Podcasts about FAFSA

In this week's episode of TigerTalk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how Northeast continues to live up to the “community” in its name. The duo highlights the upcoming TigerTown Tent or Treat, a family-friendly Halloween event that brings students, faculty, and local residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship on the last home football game or a date close to it. Ford also talks about the importance of connecting the college with the community it serves through major events such as the Showband from Tigerland's Band Contest in early October, the Night of Exceptional Baseball at the Plex in the Spring, and many other outreach efforts that showcase Tiger Pride in action. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Spivey consultant and former admissions dean Nikki Laubenstein discusses the financial aid and student loan considerations that prospective law students should be thinking about post-"Big Beautiful Bill," joined by Sydney Montgomery, who is the Executive Director & Founder of Barrier Breakers, and Kristin Shea, who has led the law school financial aid office at Syracuse University for almost a decade as a part of a 20-year career in legal education.Nikki, Sydney, and Kristen talk about the changes to student loans and student loan caps resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (9:43), the changes to repayment plans (35:58), who those changes apply to (5:21), the differences between undergraduate financial aid/scholarships and law school financial aid/scholarships (20:52), understanding tuition vs. total cost of attendance and how that relates to scholarship reconsideration and student loan caps (24:17), possible ways schools could help fill the gap especially for students targeting public interest jobs (38:21), advice for those planning to work while in law school (41:00), why prospective law students should start thinking about financial aid earlier on in the admissions process than most do (30:47), and more.Barrier Breakers is a nonprofit that has worked with 7,000+ first-generation and other marginalized students on the college and law school application process. Sydney Montgomery, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant mother and military parents, was the first person from her high school to go to Princeton University and then later Harvard Law School. She has dedicated her life and career to supporting first-generation students and has a particular passion for financial aid. She is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and has been featured in Inc., Forbes, FastCompany, Medium, CNBC, and others. Kristin Shea is a higher education professional with twenty years of experience, including law school enrollment management, recruitment, and financial aid; alumni, donor, and employer relations; and marketing and communications. The last decade of her career has been dedicated to financial aid, and she is passionate about helping law students make smart, thoughtful financial plans for their education. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology and an MBA from Le Moyne College.We hope to do a follow-up episode in the spring with more information on how law schools are addressing these changes. We also encourage you to reach out to the financial aid offices of schools you're considering once admitted to learn about any programs they may offer and any assistance they can provide. As Kristin says in this episode, "The map may have some alternative directions, but you can still reach your destination, and there are many people who want to help." We have also linked a number of financial aid resources below.Federal Student Aid:FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid – 2026-27 FAFSA available noOne Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates | Federal Student AidRepaying Student Loans 101 | Federal Student AidWhat does cost of attendance (COA) mean? | Federal Student Aid AccessLex Institute Resources:Student Loan Calculator | AccessLexStudent Aid Policy and Action Center | AccessLexPaying for Law School | AccessLexGuide to Private Student Loans | AccessLexScholarship Databank | AccessLex – includes more than 800 law scholarship and writing competitions (totaling more than $3M).Free Credit Report:Annual Credit Report.com - Home PageEqual Justice Works – LRAP FAQImportant Questions to Ask About Any LRAP  - Equal Justice Works--You can listen and subscribe to Status Check with Spivey on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. You can read a full transcript (with timestamps) here.

Despite the government shutdown, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-27 school year has officially opened. With the issues that arose last year around the FASFA, including glitches and delays, there are a lot of questions about filling out the form. We spoke with FAFSA expert, Jack Wallace. To fill out FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Image Credit: Getty Images

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery share how the college helps every student — from high school dual-enrollment participants to returning adult learners — discover their purpose and achieve success. Ford highlights the vital role of the Student Success Center, where personalized guidance and support have transformed countless student journeys. He also celebrates the achievements of the college's award-winning Adult Education Department, which continues to help individuals earn their HiSET diplomas and take the next step toward their goals. Whether a student is fresh out of high school, navigating their way through their first or second year of college, or coming back after time away, Northeast is committed to helping everyone succeed. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

While high schoolers don't need to know exactly what they'll be doing with the rest of their lives, those students who make intentional, well-informed major choices before applying to college can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities–including specific awards based on intended major. Mike moderated a conversation with Dave Peterson and Lisa Marker-Robbins to explore Scholarships & Majors: How Clarity Can Unlock More College Aid. What are five things you will learn in this episode? If scholarships aren't just awards for past achievements, how should applicants shift their mindset when searching for scholarships? How can early career clarity help prevent missteps during the application process? How does intended major help shape a personal narrative that's compelling to scholarship committees? How early should teens tackle each of the essential components of college and scholarship applications? What are some popular majors and special scholarships associated with those majors? MEET OUR GUEST Dave Peterson, The Scholarship Coach, is the father of a rising college junior who, to date, has won over $80,000 in scholarships. Because of his son's success with scholarships, people started asking him for advice on how their children could win scholarships. These questions prompted Dave to write the book DEBT-FREE COLLEGE: Proven Strategies for Winning Scholarships and Other Tools to Help You Avoid Student Loan Debt.  Dave shares a new scholarship opportunity every day on his podcast and Substack called “Your Daily Scholarship.” He provides one-on-one coaching for students and families to help them find and win scholarships to achieve their debt-free college dreams. Dave previously appeared on this podcast in episode #496 to share 12 MUST-SEE SCHOLARSHIPS and #529 to explain HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE. Find Dave at dave@nodebtcollege.com. Lisa Marker Robbins is an entrepreneur in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion and purpose throughout her career has been to serve high school students and young adults on launching into their future. With that greater purpose, she has been a classroom teacher, 23 years ago started a test prep, tutoring and independent college counseling organization that has helped thousands, and in 2021, started Flourish Coaching to guide students and young adults through her 5-part framework towards getting career clarity for what comes after graduation. Lisa first appeared on episode #119 to discuss how HOW TEST PREP PROS AND FINANCIAL PLANNERS CAN WORK TOGETHER, in episode #227 to discuss STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE MAJOR ON TIME, in #363 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Launch College & Career Clarity Course., and, in #554, HOW COLLEGES ADMIT BY MAJOR. Find Lisa at https://flourishcoachingco.com. LINKS Scholarships for the 6 Most Competitive Majors "Do I Have To Fill Out the FAFSA?" RELATED EPISODES HOW IKIGAI CAN HELP TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE MAJOR UNLOCKING AUTOMATIC SCHOLARSHIPS WITH PSAT, SAT, & ACT SCORES FOUR SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk and Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening tackle one of the most stressful topics for parents: college planning.Tune in if you're interested in…• Learning how to plan for college without sacrificing retirement• Understanding how much to save and where to start• Navigating financial aid, student loans, and the FAFSA process• Talking to your kids about college costs and trade-offs• Building a college plan that fits your family's goals

