"Hedonism has rewards beyond a good suntan, and they come in the form of college financial aid," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "The federal financial aid formula punishes thrift and hard work. So, let's see how a thrifty family can work this perverse system. ... The FAFSA formula is complex and considers both your savings and income. Income counts much more than savings, so try to look poorer. The FAFSA looks at the January-to-December calendar year before your kid enters college. So, that's not the year to cash out of your big stock market gains. If you've been thinking of taking a month off to finish that novel, do it the year before your kid enters school. If you expect a bonus, ask if you can defer it. If you own your own business, you might cut your salary."