Smart College Buyer

The scariest thing about college isn’t the application—it’s the bill. But what if you could face tuition with clarity—and maybe even confidence?  

Paying for college is more complex than ever—with tuition rising and new legislation changing the landscape for student loans and financial planning. 

The earlier—and the more holistically—you strategize, the better set up your student (and your family’s financial future) will be. That’s...

So, grandma and grandpa want to help pay for college? Congratulations!  

First, we need some clarity on what exactly they mean. Are they going to start funding a 529 early, are they planning on writing a fat check to cover tuition each semester, or are they planning on covering the student loan payments?  

Each option comes with its own student aid eligibility impact, tax repercussions, and, perhaps, familial obligations.  

In toda...

What if your teen could confidently KNOW the right career path before they ever enroll in their first college class? 

What if your teen could focus and do well in class because they actually enjoy and are “wired for” those particular subjects?  

Well, they can! Today you get to meet my friend and special guest, Jay Dusold, the creator of the Life After 12th Program, who’s dedicated his career to guiding young people toward meaningf...

Facing the looming cost of college? You’re not alone—countless families struggle to crack the code on paying for higher education without jeopardizing their financial future.  

In this special episode, you get to hear me (your host, Jack Wang) being interviewed by Kathleen Keneally and Michael Connaughton on the Wicked Pissah Podcast to share actionable strategies and bust common myths about college funding for the Financial Planni...

Think covering college costs with scholarships is impossible?  

Regret waiting until senior year to think about paying for college?  

Nia Grant is here to help you stop panicking about how to cover college costs, and, instead, start helping your teen find and apply for scholarships like it’s their full-time job. Nia was a senior in high school when she realized college tuition was her responsibility, so she buckled down, made mind ...

Choosing where your kid will attend to college and deciding how to pay for it are two HUGE, potentially life-changing decisions, both for the child and the parents - particularly those from lower-income or first-generation backgrounds, making admissions and financial guidance in this area essential. You shouldn’t have to choose between funding college and having a secure retirement.  

Don’t DIY the process simply because you don’t ...

Are you a veteran or service member trying to figure out how to send your kid to college?  

You probably know there are some serious educational benefits available, but perhaps you aren’t sure how to tap into them or whether you can pass them to your kids.  

Today, Kate Horrell and Jack Wang discuss VA Education Benefits’ transfer rules, eligible recipients, and service obligations. Kate Horrell is the author of College Finances fo...

When you’re facing any large purchase, there are two major questions you must answer:  

1. How do I lower the cost? 

1. What’s the best way to pay for it? 

While you’ve heard about student loans, 529 plans, and, potentially, other options to help you finance college costs, the best way for YOU to pay for college for your student is likely a unique combination of tools & tax strategies based on your personal situ...

Understanding how your credit score works and actively working to improve it can open up doors to better financial opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes college students make when it comes to credit is overspending and not keeping track of their expenses. 

My guest today, Brittany Greene, focuses on providing financial education and resources to college students. Through her company, Crown Financial, she offers workshops, onli...

It used to be that parents and students had the opportunity to finance higher education with almost no limit to the amount they could borrow.    

The H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act, changes that. It imposes new limits to parent financing and student loans. In particular, capped borrowing for graduate students at $50,000 per year for professional studies and $20,000 for other programs.  

With Parent PLUS loans also facing new an...

Student loan debt is a topic that affects millions of people across the country. It's a financial burden that many individuals face as they pursue higher education, and the impact can be long-lasting. Whether you're a recent graduate or have been out of school for years, understanding student loan debt is crucial to managing your finances effectively. 

"It wasn't that simple of just drawing up different options for repayment terms....

Choosing a college where your student will thrive is about much more than the school’s name, ranking, prestige, or reputation. Research from Purdue University and Gallup highlights that aspects like caring professors, supportive learning environments, and experiential learning opportunities hold more weight in determining a student's college experience. 

(00:04:19) Impac...

Planning for your child's college education can be a daunting task, but utilizing a 529 plan can make it a little easier. These tax-advantaged savings plans are specifically designed to help families save for future education expenses. One option within the 529 plan umbrella is the College Well Private College 529 Plan, which offers its own set of unique advantages. 

How do factors like major, gender, and ethnicity influence whether your child receives financial aid? 

Understanding the typical college business model is crucial. The college financial aid formula is a multifaceted and strategic system that determines how aid is distributed to students. It comprises loans, scholarships, and other forms of gift aid. Highly competitive schools prioritize need-based aid over merit scholarships.  

"Th...

Financial education in youth sets the stage for a lifetime of financial responsibility. 

Teaching teens to save for emergencies is vital for unexpected costs. Unfortunately, most teens don’t want to listen to their parents...that’s where a financial coach who specializes in budgeting for teens and young adults comes in.  

Colleen Salchow of Salchow Coaching patiently works with teenagers to set aside money for unexpected expenses c...

Paying for college extends beyond the simple calculation of tuition and fees, encompassing a range of hidden expenses that many prospective students and their families often overlook. Jack Wang offers a nuanced perspective on this topic by highlighting the often-ignored costs such as taxes, interest, and opportunity costs, which can significantly inflate the overall financial burden of obtaining a college degree.  

(00:23:56) "The ...

With the right strategies and early preparation, you can maximize your child’s chances of getting into your (or their) dream school and securing scholarships. Students should begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT well in advance, paying special attention to their grades even as a Freshman in High School. This will allow you and your student to have time to review content, practice test-taking strategies, get tu...

Do your college funding goals entail covering private tuition or a portion of in-state tuition? The answer could be the key to your “best” saving strategy.  

"You can save using almost anything. There is the easy option and then there is the right or best option for your family." - Jack Wang (00:19:53) 

There are various opportunities for tax-sheltered college savings account like 529 plans and IRAs, plus unconventional options lik...

Did you know there are over 80 student loan forgiveness programs in the US?  

While student loan forgiveness programs are great, it’s imperative to understand the eligibility requirements and have open discussions about the costs and value of higher education expenses. Federal and Private student loans should be treated differently, and all student loans should be treated differently than other consumer, car, or home debt.  

Robert...