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford for another episode of TigerTalk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College. In this episode, Dr. Ford recaps the major events that have shaped the first half of the semester and gives listeners an inside look at what's ahead for the remainder of the year. Dr. Ford also highlights one of the region's biggest annual traditions — the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships, now recognized as the largest marching band festival in the state, drawing more than 20,000 visitors to the Booneville campus each October. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to MEFA's Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They discuss how much easier filing the form has become, the steps you need to take to file, and how to ask questions if you do get stuck.

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College's Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how the Fall 2025 semester is shaping up at Northeast. Dr. Ford shares his thoughts on the behavior and spirit of Northeast students, the exciting lineup of end-of-semester events and provides important updates on ongoing and upcoming construction and campus improvement projects. The conversation also highlights the success of the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships, which has grown into the largest marching band festival in the state, drawing over 20,000 visitors to campus and the city of Booneville each October. Tune in for the latest on academics, athletics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges — Northeast Mississippi Community College.

Join host Justin McNamara and guest Julie Shields Rutyna from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEIFA), discussing the annual topic of paying for college. The conversation covers significant, recent changes to federal financial aid and loan landscapes, including the simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, new limits on Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans, and the reduction of repayment options to a new standard plan and a simpler repayment assistance plan. Additionally, the discussion addresses strategies for saving for education, highlighting the expanded eligible expenses and flexibility of 529 plans, as well as the benefits of the MEIFA-administered U plan (prepaid tuition plan). Justin McNamara, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner with passion for investment strategy and selection. He works with small businesses and owners, parents of college-bound kids, job changers, pre- and post-retirees. McNamara Financial is an independent, family-owned, fee-only investment management and financial planning firm, serving individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond for over 30 years. COME SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH A FIDUCIARY. http://mcnamarafinancial.com/

UW-System president Jay Rothman visits Green Bay Southwest High School to talk about the FAFSA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning for college involves important decisions, especially when it comes to financing and financial aid. In this episode, we discuss the FAFSA process with Matt Wallace, Vice President of Education & Career Pathways at Granite Edvance. We cover essential tips for completing the FAFSA, upcoming changes to streamline the filing process, and valuable resources for parents and students to ensure a smooth experience. Links: Access free resources, book one-on-one appointments, and find links to helpful tools and guides: Get Our Help - Granite Edvance Get in touch with Granite Edvance: Contact Us - Granite Edvance Book appointment: Calendly - Granite Edvance Explore various financial aid resources: Resource Library - Granite Edvance Check out Granite Edvance's YouTube Channel: Granite Edvance - YouTube Visiting studentaid.gov for official FAFSA forms and helpful wizards to determine dependency status and required contributors Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   **The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Granite Edvance. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and is believed to be materially accurate at the time of this recording; however, information presented is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Granite Edvance.  

Markets are having to digest a lot right now. There's the government shutdown, plus new private payroll data showing the economy lost jobs in September. Susan Schmidt, portfolio manager at Exchange Capital Resources, joins us to break it down. Also on the show: the FAFSA portal is open. We look at what's different with this year's federal student aid applications and how the government shutdown could impact the process. Then, Marketplace's Sabri Ben-Achour continues his conversation with Susan M. Collins, head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Markets are having to digest a lot right now. There's the government shutdown, plus new private payroll data showing the economy lost jobs in September. Susan Schmidt, portfolio manager at Exchange Capital Resources, joins us to break it down. Also on the show: the FAFSA portal is open. We look at what's different with this year's federal student aid applications and how the government shutdown could impact the process. Then, Marketplace's Sabri Ben-Achour continues his conversation with Susan M. Collins, head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford for another inspiring episode of TigerTalk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College. This week, Dr. Ford discusses how Northeast goes beyond the classroom -- preparing students not just for academic success, but for life. Hear how freshmen who arrive uncertain of their path leave Northeast with confidence, purpose, and the power to change the world. Plus, stay up to date with the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on how the government shutdown will affect the Education Department.

