlier you plan for college, the better, but a lot of people are procrastinators," he said.
His background
Mediate graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied science from Youngstown State University in 1993. He intended to go to law school and worked as a legal assistant for a local law firm while at YSU.
"After I graduated, the thought of going to law school for 22 hours a quarter bummed me out," he said with a laugh.
Instead, he obtained an insurance license.
"My colleagues in the field told me that providing financial services can be very lucrative, so I obtained a securities license," Mediate said.
About a year after college, he was married.
"My wife is a teacher. Financial services is a very difficult business to establish, and in the beginning, we really struggled. The learning curve is difficult. You have to determine your client's needs and tailor your products to those needs. One size does not fit all," he said.
After working as an independent financial planner for three years, he began the college assistance division.
Business has been so good that he has hired two assistants and now serves 200 clients a year.
He also is a member of the National Association of College Funding Advisors and trains certified public accounts and financial planners from all over the country.
"This business is extremely rewarding," he said. "You have instant gratification. They don't reap the benefits after many years. They see the results right away."