Initial Consultation with Lea Cruz

30 min assessment call for college planning

Here are the instructions for getting ready for your consultation

Make sure you're in a quiet place where you can focus for our meeting
Make sure you're able to access zoom via computer or your phone
Please have ready info requested on your confirmation email to be efficient with our time
Make a list of questions you'd like me to answer during your consultation
Have a pad and pen ready to take notes

Lea Cruz

College Planner

Lea graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2005 with a degree in Business Finance. As a mother of three, she quickly realized firsthand the financial challenges families face when preparing for rising college costs. Determined to find the best strategies for her own children, she immersed herself in extensive research on college funding and financial aid planning.

What began as a personal mission soon became a professional calling. Lea chose to specialize in college planning to support underserved families from all walks of life who need clear guidance on how to send their children to college—without sacrificing their retirement security.

With over 13 years of experience guiding families through the college planning journey, Lea is passionate about helping parents create a confident, strategic path toward making college both affordable and achievable.

I am very happy with the service provided for financial college planning by Excel. Lea is very knowledgeable and thorough. She absolutely knows a lot about the difficulties of college planning. I would highly recommend her. She is also a pleasure to communicate with. She goes the extra mile too. The college planning process is so complex so any help is worth it. This is your kids future so why leave it in fates hands. So happy I made a proactive decision and called Lea.

Kendrea P.

Newport Beach, CA

Excel College Planning, led by Lea, has been really helpful in guiding our family through the often overwhelming college preparation process. Lea and her team are both professional and personable, and they truly take the stress out of what can feel like a daunting journey--especially for first-time parents.

From the very beginning, Lea always consistently available to answer our questions and explain every step in a way that's easy to understand. The team support has given us peace of mind, especially knowing that all deadlines are being tracked and nothing falls through the cracks.

What truly stands out is their commitment to maximizing scholarship opportunities and providing personalized recommendations tailored to each student.

We are so grateful to have them on our side!

Annie H.

Upland, CA

Lea has been an exceptional college and financial advisor. Lea and her team consistently provides unwavering supports and offering detailed guidance. My children attended CalPoly SLO, and UC Berkeley and CalPoly Pomona. As a parent of three, navigating the financial aspects of college was a daunting journey. Fortunately, Lea and her team provided meticulous guidance to each journey. She has never failed to deliver outstanding service. Her assistance in navigating the FAFSA process and creating comprehensive financial plans has been invaluable. I truly appreciate this company and want to extend a special acknowledgment to Lea and her team for her dedication and expertise.
Love this company. Shout out to Lea & her team.

Melani L.

Fullerton, CA