Smart College Buyer

As college admissions become increasingly competitive, I see more families wonder what actually helps students stand out beyond strong grades and test scores. In this episode, I sit down with Elton Lin, CEO and founder...

College planning isn’t just about getting in or figuring out how to pay—it’s about understanding the long-term financial impact on your entire family. In this conversation, I sit down with financial professional and...

If you’re trying to navigate the FAFSA, the most important thing to understand is that this is a formula—not a strategy game. There aren’t shortcuts or “tricks” that dramatically change your financial aid outcome. What...

College meal plans seem simple—but they’re one of the most overlooked areas where families waste money. In this conversation, I sit down with nutrition and personal finance expert Reyna Gobel to break down how meal...

Paying for college has become less about finding one perfect solution and more about understanding how different pieces fit together. Federal direct loans, parent PLUS loans, payment plans, savings, and private loans...

GPA is one of the most talked-about numbers in college admissions—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with independent educational consultant Nancy Steenson to break down what that...

College planning is full of well-meaning advice — but not all of it actually helps families make better financial decisions. In this episode, I break down some of the most common statements families hear from financial...

College scholarships often get treated like a lottery — something students try once during senior year and hope for the best. But the reality is very different. In this episode, I talk with scholarship expert Carlynn...

Big promises grab attention — especially when it comes to college costs. In this episode, I break down the eye-catching claims about dramatically lowering your Student Aid Index (SAI) and explain what’s actually...

College planning isn’t just about applications and tuition — it’s also about identity, independence, and how families change when kids grow up. In this episode, I sit down with Manhattan-based therapist Jake Hart to...

Paying for college has never been more confusing—or more expensive. In this special live episode of the Smart College Buyer podcast, recorded at FinCon 2025 in Portland, Jack Wang and Robert Farrington, founder of The...

Paying for college starts long before tuition bills arrive—and it requires more than just financial aid forms. In this live episode of the Smart College Buyer podcast, recorded at FinCon 25 in Portland, Oregon, we dive...

For divorced parents of college-bound students...I’ve been there, done that, the participation medal is on my wall. Financial aid eligibility is NOT based on your divorce agreement, which parent claims the child on...

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...

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...