Today's episode features the release of the 2026/2027 FAFSA® and what you need to do to complete it.    ©2025 - DAS Financial Aid Consulting Services, LLC - All Rights Reserved

Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with MEFA's Julie Shields-Rutyna about tips for filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They also answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag about remarried parents filing the FAFSA. Jonathan then talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about the results of Fidelity and MEFA's recent College Savings & Student Debt Study.

Lance Roberts examines one of the most reliable technical analysis tools investors use to measure market risk: the Relative Strength Index (RSI). The RSI helps identify when markets are overbought, oversold, or diverging from price action. While RSI is not a perfect “buy or sell” signal, it is a powerful guardrail for risk management. History shows that overbought conditions can persist much longer than expected, but when momentum fades, corrections can arrive suddenly.

Lance Roberts examines one of the most reliable technical analysis tools investors use to measure market risk: the Relative Strength Index (RSI). The RSI helps identify when markets are overbought, oversold, or diverging from price action. While RSI is not a perfect “buy or sell” signal, it is a powerful guardrail for risk management. History shows that overbought conditions can persist much longer than expected, but when momentum fades, corrections can arrive suddenly.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for September 27th Publish Date: September 27th PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, September 27th and Happy Birthday to Meatloaf I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. It's Back — Magical Nights of Lights returns to Lanier Islands Magazine still rates Georgia No. 1 for business Three of Georgia’s top higher education institutions retain high rankings All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: It's Back — Magical Nights of Lights returns to Lanier Islands After a five-year break, one of Georgia’s most cherished holiday traditions is finally back. Lanier Islands Resort announced Thursday that Magical Nights of Lights will return for the 2025 holiday season, promising a reimagined experience that’s bigger, brighter, and, well, just plain magical. From Nov. 15 to Jan. 4, 2026, the lakeside resort will transform into a glowing wonderland. Picture this: miles of twinkling lights, animated displays, and Christmas carols playing through your car radio. Classic favorites like Candy Cane Lane and the 12 Days of Christmas are back, but there’s new fun too—Pickleball Elves, anyone? The tour ends with two festive stops: Holiday Headquarters (think mulled wine, s’mores, and axe throwing) and License to Chill Snow Island, complete with snow tubing and ice skating. Tickets start at $25 per car, and overnight guests get a free light tour. STORY 2: Magazine still rates Georgia No. 1 for business For the 12th year running, Georgia has snagged the top spot on Area Development Magazine’s list of best states for doing business. A dozen years—pretty impressive, right? The magazine pointed to affordable housing, reliable child care, and solid transportation as key reasons for the streak. Southern states dominated the rankings, with Georgia leading the pack, followed by South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. Gov. Brian Kemp credited the win to teamwork between state leaders and local communities, while the Georgia Chamber of Commerce called the state the “economic envy of the nation.” But the game is changing. Tax breaks and cheap land aren’t enough anymore. Companies are eyeing climate risks, water access, and long-term resilience. Georgia, the magazine noted, is already ahead in those areas. It’s not just about business—it’s about building a place where people want to live, work, and stay. STORY 3: Three of Georgia’s top higher education institutions retain high rankings Georgia’s top universities are holding their own in the 2026 U.S. News rankings, with all three—Georgia Tech, UGA, and Emory—landing in the top 100. Tech climbed to 32nd, tied with NYU and two California public schools. UGA stayed steady at 46th, sharing the spot with four others. Emory? Sitting pretty at 24th, right alongside Georgetown. The rankings factor in everything from graduation rates to faculty pay to post-grad earnings. And in specific fields? Georgia schools shine. Emory’s nursing program is second only to Duke. Tech’s environmental and industrial programs are No. 1, and UGA’s insurance program? Best in the nation. For in-state students, Tech and UGA are a steal at just over $10,000 a year. Out-of-state? Triple that. Emory, though, comes with a hefty $70,000 price tag. Worth it? Depends who you ask. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: CITY OF SUGAR HILL STORY 4: Police: Woman stabbed to death at home near Stone Mountain Gwinnett County police are investigating after a woman was fatally stabbed Thursday in what appears to be a domestic violence case. Officers responded to a call around 4:30 p.m. about a person down at a home on Deshong Drive, near the Gwinnett-DeKalb County line. Inside, they found a woman who had died from stab wounds. A female relative was detained elsewhere in Gwinnett, and detectives are questioning her. The victim’s name hasn’t been released yet, pending notification of her family. Anyone with information can contact detectives or Crime Stoppers for a possible cash reward. STORY 5: Housing Matters: Conversion of extended-stay hotel to affordable housing to begin soon A vacant Extended Stay America off Jimmy Carter Boulevard is getting a second life. Starting in December, it’ll be transformed into affordable housing for seniors, homeless youth, and young adults aging out of foster care. Gwinnett County and the Gwinnett Housing Corporation bought the property in February for $14.5 million, using funds from the Affordable Housing Development Fund and the American Rescue Plan. Units will be for single or double occupancy, with rents about $500 below market. Leasing starts in 2026. Break 3: STORY 6: Duluth Fall Festival returns this weekend The 42nd Duluth Fall Festival is back this weekend, and it’s pulling out all the stops—over 180 arts and crafts vendors, 40+ food booths, and nearly two dozen performers spread across two stages. It’s a lot. Festivities kick off Saturday at 10 a.m. with the parade, which some say is the biggest in Gwinnett. After that? The opening ceremony at the Festival Center Amphitheater, followed by nonstop entertainment on the Festival Center and Parsons Alley stages. Sunday starts early with the Donut Dash 5K at 8 a.m. and a church service at 10 a.m. Parking? It’s tight. Use the free shuttles from local schools. And leave the pets at home—it’s hot, crowded, and not ideal for furry friends. Proceeds go straight back into the community, funding everything from downtown beautification to nonprofits like Rainbow Village and Spectrum Autism Center. Details at duluthfallfestival.org. STORY 7: FAFSA application now open for current and future GGC students For Georgia Gwinnett College students, the road to scholarships, grants, and financial aid starts now—FAFSA for the 2026–2027 school year is officially open. FAFSA isn’t just a form; it’s the key to federal grants, work-study gigs, and loans. Plus, state and school aid programs use it to figure out who qualifies for what. The earlier you file, the better your chances of snagging the most aid. Need help? The Grizzly Welcome Center (Building D) is open weekdays to guide students through the process. Pro tip: File ASAP. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 5 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

