Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
The Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast is designed to explore the financial and emotional issues of life's second half. From paying for college to dealing with aging parents, empty nesting, navigating careers, dealing with taxes, and getting ready for retirement, we share experiences, ideas, and a platform to celebrate what we believe is one of the most exciting periods of your life.
Registered Representative of Sanctuary Securities Inc. and Investment Advisor Representative of Sanctuary Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member. SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisor, LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. PrairieFire Wealth Planning is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.
Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
How To Lower College Costs (Without Cutting Corners)
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In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, financial advisor Will Schroeder shifts from fears to action - sharing practical strategies families can use to reduce the cost of college and make smarter financial decisions.
While there’s no magic solution to make college free, Will breaks down real, actionable ways to lower expenses - from maximizing scholarship opportunities to exploring alternative education paths. Drawing from his own experience, he highlights common mistakes students make (and how to avoid them), while offering insights that can save families thousands over time.
You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the college planning software Prairie Fire Wealth Planning uses to help families estimate true costs, uncover financial aid opportunities, and identify potential funding gaps - so you can plan with clarity instead of guesswork.
If you’re looking for practical ways to make college more affordable, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using today.
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https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/
Episode Topics Covered
- Why Scholarships Matter More Than You Think
- A Costly Mistake: Not Taking Scholarship Applications Seriously
- Tip #1: Apply for Every Scholarship Opportunity
- Tip #2: How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer
- When Appealing Financial Aid Can Make a Big Difference
- Tip #3: Lower-Cost College Pathways (Community College & 3-Year Degrees)
- How Community College Can Cut Costs Significantly
- Accelerating Graduation with a 3-Year Degree Path
- Earning College Credits in High School to Save Money
- Tip #4: Saving on Textbooks and Education Materials
- Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses on Course Materials
- Inside the College Cost Planning Software
- How to Estimate the True Cost of Different Schools
- Understanding Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships
- Identifying Your College Funding Gap
- Comparing High-Cost vs. Lower-Cost School Options
- How Academic Performance Impacts Scholarship Opportunities
- Planning How to Cover the Remaining Cost of College
- Key Takeaways from Empty Nest Full Pockets
- Why Community College Can Be a Strategic Financial Decision
I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being part of our podcast journey. If you haven’t already, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating the college planning process.
Let’s stay connected:
🌐 Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/
📧 Email: info@pfwplanning.com
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I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!
I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:
Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/
Email: info@pfwplanning.com
Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM
