College Planning, The Plan Wisely Way
Planning for college can feel overwhelming. With tuition costs rising and financial aid rules changing, it’s easy to feel stuck. And the truth is, the college planning conversation starts well before senior year. With the right approach, you can navigate this journey with clarity—confidently planning your child’s education without compromising your broader financial goals.
What’s the Wisest Way for Your Family to Plan for College? Strategic College Planning, the Plan Wisely Way
Understanding how college costs fit into your broader financial picture can make all the difference. With the right approach, it’s possible to make informed, confident decisions that align with your long-term goals.
With the right strategy, you can:
Understand the True Cost: Get a clear view of what college will actually cost in your situation—and set realistic goals to prepare for it.
Use Smart Savings Strategies: Choose from options like 529 plans, UGMA/UTMA accounts, and more—based on your goals, values, and timeline.
Plan Tax-Efficiently: Explore ways to minimize the tax impact of saving and paying for college.
Balance Priorities: Prepare for college without losing sight of your retirement or other long-term goals.
Unlock Expert Insights: Your College Planning Resource Hub.
Ready to take control of your college funding journey? Access our curated collection of valuable resources designed to empower you with the knowledge you need.
College Planning with John Hupalo from MyCollegeCorner.com
College Loans and Financial Aid with John Hupalo
Paying for college is tricky! Filling out the FAFSA, applying for loans, trying for scholarships… and then, debt. The process is anxiety inducing and sometimes ambiguous – but that doesn’t mean it has to be! Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC, are joined by John Hupalo, CEO and founder of My […]
College Financing: Mastering FASFA, 529s & Essential Planning Tips with John Hupalo
FAFSA? EFC? SAI? What does all this mean? College planning is complicated and overwhelming for both the student and the parent. There should be an easy button to plan for college. In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, has a candid discussion with John Hupalo (4-time guest on the show) […]
Episode 78: Navigating FAFSA with John Hupalo
In this episode of the “Stuff About Money” podcast, host Erik Garcia, CFP®, CHFC®, BFA®, welcomes back his good friend John Hupalo from mycollegecorner to discuss college financing. This is part one of their conversation, where they tackle FAFSA season and share insights, tips, and a few laughs about the sometimes overwhelming process of financial […]
Education Planning Resources
Unraveling the Mysteries of College Financing
When it comes to college financing, the maze of financial aid, FAFSA forms, student loans, and 529 plans can be overwhelming. But understanding these complexities is key to unlocking a brighter future. This guide empowers you to navigate this process with confidence, maximize your financial aid options, and make informed decisions about your education. Understanding […]
Saving and Planning for Your Child’s College
Saving and Planning for Your Child’s College College is CRAZY expensive. As a parent, where do you start planning for your child’s Higher Ed? There is so much competing for money. How much should you be saving? Should you prioritize college savings over retirement or paying off debt? How much should I take out in […]
Your College Planning Resource Hub
Looking for clarity? Start here. We’ve curated a library of podcasts and tools to help you:
Listen and Learn
Explore our podcast episodes on college funding strategies, savings accounts, scholarships, and real-world stories from families navigating college costs.
College Planning with John Hupalo:
Helpful Links:
These external links are resources we’ve found useful, but Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors does not control their content or guarantee their accuracy. Please review each site to determine whether it fits your specific needs.
Answers to Your Big Questions
Here are a few common questions we help clients think through:
Yes. Even if eligibility for need-based aid seems unlikely, completing the FAFSA is often required to access merit-based aid and institutional scholarships.
Saving in accounts like a parent-owned 529 plan generally has minimal impact on financial aid. A thoughtful savings approach can reduce the need for student loans.
It’s important to prioritize long-term financial security. While there are many ways to fund college, retirement typically offers fewer backup options.
The answer depends on timing, available assets, and ongoing cash flow. It’s useful to compare the trade-offs between asset liquidation, education loans, and paying from income.
Want to Talk Through Your Options?
Every family’s financial situation is unique. If you're looking to fund college without sacrificing retirement or want to make the most of your savings, a personalized financial conversation can help.
Schedule time to explore how college planning fits into your overall financial picture—and build a plan that works for your whole family.