College planning season is here — and the last quarter of 2025 brings critical deadlines for students and parents. Jonathan Penn and Sarah Buenger break down what you need to know about FAFSA, scholarships, and smart funding strategies for higher education.

College planning season is here — and the last quarter of 2025 brings critical deadlines for students and parents. Jonathan Penn and Sarah Buenger break down what you need to know about FAFSA, scholarships, and smart funding strategies for higher education.

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Learn how to prepare for a government shutdown and where to put $600 a month after building your emergency fund. What happens in a federal government shutdown? Where should you put $600/month after funding an emergency cushion? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the looming shutdown before answering a listener's question about where to allocate their extra income. They begin with senior news writer Anna Helhoski, breaking down how a lapse in government funding could affect benefits, travel, parks, mail, and taxes, and how to keep your own plan steady. Then, Elizabeth and Sean answer a listener's question about how to think about allocating $600/month. They discuss automating IRA/solo 401(k)/SEP IRA contributions, using diversified index or mutual funds and a taxable brokerage, balancing a home down payment with retirement via time horizons and DTI/credit score, and what to look for in funds. They also explore how habit-building and automation can help you grow retirement savings while still working toward a down payment. Get matched with a financial advisor for free: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/advisor-match-financial  Are you on track to save enough for retirement? Use NerdWallet's free calculator to check your progress, see how much retirement income you'll have and estimate how much more you should save: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/retirement-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Social Security during shutdown, TSA delays shutdown, Medicare during shutdown, Medicaid during shutdown, WIC benefits shutdown, IRS refund delays, FAFSA processing delay, federal employees furlough, furloughed vs essential workers, continuing resolution, national park closures shutdown, food safety inspections shutdown, EPA inspections shutdown, FDA inspections shutdown, NIH grants shutdown, unemployment benefits shutdown, debt-to-income ratio mortgage, mortgage approval process, credit score mortgage requirement, down payment savings strategy, closing costs when buying a home, emergency savings for home repairs, retirement calculator, 15 percent retirement savings rule, ETF vs mutual fund, S&P 500 index fund, expense ratio explained, index fund performance history, index fund tracking error, taxable brokerage account basics, diversification in investing, automate retirement contributions, solo 401k contribution limit, and SEP IRA contribution limit. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's new with financial aid? A lot. In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Jeff Levy, Co-Founder of Big J Educational Consulting, who's been an educational consultant since 2007. Hear the latest changes impacting financial aid, the key deadlines for the FAFSA application and CSS Profile, how common full ride scholarships actually are, things to keep in mind when saving for college as it relates to financial aid, and how to maximize your potential for merit aid. Check out Jeff's resources at BigJEducationalConsulting.com and connect with him on LinkedIn, and Subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford as they dive into what truly sets Northeast Mississippi Community College apart from other colleges and universities -- including four-year institutions. Ford shares how Northeast creates a close-knit, “family” atmosphere where everyone knows a person's name, values their story, and supports their success. From the low faculty-to-student ratio and engaging student events that make college life memorable, to the value of paying less than one-third the cost of a four-year institution while receiving the same -- or even better -- education, students and parents discover every day why Northeast is one of the nation's premier community colleges. Plus, stay up to date on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and campus life in each episode of TigerTalk.

Divorce makes college planning more complex. In this episode, Vicki explains the 2024 FAFSA changes, student loan rules, and how to find scholarships that actually make a difference. She also shares client stories where strategic planning saved families thousands—even hundreds of thousands—on college costs. What you'll learn Why the parent providing more financial support (not the custodial parent) now files the FAFSA  How CSS Profile schools may require financial info from both households Student loan basics: limits, subsidized vs. unsubsidized, and upcoming changes for parents Smart scholarship strategies—what to prioritize, what to skip, and how to avoid wasted effort The impact of remarriage on financial aid and why timing matters With the right strategy, you can lower college costs, protect your retirement, and reduce conflict during and after divorce. You don't have to figure this out alone.

This week on “Off The Cuff,” Melanie, Karen, and Hugh discuss several pertinent September deadlines impacting higher education. First, Hugh catches listeners up on where things stand with the annual appropriations cycle and how Congress is faring with the September 30 funding deadline. Then Karen explains how the upcoming negotiated rulemaking (NegReg) session could be impacted should there be a federal funding lapse, and goes on to talk about two institutional reporting deadlines for gainful employment (GE) and financial value transparency (FVT). Melanie then wraps things up, highlighting a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report with key takeaways concerning the FAFSA system.

