College tuition has turned into a shock test for even high-income families, and the worst part is how quietly it can derail retirement. We sit down as three dads who have lived the tuition bills and we get brutally practical about what college really costs all-in, why the sticker price is a terrible planning number, and how families end up making $100,000 decisions with almost no transparency.

We walk through the data driving today’s student loan debt crisis, then shift to what you can actually do about it. That includes starting early, picking the right savings approach (including how a 529 plan fits and where it doesn’t), and learning the financial aid and admissions system the same way you’d learn taxes or insurance. We also talk about merit-based aid versus need-based aid, common myths around “we make too much to get help,” and why you should treat award letters like something you can review, compare, and sometimes even appeal.

Finally, we put a clean ROI framework on the table: if borrowing is required, total student debt should stay at or below the graduate’s anticipated first-year salary. Pair that with choosing the right school for the right value and you can avoid overpaying for a degree that doesn’t pay you back. If you’re a parent of a middle schooler, high schooler, or a student heading into applications, this is a must-listen for college planning, FAFSA strategy, scholarships, and protecting retirement.

Subscribe for more straight talk on money, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review if it helps. What’s the biggest question you have about paying for college right now?

Sources:
https://educationdata.org/student-loan-debt-statistics

https://www.iciglobal.org/research/stats/529s/529s_25_g4

https://www.ici.org/topics/529-plans

https://nast.org/wp-content/uploads/cspn-529-factsheet-march2025-1.pdf

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Disclosure: Information contained in this podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and should not be considered as financial advice. Financial Planning and Advisory Services are offered through Prosperity Capital Advisors (“PCA”), an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Keystone Financial Group and PCA are separate, non- affiliated entities. PCA does not provide tax or legal advice.