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Smart College Buyer

Smart College Buyer

著者： 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. 個人ファイナンス 経済学
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  • When Grandparents Want to Contribute to College Costs | Ep 21

    When Grandparents Want to Contribute to College Costs | Ep 21
    2025/12/11

    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 cover tuition each semester, or are they planning on covering the student loan payments?

    Each option comes with its own student aid eligibility impact, tax repercussions, and, perhaps, familial obligations.

    In today’s episode, I break down the real impact of grandparent gifts on college affordability, from 529 accounts to direct tuition payments—even post-graduation support. It’s not as simple as just writing a check, and the way you approach it can make a huge difference. The smartest families plan ahead, understand gift taxes, financial aid formulas, and keep the family peace.

    Making Grandparent Contributions Most Effective for College Planning

    (00:06:16) Grandparents' College Funding Impact

    (00:08:49) Family Dynamics and Grandkids' Gifts

    (00:12:22) Estate Planning for College Costs

    (00:16:28) Complexities of Funding College

    (00:17:44) Grandparent Contributions Impact College Choices

    Financial Aid and Taxes: What Grandparent College Support Really Means

    While it’s generous and amazing when grandparents want to chip in for college, the mechanics of when and how they help—before, during, or after college—can impact your family’s financial aid, tax situation, and even family harmony.

    Key Considerations:

    • Financial Aid Formulas: Depending on whether your student’s colleges use FAFSA or the CSS Profile, gifts from grandparents could affect financial aid eligibility differently. FAFSA-only schools no longer treat these gifts as student income, but CSS Profile schools may still count the gift as untaxed income.
    • Asset Ownership: If grandparents own a 529 college savings account, it’s generally not reported as an asset by the student’s family on aid forms, but withdrawals might still affect aid depending on the formula.
    • Gift Tax Limits & Strategies: There are annual limits (currently $19,000 per giver, per recipient) for gifts, but special rules let grandparents “superfund” a 529 account with up to five years’ worth at once. Direct payment of college tuition to the school is also unlimited and gift-tax exempt.
    • Family Dynamics: It’s worth thinking about fairness and expectations among all the grandkids—sometimes a blessing leads to tricky family conversations.

    Creative Ways Grandparents Can Pitch In:

    1. Before College: Open and fund a 529 account, possibly utilizing the superfunding rule for estate planning.
    2. During College: Pay the college directly to take advantage of gift tax exclusions.
    3. After College: Help pay back student loans, cosign loans, or adjust estate plans to benefit grandkids in the future.

    Being strategic pays off! The simple act of gifting funds for education can carry complex and far-reaching consequences. Always consider your family's full financial and emotional landscape—and dive deeper before making decisions.

    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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    22 分
  • How to Find Your Teen's Career Fit Before College and Avoid Costly Mistakes | EP 20

    How to Find Your Teen's Career Fit Before College and Avoid Costly Mistakes | EP 20
    2025/11/27

    What if your teen could confidently KNOW the right career path before they ever enroll in their first college class?

    What if your teen could focus and do well in class because they actually enjoy and are “wired for” those particular subjects?

    Well, they can! Today you get to meet my friend and special guest, Jay Dusold, the creator of the Life After 12th Program, who’s dedicated his career to guiding young people toward meaningful, fulfilling work—rather than just following the crowd or guessing their way through college.

    Ending the Guesswork: How Career Guidance Saves Time, Money, and Stress

    If you’re like me, you might have struggled with career direction yourself, or watched your own child navigate the overwhelming maze of majors and college choices. In this conversation, Jay Dusold and I discuss why so many students end up switching majors, spending extra years in college, or landing in jobs they don’t actually enjoy. We break down how understanding a student’s unique “career DNA” can make all the difference—helping families redirect their time and money toward options that truly fit.

    We’ll also tackle some common misconceptions parents have about college, share stories from Jay Dusold’s coaching practice, and offer practical ways to help your student gain clarity—and confidence—before making these big decisions.

    Navigating College Majors: A Smarter Approach to Career Planning for Students

    College is one of the biggest investments your family will make, but too often, teens enter school without a clear career direction—leaving a trail of wasted time, money, and stress.

    “57% of college students take six years to complete a traditional four-year degree and 72% graduate and get a job unrelated to their earned major.” - Jay Dusold

    Luckily, you have the power to ensure your teen doesn’t become one of those statistics by identifying a “verifiable career fit.” Here’s what else you’ll learn:

    (00:04:51) Finding Purpose After Uncertainty

    (00:08:54) Navigating College Majors

    (00:12:37) Rethinking College and Career Paths

    (00:19:21) Verifiable Fit Drives Success

    (00:24:19) Job Insights: 4 Key Lenses

    (00:29:44) College Value & Success Stories

    (00:32:28) Michael's Inspiring Career Pivot

    (00:34:29) Time, Passion, and Purpose

    Whether your child’s dream career requires a degree or not, clear planning and purpose can transform the college journey. Don’t spend six figures hoping things work out—get intentional, and let’s help the next generation thrive!

    Follow Jay Dusold:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydusold/

    Website: https://lifeafter12th.com/

    Life After 12th Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/lifeafter12th/

    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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    36 分
  • College Planning, Financial Aid Myths & Admission Strategies: Reverse Interview for the Financial Planning Association of New England | EP 19

    College Planning, Financial Aid Myths & Admission Strategies: Reverse Interview for the Financial Planning Association of New England | EP 19
    2025/11/13
    Facing the looming cost of college? You’re not alone—countless families struggle to crack the code on paying for higher education without jeopardizing their financial future. In this special episode, you get to hear me (your host, Jack Wang) being interviewed by Kathleen Keneally and Michael Connaughton on the Wicked Pissah Podcast to share actionable strategies and bust common myths about college funding for the Financial Planning Association of New England. Real Talk on College Costs, Financial Aid & Admissions Tips During this episode, I was speaking to my fellow financial advisors in an effort to help them navigate this complicated life stage their clients may be facing. However, much of the information shared, is also VERY helpful to families and parents with kids approaching college. Here are a few key takeaways families and advisors can use to navigate this complex process: The College Financial "Game" Is Winnable, If You're Willing To Change Your Mindset Many parents approach college planning with outdated strategies—timelines haven’t changed much since they were students. Rethinking the process early, including financial planning before applications go out, makes a huge difference! Emotion Drives Almost Every Decision (But the Math Still Matters) Planning isn’t just about crunching numbers—95% of the work is managing expectations, navigating emotions, and aligning family values. Parents need to get on the same page and have candid conversations before involving their college-bound kids. Flexibility Beats Rigidity in Saving and Paying for College Maximizing options—like balancing 529 plans for college with flexible accounts supporting retirement—helps families avoid tough tradeoffs. Creativity (think hiring your kids in your business or using smart tax strategies!) can unlock significant funding opportunities. Whether you’re a parent, financial advisor, or student, the best results come from approaching college funding intentionally—not leaving anything to luck. Maximizing College Financial Aid & Admissions – Expert’s Perspective (00:08:14) Rethinking College Admissions Strategy (00:10:01) Financial Aid Misconceptions (00:14:52) Ivy League Pressure and Reality (00:18:06) College Costs Misconceptions Explained (00:23:47) College Savings vs. Retirement Priority (00:32:57) Parent Approaches to College Funding (00:39:15) High School Financial Aid Planning (00:42:41) Tax-Smart College Funding Strategies (00:48:29) Financial Aid vs Tax Codes Financial Aid, College Admissions, & Parent Strategies Thinking about college for your kids? In this episode, we broke down what families really need to know about paying for college today—and why following outdated advice can lead to costly mistakes. We covered common misconceptions, how financial aid actually works, and creative strategies to find scholarships and manage costs. Don’t wait until senior year—smart planning starts early, aligns with your family’s goals, and puts you in a position to win the college game without drowning in debt. "The very first mention of anything financially related is fall senior year when you got to fill out the FAFSA soon, right? Whereas parents really need to think about that a lot earlier in the process because it has an impact on aid." - Jack Wang (00:09:12) Got a high schooler in your house? Forward this to your partner or a friend who’s facing the college money crunch! And if your financial planner needs a primer on college planning, send them my way way—I'm always happy to collaborate and educate! Follow the Wicked Pissah Podcast & hosts: Kathleen Kenealy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenkenealy/ Michael Connaughton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-p-connaughton-cfp%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-5601535/ The full Wicked Pissah Podcast episode can be found here: Wicked Pissah Podcast: #255 - Navigating Egos and Emotions During the College Planning Process – With Jack Wang Connect with your 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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    53 分
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