In this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to explore how Northeast is putting the word “community” back into community college. From Booneville to the five-county service district of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties, Northeast continues to strengthen its role as a vital part of the region. Dr. Ford highlights the college's outreach efforts, its role in fostering workforce development through an educated labor force, and how that growth attracts new industries to northeast Mississippi. He also shares how Northeast supports families' hopes for a brighter future by equipping students with the education and skills they need to secure better-paying jobs. With its roots in community support and its ongoing mission to serve, Northeast remains committed to finding new ways to be a cornerstone in every community it touches. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2025, Latina Today Podcast and Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA have launched Rooted Leadership / Liderazgo Arraigado, an initiative dedicated to highlighting the narratives that inspire Latino-rooted leadership, accomplishments, legacies, and lived experiences from across the United States. In an inspiring interview, Lorena Mora-Mowry engages in a conversation with Mayra Camarena, a remarkable student who embodies the essence of rooted leadership. Mayra is currently enrolled at Gateway Community & Technical College, where she is pursuing a Nursing certificate. In addition to her academic pursuits, she works as a Patient Care Assistant at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Florence, Kentucky. During the interview, Mayra discusses her upbringing and cultural background, which have shaped her life. In 2020, she commenced her first semester in pre-medicine. Since no family member had previously pursued higher education, she was unfamiliar with scholarship opportunities and solely relied on FAFSA, securing a loan for the remaining expenses. Consequently, Mayra accumulated a debt of $50,000. Tragically, her single mother fell ill and was unable to continue working. In response to her mother's encouragement, Mayra resolved to resume her nursing studies in the fall of 2024, following a three-and-a-half-year hiatus. As the sole financial provider for her household, she must concurrently pursue full-time employment and academic commitments. Gradually, she aspires to acquire a nursing certificate while harboring aspirations of becoming a nurse practitioner, fulfilling her childhood aspiration of becoming a physician. As a member of the Latino community, Mayra advises, “Embrace your identity and heritage. Recognize the sacrifices made by others for your better life. Let this inspire your actions. Engage in activities that resonate with you, share your experiences, and educate others to the best of your abilities. Do not succumb to setbacks, as I did when I had to pause my life for a period. However, I believe that part of what it means to be Latino is to persevere and overcome challenges. Embrace your resilience and return stronger, allowing it to guide your future.” Mayra's narrative exemplifies the indomitable human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and pursue higher education. It also demonstrates the ability to adapt and make necessary adjustments in the face of challenges. Furthermore, it underscores the profound impact and support that parents can provide during our most arduous moments.

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This week on "Off The Cuff," Melanie is joined by Karen to catch listeners up on identity verification news, FAFSA beta updates, and a roadmap to the upcoming Negotiated Rulemaking (NegReg) sessions. The team kicks things off with a discussion on the Department of Education's (ED) new initiative concerning identity verification, and highlights some transition issues raised by NASFAA communities. Melanie and Karen then catch listeners up on the beta testing period for the 2026-27 FAFSA and discuss where things stand ahead of the now certified October 1 launch date of the form. The team then wraps things up with a discussion on the upcoming NegReg committees as well as the department's unified agenda.

S5:E23 College financial planning meets entrepreneurial reality. Brad Baldridge, host of Taming the High Cost of College, breaks down complex rules into simple moves any small business owner can use to lower net price and avoid bad loans. He sat down with Dr. LL to share some INCREDIBLE cost-savings tips that you, as a small business owner, can do if you have a child in college. KEY TAKEAWAYS [06:04] FAFSA rule change for businesses.Small businesses under 100 employees now must be reported as assets. Brad explains what has value (e.g., real estate) vs. low-value consultancies—and why outdated blog posts still say otherwise. Takeaway: get current, not cached, guidance. [08:01] Put your kids on payroll (the right way). Paying teens legitimately can lower parent income without hurting aid (up to ~$11k earned income). Takeaway: move from “cash for shifts” to payroll to help taxes + aid eligibility. [08:50] Create a tuition reimbursement plan. Even small firms can mirror big-company education benefits (with rules—talk to your tax pro). Takeaway: convert wages into structured, policy-based education support. [11:06] How to negotiate offers. It's not lawyer-vs-lawyer; it's “can you help us?”—often led by the student. Many private schools discount; appeals are strongest with documented changes (disaster, disability, divorce, business shock). Takeaway: ask, document, and appeal respectfully. [27:11] Plan early with look-back income. Aid uses prior-prior year taxes (e.g., Class of 2025 aid uses 2023 income). MAIN Takeaway: founders who can shift income should start in 9th–10th grade to optimize the right tax years. Bonus gems throughout: model multiple income scenarios (7:20–7:44), understand “merit vs. need” by school type (18:01–19:50), and compare net prices across acceptances before falling in love with a brand name (16:15–17:12).    Brad's site & podcast: Taming the High Cost of College

On this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery teams up with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how Northeast prepares its students for more than just graduation. The Booneville-based college ensures that students leave not only with a degree, but also with the real-world skills needed to thrive in the classroom, on the job, and in their personal lives. It's about more than academics—it's about shaping well-rounded individuals who are ready to succeed no matter what life throws their way. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

S5:E23 College financial planning meets entrepreneurial reality. Brad Baldridge, host of Taming the High Cost of College, breaks down complex rules into simple moves any small business owner can use to lower net price and avoid bad loans. He sat down with Dr. LL to share some INCREDIBLE cost-savings tips that you, as a small business owner, can do if you have a child in college. KEY TAKEAWAYS [06:04] FAFSA rule change for businesses.Small businesses under 100 employees now must be reported as assets. Brad explains what has value (e.g., real estate) vs. low-value consultancies—and why outdated blog posts still say otherwise. Takeaway: get current, not cached, guidance. [08:01] Put your kids on payroll (the right way). Paying teens legitimately can lower parent income without hurting aid (up to ~$11k earned income). Takeaway: move from “cash for shifts” to payroll to help taxes + aid eligibility. [08:50] Create a tuition reimbursement plan. Even small firms can mirror big-company education benefits (with rules—talk to your tax pro). Takeaway: convert wages into structured, policy-based education support. [11:06] How to negotiate offers. It's not lawyer-vs-lawyer; it's “can you help us?”—often led by the student. Many private schools discount; appeals are strongest with documented changes (disaster, disability, divorce, business shock). Takeaway: ask, document, and appeal respectfully. [27:11] Plan early with look-back income. Aid uses prior-prior year taxes (e.g., Class of 2025 aid uses 2023 income). MAIN Takeaway: founders who can shift income should start in 9th–10th grade to optimize the right tax years. Bonus gems throughout: model multiple income scenarios (7:20–7:44), understand “merit vs. need” by school type (18:01–19:50), and compare net prices across acceptances before falling in love with a brand name (16:15–17:12).    Brad's site & podcast: Taming the High Cost of College

EAB financial aid experts, Brett Schraeder and Kathy Ruby explore what's ahead as FAFSA 2026 updates roll out alongside sweeping changes from the Big Beautiful Bill. Their conversation covers the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, new limits on Parent PLUS, the introduction of Workforce Pell Grants, and a revamped repayment plan. They also share insights on how institutions can adapt their aid strategies and strengthen communication with students and families.

In this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery joins Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to highlight the many ways Northeast employees ensure student success—both inside the classroom and beyond. From Career and Technical faculty who build lifelong friendships and mentor students in their chosen fields, to instructors who keep their doors open during office hours for a quick question or even just a friendly “hey,” Northeast's commitment to personal connection shines through. The conversation also explores the vital role of the Student Success Center and Counseling Center, offering guidance and resources as students navigate academics and life's major transitions. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this episode you will hear:   (02:00) In the News   Vince joins Mark to discuss a NYT Article entitled, “Columbia and Brown Share Race and Admissions Data in Trump Deal”   Mark continues to share insights from an article that the Chronicle of Higher Education Ran Entitled, “The Money Problem No College Can Escape”   (38:18) Peg Keogh Interview-Missed Opportunities for the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE Part 5 of 5   §  More conversation about the CSS PROFILE     (58:26) College Spotlight Interview Part 3 of 4-Preview Dr. Ramon Blakley is the Asst Vice Provost of Enrollment at UT-Austin and Ramon and Mark have a robust discussion about Apply Texas, about whether Texas is considering Early Decision and about how Senate Bill 175 which is the bill that created UT's auto admission plan, how does it actually work, and how can out of state students stand out in a competitive applicant pool, and we talk about the type of student that excels at UT-   Recommended Resource-Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Send us a textThe transition from college to adulthood has dramatically transformed over recent decades, with financial independence, full-time employment, and independent living occurring much later for today's graduates than their 1980s counterparts. Yet despite these shifting timelines, Sallie Mae's latest research reveals that higher education continues to deliver tremendous value for Gen Z.According to Annat Shrabstein, Senior Director of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy at Sallie Mae, their "How America Succeeds After College 2025" report uncovers interesting insights about what success truly means for recent graduates. Research reveals a significant shift in how Gen Z defines post-college success, balancing financial health, mental wellbeing, and career satisfaction in a world where traditional adulthood milestones are happening later than ever. The data challenges common assumptions about higher education's value while highlighting critical opportunities to better prepare students for life after graduation.• Only 25% of 21-year-olds in 2021 were financially independent, compared to 42% in 1980• 90% of recent graduates report positive college experiences, with 70% believing education was worth the cost• 74% of grads who used student loans say they would have rather borrowed than not gone to college • Students who use career services are significantly more likely to find jobs in their field• 64% of graduates wish they had fully engaged in all their college had to offer• Having a mentor is the attribute most strongly associated with post-college success• Almost two-thirds of recent graduates are living with parents two years after collegeVisit salliemae.com to access college planning tools including Scholly Scholarship Search, Scout College Search, step-by-step FAFSA guides, and research reports. Email lisa@drlisahassler.com to share stories about what's working in your schools.

On this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss the power of recruitment events like NORTHEAST NOW and personalized campus visits. Discover how these experiences give high school students a firsthand look at college life and play a vital role in boosting enrollment—with over 88% of campus visitors ultimately choosing to become Tigers. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In light of the national student loan crisis, parents and students continue to struggle with college choice and financial aid to avoid an unaffordable student debt load upon graduation. I have dedicated several episodes to guests who help people with that. One balancing act parents go through is educating their children while still saving and investing for a comfortable retirement. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Certified Financial Planner Paul Compeau about how to do just that. In this episode you will learn: What happens when families pick a college without a solid financial plan What financial facts should parents know before the applications start Are high school guidance counsellors or the financial aid office of their top picks enough Why you should approach college planning like a CFO Should you always fill out the FAFSA

