Have questions about paying for college? Let me introduce you to our newest guru, Mark Kantrowitz.

We're lucky to have him join the FiLife team as our resident student loan guru. Mark's a leading expert on financial aid and student loans, and has authored numerous books on the subject. His latest book, FastWeb College Gold, is a helpful step-by-step guide about how to get the cash you need to pay for school.

Mark is also the founder of FinAid.org, a leading source of unbiased, straightforward info, advice, and tools for figuring out how to pay for college. Check out the site for calculators that can quickly calculate tuition costs, expected family contribution, and loan payments. He also serves as director of advanced projects for FastWeb.com, the most popular and extensive site for matching students with scholarships (and it's free!)

Paying for college is tricky. Tuition costs keep rising and the loans and payment options you pick now can impact your life for years after graduation. That's why Mark joined FiLife — to give you sound, clear advice on these important issues. If you have general questions about the process of obtaining financial aid or student loans, or more specific questions about your own situation, you can ask Mark directly by going here.

He's already helped several FiLifers figure out some loan issues. Check out the advice Mark recently offered on Parent PLUS loans, Grad PLUS loans, calculating monthly payments, and refinancing loans to get a lower interest rate.

-- Vanessa Durante