Not really a punishment. Bank savings are considered as assets and only a small percentage is counted into EFC if any. Unless you have millions in bank accounts, savings are not going to affect your EFC much. The most important factor is income (AGI). If bank savings are under kids name then 100% will be counted into EFC (student contribution). Try to fill out financial aid forms before your pay checks deposited but all large bills have been paid so the balances are at their minimum. There are also deifference between Institutional and Federal Methodologies.