Tag: Little Known Secrets of Paying for College
Can You Afford Your Dream School? (Ep. 6)

Can You Afford Your Dream School? (Ep. 6)

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Is an expensive college really worth it? How can you tell if your child’s dream school is the right financial decision for your family? College is one of the biggest investments many families will ever make. Looking beyond rankings and campus life can help you choose a path that supports both your child’s future and your long-term financial goals.

In this episode, Brock Jolly, CFP®, talks about how parents can evaluate the true return on investment of a college education before choosing a school. He explains why the right college should be the right academic, social, geographic, and financial fit, how student loan debt can shape life after graduation, why finishing college in four years instead of the 5.4-year average can reduce costs, and how families can compare college costs, financial aid, merit scholarships, and future career opportunities before making one of the most important financial decisions they’ll face.

You’ll learn about:

  • How to evaluate the return on investment of a college education before choosing a school
  • How financial aid, merit scholarships, and in-state colleges can help reduce college costs
  • Why student loan debt can affect career choices, retirement savings, and financial flexibility
  • Why graduating in four years instead of the 5.4-year average can save both time and money
  • How to balance your child’s dream school with your family’s long-term financial goals
  • And more!

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The Sticker Price Myth (Ep. 5)

The Sticker Price Myth (Ep. 5)

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Wondering how to pay for college without sacrificing your retirement? Before you rule out a private or out-of-state school because of the sticker price, you may be overlooking financial aid opportunities that could make your child’s dream college more affordable than you think.

In this episode, Brock Jolly, CFP®, explains why families shouldn’t assume an in-state public university is always the most affordable option. He breaks down how need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, the Student Aid Index (SAI), Net Price Calculators, and financial aid appeals can affect what your family actually pays for college. Through real-world examples, including a family that saved approximately $168,000 after successfully appealing a financial aid offer, Brock shares practical strategies to help families make more informed college funding decisions.

You’ll learn about:

  • Why the sticker price isn’t always what you’ll actually pay for college, and how private colleges can sometimes cost less than in-state public universities.
  • How need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and the Student Aid Index (SAI) influence college affordability and why eligibility can vary from one school to another.
  • Why Net Price Calculators aren’t always accurate, what to do if your financial aid offer falls short, and when it makes sense to appeal a college financial aid package.
  • What colleges look for when awarding merit scholarships, and how understanding the financial aid process can help families compare college offers with greater confidence.
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brock Jolly:

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College Planning Is About More Than Paying Tuition (Ep. 1)

College Planning Is About More Than Paying Tuition (Ep. 1)

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Most families approach college planning with assumptions that quietly cost them options. In this episode, Brock Jolly breaks down the biggest myths families believe about paying for college, the first question every family must answer before choosing a strategy, and common planning mistakes that can create unnecessary financial pressure later.

In this episode, Brock Jolly, CFP®, talks about how education, financial literacy, and intentional planning intersect, and how families can make smarter college decisions without putting retirement at risk.

You’ll learn about:

  • Who really qualifies for financial aid and who doesn’t
  • Why scholarships rarely cover what families expect
  • The first planning question that determines which strategies actually apply
  • How overfunding a 529 plan can create avoidable tax and penalty issues
  • Why it is rarely “too late” to improve a college funding plan
  • How college and retirement planning should work together
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brock Jolly:

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