In this candid episode of Beyond Budgets®, host Deb Meyer shares her perspective as both a financial planner and a mom of a high school junior navigating the complex world of college prep. You'll hear:

• [0:00:03] Behind-the-scenes insights from Florida college tours
  (University of Florida, Florida State University, and UCF)
  
  

• [0:04:50] Key admissions guidance from a local high school teacher, including the real impact of essays and extracurriculars
  

• [0:07:15] Early Action vs. Early Decision – what they mean and why deadlines matter
  

• [0:08:30] Ivy League book shoutout: Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni

• [0:11:20] Affordability vs. Prestige – how to help your teen build a balanced college list

• [0:18:00] AICE, AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment – comparing academic pathways in high school

• [0:19:00] Florida Bright Futures Scholarships – eligibility, requirements, and cost savings

Whether your child is in middle school or already a junior or senior, Deb breaks down what to prioritize, how to keep expectations in check, and how to prepare without sacrificing your retirement or overwhelming your teen.

• Episode 5: Understanding College Financial Aid with Joe Messinger
  
  

• Episode 33: College Funding Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know with Ann Garcia
  
  

• Episode 55: How Dual Enrollment Saved This Family $60K in College Costs with Shelly Branine

Know a fellow parent navigating college prep? Forward this episode! Sharing Deb's real-world insights could be the spark another family needs to start their own college conversations.

Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values.

Download your FREE guide | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz

"My daughters went to prom, played sports, were in student council, and still finished college before high school ended." – Shelley Branine

Wondering how your family can save tens of thousands of dollars? Then you don't want to miss this special episode with Shelley Branine, mom of two and author of the upcoming book Finish College in High School.

Shelley shares her family's incredible journey using dual enrollment to help both her daughters graduate college debt-free. Listen in if you have a middle school or high school student and are feeling overwhelmed by rising college tuition rates. Shelley offers hard-won wisdom, sharing alternatives to the traditional 4-year college path.

• (03:46) Why her "average" kids thrived (and why yours might, too)

• (06:10) What dual enrollment is, and how it differs from AP and IB programs

• (12:10) Common myths about scholarships and why they're so competitive

• (16:05) How to explore dual enrollment options in your state, even for private school students or those with learning differences

• (20:23) The real risks of student loans and why Shelley's family avoided them

Website | Instagram | Shelley's Book, Finish College in High School

Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values.

Download your FREE guide | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz

"Small, incremental steps will always get you further than a giant leap, especially when they're rooted in your values." – Deb Meyer

As we turn the page into a new year, goal setting becomes more than just a buzzword. It's a tool for transformation. In Episode 54, host Deb Meyer dives deep into how parents can set intentional goals that actually stick.

Learn why small, sustainable habits beat massive overhauls, how to identify and overcome limiting beliefs, and how to create SMART goals that align with your family's core values. Whether you're aiming to save more, invest wisely, or improve your health, this episode provides a simple roadmap to start strong in 2026. Get practical steps, faith-filled encouragement, and real-life strategies to help you lead your family with clarity and purpose in the year ahead.

• [0:00:37] Deb's personal journey: Weight gain, body image, and making a change
  
  

• [0:07:30] Applying those same goal-setting principles to saving money
  
  

• [0:11:00] Should you work with a financial planner or coach?
  
  

• [0:15:30] A unique goal-setting exercise: writing your future self a letter
  
  

• [0:20:00]How to handle setbacks, redefine your "why," and pivot your plan

• Books: Finish by Jon Acuff and Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt

• Nourish App: https://www.usenourish.com – Dietitian support app

• XY Planning Network for fee-only, fiduciary CFP® professionals

• NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors): https://www.napfa.org

• Compass Catholic Financial Coaching: https://compasscatholic.org

If you're looking for a faith-aligned, fiduciary financial planner for your family, Deb has availability in the new year. Click here to book a free, initial consultation.

Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values.

Download your FREE guide | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz