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Smart College Buyer

Smart College Buyer

Written by: Jack Wang
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 Strategic guidance to the college admissions and college financial aid process for students and families curious about funding higher education. By planning ahead, understanding what the admissions offices at your target universities are looking for, and familiarizing yourself with the financial aid process, you can streamline the college experience and avoid any last-minute surprises that could impact your ability to pay for college. No more wondering “How am I going to pay for college?” From scholarships to grants to loans, and the options at each school across the US, knowing your options and how to access them can help you focus on getting the best college education in your desired field rather than worrying about mounting college expenses. Jack Wang is your guide to financial aid strategies, selecting the best school for your interests, and creating an affordable plan for your family, maximizing the experience for all involved. Don’t get caught playing checkers while the universities are playing chess! Listen here every-other-week as we break down the essential steps and strategies around college financial aid and admissions.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • The Smartest Budgeting Strategy to Combat Rising College Costs and Student Loan Payments | EP 24

    The Smartest Budgeting Strategy to Combat Rising College Costs and Student Loan Payments | EP 24
    Jan 22 2026
    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 into college budgeting, zero-based budgeting, student loan payments, and intentional spending to help families prepare for rising college costs with confidence. (00:03:47) Zero-Based Budgeting Explained (00:07:27) Intentional Financial Planning Tips (00:11:33) Spend According to Your Values (00:15:49) Priorities Revealed Through Spending (00:18:51) Spending Habits and Lifestyle Choices (00:21:36) Budgeting Takes Effort, Not Automation With student loan repayment rules tightening, higher borrowing limits shrinking, and everyday expenses quietly draining cash flow, families need a clearer plan. This conversation breaks down how values-based budgeting, expense tracking, and proactive planning can help families reduce financial stress, manage college tuition, and avoid overwhelming debt—without sacrificing real life along the way. Why Budgeting Matters More Than Ever for College Families Rising tuition, changing loan repayment plans, and everyday spending habits all collide during the college planning years. In this episode, we explore how families can: Prepare for higher student loan payments Create realistic college savings strategies Adjust household budgets as college approaches Reduce financial stress through intentional spending Make behavior changes that actually stick Rather than relying on hope or last-minute fixes, this episode focuses on building a repeatable budgeting system that supports both college goals and family life. Top 3 Takeaways for Families Planning Ahead Zero-Based Budgeting Changes the Game Zero-based budgeting helps families give every dollar a job—aligning spending with priorities instead of reacting to bills. It’s not about restriction; it’s about clarity, control, and confidence. Awareness Leads to Real Savings Many families overspend in everyday categories like takeout, subscriptions, travel, and online shopping without realizing it. Simply tracking and allocating spending intentionally can free up hundreds of dollars each month. A Plan Beats an App Budgeting apps are tools—but consistency is what drives results. Regular check-ins, intentional planning, and accountability matter far more than software alone. A Mindset Shift That Reduces Financial Stress "Once you have it down, you can kind of rest easy a little bit and say I have a plan. If I just stick to my plan, I'm going to be okay. To me that's a huge point because couples are often like stressed or fighting about finances. But like you don't do that if you have a plan together, right. Because you kind of pre negotiated what you're going to do and that way you don't just stress or fight about it throughout the month." — Zach Whelchel How to Plan for College with Intentional Budget Choices The path to college doesn’t have to be paved with anxiety or excessive debt. Families who plan early, understand their cash flow, and align spending with their values can approach college costs with far more confidence. Whether you’re navigating college admissions, managing household budgets, or preparing for new student loan payments, this episode reinforces one key truth: a clear plan creates freedom. Start budgeting with intention now, and you’ll be far better prepared for whatever college brings. Follow Zach Whelchel: https://www.mybudgetcoach.com/coaches/zach-whelchel https://www.facebook.com/zach.whelchel/ Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ *be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.
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    27 mins
  • Navigating Divorce and Financial Aid Forms for College-Bound Families | EP 23

    Navigating Divorce and Financial Aid Forms for College-Bound Families | EP 23
    Jan 8 2026

    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 taxes, or who makes more money. BOTH divorced parents must submit financial info—even if you haven’t spoken in years.

    Today’s episode answers the top questions divorced parents have about the college admissions and college financial aid application process like:

    • Which parent files the FAFSA?
    • Are step-parents' finances considered in aid calculations?
    • What happens if one parent refuses to fill out their part of the financial aid application?
    • What if the divorce isn’t finalized yet?

    College Financial Aid for Divorced Families Made Simple

    Navigating college costs is stressful enough, but when parents are divorced or separated, questions about who files the forms, how child support and custody are factored, and which parent's finances count can add even more confusion to the mix.

    (00:01:05) College Payment Responsibility Explained

    (00:05:11) Divorce and CSS Profile Explained

    (00:09:34) Non-Custodial CSS Form Rules

    (00:11:08) Financial Aid Form Misconceptions

    (00:16:02) FAFSA Custodial Parent Guidelines

    (00:18:37) FAFSA Rules on Stepparents

    (00:20:21) Divorce Impact on Financial Aid

    (00:27:07) Intentional Support Offered

    Debunking Common Myths About Divorce and College Financial Aid

    In this episode, I'm breaking down the latest rules around FAFSA and CSS Profile, revealing persistent misconceptions about income, custody, and tax claims, and offering clear explanations about which parent’s details colleges really care about. You'll learn what “majority financial support” means, how the specifics of your family situation influence aid eligibility, and what happens if one parent doesn’t cooperate with the required paperwork.

    Here are 3 key takeaways for divorced families with students getting ready for college:

    It’s NOT About the Divorce Agreement or Taxes: Colleges don’t base financial aid on custody arrangements listed in your divorce agreement or which parent claims the student on taxes. Don’t let those common misconceptions trip you up.

    Financial Support Determines the Filing Parent (for FAFSA): The FAFSA now looks at which parent provides the majority of financial support—not just where the student lives—when deciding who needs to file. This means things like child support, alimony, and the ability to maintain a household matter more than you might expect.

    Both Parents May Need to Complete the CSS Profile: Most CSS Profile schools require forms from both the custodial and non-custodial parent—even if there’s minimal or no contact, as long as support is being paid. Refusal to complete required forms typically results in an incomplete application and loss of aid eligibility.

    Whether you’re in the thick of the divorce process or just want to plan ahead, this episode gives you the framework you need to approach college financial aid with clarity and confidence—so you can focus on supporting your student’s future.

    Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/

    *be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello!

    Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com

    The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.

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    27 mins
  • Balancing College, Retirement, and Real-life Financial Goals | EP 22

    Balancing College, Retirement, and Real-life Financial Goals | EP 22
    Dec 25 2025
    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 why today’s episode introduces you to Brenton Harrison, the host of the New Money, New Problems podcast. Building a College Plan That Won’t Derail Retirement Brenton is a fellow financial advisor who’s also well-versed in the tax and student loan impacts of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, so we took the opportunity to explore strategies that families can use to balance college expenses without derailing other financial goals. Here are 3 Key Takeaways every college-bound family should know: Have Honest Conversations Early Transparent talks about your college funding strategy—what you can afford, what you’re willing to spend, and what colleges expect—set the stage for stronger decisions. As Brent Harrison said, “Nothing you do financially happens in a vacuum.” Private school choices, savings vehicles, and retirement planning are all interwoven. Know the Impacts of New Student Loan Legislation Major changes in legislation in 2025 mean repayment options for federal loans—including Parent Plus—are shifting dramatically. Deadlines are approaching (July 1, 2026 & July 1, 2028) after which fewer repayment plans and forgiveness paths will be available. Families must understand the rules and plan ahead—those who act early have more options. Prioritize Flexibility in Savings College isn’t just about 529 plans anymore. Sometimes focusing on liquidity and a wider mix of non-retirement investments gives families more options later—especially if you’re balancing college against other needs like retirement and real estate. Smart Strategies for Affording College in 2026 and Beyond (00:06:16) Big Bill Act Reshapes Tax Planning (00:07:32) Tax Strategies and Loopholes to Explore (00:13:20) Student Loan Policy Changes After 2026 (00:15:55) Financial Choices and Education Impact (00:18:56) Financial Prep for College (00:25:56) Reduce Student Loans While Pregnant (00:29:54) Honest Conversations on Education Costs (00:31:20) Student Loans: Strategy and Balance From Tax Planning to Tuition: Maximizing Your Family’s Financial Success If worrying about tuition, student loans, or how to pay for college without sacrificing your retirement has kept you up at night, listen in to learn some creative ways to save (aside from the 529) and some even more creative ways people have funded their kids’ college tuition. “Nothing that you do financially happens in a vacuum. Anything you do in one area is going to impact another.” – Brent Harrison Many parents think, “I’ll put the kids in private K-12, then cobble together college costs.” But draining your savings means less for retirement and fewer education dollars saved. Similarly, hoping and wishing your teen will get a “full ride” isn’t a plan. When it comes to paying for college, the key is understanding how each financial choice connects to your broader goals—whether that means planning for retirement, managing student loans, or staying current on changes in tax laws. Many families benefit from honest conversations about what’s possible and proactive planning to keep their options open. Taking the time to learn, ask questions, and involve the right professionals can help make the journey less stressful and more rewarding for everyone involved. Follow Brenton Harrison: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentonharrison/ Website: https://www.newmoneynewproblems.com/ New Money New Problems Podcast: https://www.newmoneynewproblems.com/podcast Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ *be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.
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    34 mins
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