College costs are rising, leaving families stretched and students with long-term debt. In this episode of Escape The Clock, I talk with Rebecca Irey, founder of Blue Skye Financial, about practical strategies to plan smarter, reduce stress, and make college more affordable.

We cover 529 plans, scholarships, community college, and involving kids in the process to help families cover costs without sacrificing financial freedom. Whether your child is years from college or already applying, this episode gives actionable steps to avoid the college debt trap.

Key Talking Points:

• The Rising Price Tag – Why tuition and student debt threaten both family finances and future freedom.
• Funding Smarter – Leveraging 529 plans, FAFSA, and grants to reduce reliance on loans.
• Alternative Pathways – Community college, scholarships, insurance plans, and employer programs that cut costs without cutting quality.
• Shared Responsibility – How involving kids in the process reduces stress and builds financial awareness.
• Practical Steps – Actionable strategies families can take now to make higher education more affordable.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References & Resources:

• Tuition at public universities has risen 180% over the past 20 years – College Board
• Outstanding U.S. student loan debt exceeds $1.7 trillion – Federal Reserve
• More than $3 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed in 2023 – National College Attainment Network
• Nearly 40% of students attend community college at some point – National Center for Education Statistics

Connect with Rebecca:

• On the Web: www.blueskyefinancial.com
• Instagram: @blueskye_financial
• LinkedIn: Blue Skye Business
• Facebook: Blue Skye Financial

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

In this episode, Cosmos Dar joins us to explore aligning financial decisions with values, from ESG investing and systemic barriers to practical strategies for overcoming biases and taking control of your money.

Key Talking Points:

• The ESG Wave – Why environmental, social, and governance investing is growing rapidly.
• Values vs. Reality – The gap between ethical intentions and financial behavior.
• Systemic Barriers – How predatory lending and structural inequities impact financial freedom.
• Psychology of Money – Understanding cognitive biases and how self-efficacy can empower better financial decisions.
• Taking Action – Practical steps to integrate ethical choices into their financial plans, even within imperfect systems.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References & Resources:

• Stats on ESG, sustainable investing, and values-aligned choices – Broadridge, Morgan Stanley, Small Business Trends
• 56% of Americans stop buying unethical brands – Mintel
• Ethical banks ROE 5.23% – Fondazione Finanza Etica
• 68% of investors unsure how to invest with values – NerdWallet
• Predatory lending costs $25B annually – MagnifyMoney

Connect with Cosmos:

• On the Web: cosmosdar.com
• Podcast: Extraordinary America

Subscribe, review, share, or support via www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Lane Kawaoka, two-time bestselling author of The Wealth Elevator and seasoned real estate investor, joins me to share how his framework helps everyday people build passive income through real estate. We talk about getting started with that very first investment, scaling from active to passive income, and the steps needed to protect and preserve wealth for the long term.

Key Talking Points:

• The Wealth Elevator: A framework for moving step by step toward financial freedom.
• From active to passive: Turning rental income into lasting cash flow.
• Scaling up: Why syndications open the door to bigger opportunities.
• The Penthouse: Knowing when you’re ready to replace your 9-to-5 with passive income.
• Building legacy: Protecting wealth and creating generational impact.

www.EscapeTheClock.com Resources:

• The Book
• The Planner
• 1:1 Help
• Other Resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter

Episode References & Resources:

• 59% of Americans can't cover a $1,000 emergency expense - CBS News
• Over 70% of millionaires own real estate - LuxWisp
• 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation; 90% by the third - Preserve Yours

Connect with Lane:

• On the Web: thewealthelevator.com
• Join the Club: thewealthelevator.com/club
• Events & Networking: thewealthelevator.com/events
• YouTube: Lane Kawaoka

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform
• Leave a rating & review
• Share this episode with others
• Support me by picking up the book for yourself or a loved one at: www.escapetheclock.com/book

Thank you for listening!

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.