In this episode you will hear:   (01:55) In the News   Mark continues to share insights from an article that the Chronicle of Higher Education Ran Entitled, “The Money Problem No College Can Escape”   (14:22) Question from a listener Lisa and Lynda answer a question from an applicant who wants to know what a stealth applicant is?   (22:23) Peg Keogh Interview-Missed Opportunities for the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE Part 4 of 5   §  More conversation about the CSS PROFILE   (45:34) College Spotlight Interview Dr. Ramon Blakley is the Asst Vice Provost of Enrollment at UT-Austin and he will be helping us understand UT over the next four weeks Part 2 of 4-Preview   ²  More talk about internally transferring at UT ²  UT's expanded resume ²  Why UT releases its decisions in waves   Recommended Resource-Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode of TigerTalk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast president Dr. Ricky G. Ford for an inside look at the decision-making process that shapes the future of the college. Dr. Ford discusses the wide range of factors that must be weighed when making key choices—from balancing the needs of students, employees, and the institution to ensuring that every decision supports both today's learners and generations to come. He also shares how he leans on a trusted support system to gather information, perspectives, and insights that guide him toward sound, lasting outcomes. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this episode, Lisa and Jaime discuss:Understanding the role of impacted majors and prerequisitesThe critical importance of aligning majors with career goals earlyNavigating the complexities of college transfersFinancial planning and its impact on educational choicesKey Takeaways: Over one-third of undergraduates transfer colleges, and without early planning around majors, prerequisites, and credit alignment, they risk losing time, money, and progress.Students in impacted majors like Computer Science, Business, Nursing, and Engineering must complete strict, school-specific prerequisites, so they should map overlapping requirements across multiple target schools.While some parents fear transferring will hurt their job or graduate school prospects, employers usually see only the final degree, and graduate programs value applicants who can explain a well-reasoned shift.Before committing to a college—whether first-time or transfer—use FAFSA estimators to gauge real costs, research transfer scholarships, and compare prerequisite overlaps to avoid financial strain and lost credits.“Most employers aren't looking for whole transcripts to see your collection of credits. They're just looking for the final outcome.” – Jaime SmithAbout Jaime Smith: Jaime Smith is a Certified Educational Planner specializing in college transfer, online learning, homeschooling, and supporting neurodiverse learners. A longtime transfer student advocate, she earned a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice from the University of North Georgia with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students in 2023. She holds a BA in Linguistics from UC Berkeley, an MA in TESOL, an MSEd in eLearning, and a certificate in College Counseling.Founder and CEO of Online G3—an independent online program for gifted and twice-exceptional K–12 students—Jaime continues to teach English. A California native now in Oregon, she lives with her husband and pet bunny. Her daughter, a former homeschooler turned transfer student, is now in grad school.Episode References:#140 Avoiding the Pitfalls of College Transfers with Jaime SmithThe Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard and Rick ClarkEnter to win a free copy of The Complete Guide to College Transfer at flourishcoachingco.com/transfer through August 31.Order The Complete Guide to College Transfer on Amazon starting August 26 to get the full roadmap for navigating college transfersExplore school-by-school data on competitive and impacted majors at flourishcoachingco.com/majors to make smarter application choices.Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corneConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this Ask Farnoosh episode, Farnoosh kicks things off with a personal story tied to her recent TODAY Show appearance, where she talked about “finance-proofing” your relationship. Reflecting on her own early money talks with husband Tim (over margaritas at their favorite tequila bar), she lays out the keys to financial transparency in couples — from shared goals to individual autonomy.Next, Farnoosh unpacks several top money headlines:Tariff Rebate Checks? A proposed bill would send $600 checks to Americans, redistributing billions in collected tariff revenue. Supporters call it a timely relief, while critics question whether it's a sustainable solution.Housing Market Reset: As pandemic-era price surges deflate in places like Austin, buyers may finally have leverage — but high mortgage rates remain a hurdle.AI and the Return of In-Person Job Interviews: Companies like Google are bringing back face-to-face interviews to combat AI cheating in virtual screenings.The Tooth Fairy's Budget Cuts: Delta Dental reports a 14% drop in the average payout for lost teeth — a sign of tighter household budgets.In the mailbag, Farnoosh answers three timely listener questions:How to Prep for a Recession and a Weak Dollar: Farnoosh recommends beefing up emergency savings, diversifying investments, considering inflation hedges like TIPS or gold, and reducing high-interest debt. Flexibility is key.Juggling a Mortgage and Child Care Costs: She reframes child care as a career investment, suggests alternatives like nanny shares or Dependent Care FSAs, and advises delaying large home upgrades until expenses ease.Will My Teen's Job Hurt Financial Aid?: Unlikely, says Farnoosh. The FAFSA allows students to earn about $7,600 before aid is impacted. Still, she warns that assets in a teen's name can carry more weight than income.Farnoosh closes with a reminder that applications for her mentorship program close this Sunday — an opportunity for listeners looking to build a sustainable, personal brand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode you will hear:   (04:08) In the News   Vince and Mark discuss a August 6th article that ran in the Stanford Daily, Stanford's newspaper about how Stanford will continue supporting legacy admissions, despite the California law that passed to outlaw it.   (33:00) Peg Keogh Interview-Missed Opportunities for the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE Part 3 of 5 o     Peg talks about the changes from the old FAFSA to the new FAFSA o     We transition to talk about some CSS PROFILE specific missed opportunities o     Peg talks about questions that you do not have to answer on the Profile o     Peg talks about the special circumstances' situation o     Peg shares her three commandments when filling out these forms o     I share a few stories from my life experience that relate to the point Peg is making o     Peg explains how much flexibility colleges have when interpreting and applying the data from the Profile compared to the FAFSA o     Peg talks about why there are more Pell grant recipients now o     Peg talks about some Profile specific mistakes students make; we start with a conversation on home equity o     Peg talks about not oversharing when you complete the Profile o     Peg gives an example of a question that you don't need to answer o     Peg talks about the flexibility and subjectivity colleges look at when they interpret a Profile o     Peg talks about how she advises colleges students to handle the special circumstances section o     Peg talks about the projected income question and she shares how she advises families to handle this question       (01:04:35) College Spotlight Interview Dr. Ramon Blakley is the Asst Vice Provost of Enrollment at UT-Austin and he will be helping us understand UT over the next four weeks Part 1-Preview v  In this segment we talk about which colleges UT competes with for students v  We talk about how UT admits by major v  We talk about the process of how trying to do an internal transfer from one major to another works at UT   (02:50) Recommended Resource   Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

In this episode you will hear:   (01:47) In the News  Hillary and Mark discuss how being likeable impacts whether a student is admitted or not when their admission file is read  Link to the YCBK listener survey:   (16:17) Peg Keogh Interview-Missed Opportunities for the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE Part 2 of 5 o     Mark and Peg continue to discuss about six more missed opportunities that are common on both FAFSA and the PROFILE, missing out here can cost you thousands or even tens of thousands a year o     Peg lets us know how common it is for the family to erroneously list a grandparent on the Profile or FAFSA o     Peg explains the difference between FAFSA and the PROFILE o     Peg discusses properly representing your secondary properties o     Peg discusses representing the value of your business o     Peg gives her advice about when to submit these forms o     Peg discusses what she means by “a first come first come school” o     Peg discusses the confusion over school year o     Peg discusses the confusion over the student and the parent in terms of whose FAFSA or Profile is it o     Peg discusses demographic details o     Peg discusses FAFSA-specific missed opportunities, including some new ones now that the FAFSA has been revamped o     Peg discussed the confusion over primary home equity o     Peg discussed divorced, separated and never marrieds and how the FAFSA policy has changed with the New FAFSA o     I share a very real scenario I encountered last year to show just how complicated things can get with divorced, separated and never married families     (39:26) College Spotlight Interview Greg Zaiser-VP of Enrollment at Elon University-Understanding Elon University 2 of 2 Part 2-Preview v  Greg talks about the Elon endowment v  Greg talks about the performing arts program at Elon v  Great talks about some exceptional Elon programs that fly under the radar, but the faculty and the results are outstanding for these majors v  Greg talks about the 3 programs that Elon is best known nationally for v  Greg talks about how all of Elon's programs are open to all students v  Greg talks about the accelerated pathways programs Elon offers and he talks about how they are growing at Elon v  Greg shares what Elon needs to work on being an even better school v  Greg talks about Elon's low tuition, low tuition discount model v  Greg talks about Elon's strategic plan v  Greg talks about the five areas in the country where Elon has a regional staff member v  Greg goes on the hotseat in the lightning round v  Greg shares what he learned from visiting colleges with his two sons v  Greg shares a hilarious story about his son Luke    (26:54) Recommended Resource-College UnMazed, is offering free 90-day digital access to their entire bookshelf to institutions. and CBO's, to get your free access, contact Dr. Amanda Sterk at info@collegeunmazed.com     Guide to help first year students complete the Common Application-     Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Is your grocery bill beefier than your sandwich? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug unpack inflation in a way that only we can—by biting into Len Penzo's Annual Sandwich Survey. Yes, prices are up, and yes, you can still eat well without triggering a credit card crisis. But it's not just meat and mustard on today's menu. We're also serving a fresh look at 401(k) “leakage”—that drip-drip-drip of hardship withdrawals that's turning your retirement plan into a leaky faucet. You'll get pro-level insight on how to patch those holes before your future income soaks the floor. And if you're paying for (or dreading paying for) college, Christine from the Stacker community, who works in higher ed, joins to offer sharp and timely advice on keeping costs in check—from completing the FAFSA to finding overlooked aid. Len Penzo's Sandwich Index Which sandwiches give you the most delicious bang for your inflation-adjusted buck? (Spoiler: bologna stages a quiet comeback.) 401(k) Trouble Brewing Hardship withdrawals are on the rise. Why it matters, how to avoid them, and what better options exist when life throws you a cash crisis. Tracking Expenses Like a Pro Joe, OG, and Doug explore the subtle ways inflation seeps into your budget—and how paying attention to where your money leaks gives you power back. Higher Ed, Lower Bills Stacker Christine breaks down must-know tips on navigating skyrocketing tuition, including a FAFSA pep talk that could save you thousands. Tuna vs. Roast Beef: The Sandwich Showdown Plus: Is the BLT still king? Can the humble tuna salad hold its ground against the mighty Big Mac? And where does salami fit into the sandwich power rankings? Trivia, Movie Talk, and Park City Tales No Stacking Benjamins episode is complete without a detour or three—from Doug's trivia trap to stories from the road and screen. Takeaway for Stackers: In high-cost times, it's the small wins—like swapping in store brands, packing a lunch, or tracking that budget leak—that give you the edge. And while it's tempting to ignore those tiny cracks in your retirement plan or daily spending, you're much better off fixing them before the flood. Want to brag about your favorite money-saving sandwich? Drop into the Basement Facebook group and share it—bonus points if it doesn't involve bologna. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/len-penzo-2025-annual-sandwich-survey-1717 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices