Saving on the Cost of College with Brad Baldridge

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

#203: Learn to save on the cost for college. Chris and college funding expert Brad Baldridge discuss common mistakes, leveraging 529 plans and tax benefits, types of financial aid, creative tactics to maximize savings, and much more.

Brad Baldridge, founder of Baldridge College Solutions and Taming the High Cost of College, is a Certified Financial Planner® who has helped hundreds of families plan and pay for college, their retirement, and more.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/saving-money-on-college-brad-baldridge

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Resources Mentioned

Brad Baldridge: Website | Newsletter

• Free Scholarship Guide for Busy Parents
• Free Financial Aid Calculator
• 529 Plan Investment Options: A Quick Guide for Parents
• 7 Quick Tips for FAFSA Season
• The Best Student Loan Options for 2024-25
• 3 Last-Minute Strategies to Save on College Costs

CSS Profile: Everything You Need to Know to Complete the CSS Profile

Wealthfront: 529 Plan

Rakuten ($40 for new members)

Credit Cards:

• Rise Student Card
• Robinhood Gold Card
• U.S. Bank Smartly Card

Gift of College Gift Cards

CardPointers Pro (50% off here)

ATH Podcast:

• Membership
• Chris' Newsletter
• Email us for questions, tips, deals and feedback

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:08) Biggest Mistakes People Make When Planning to Pay for College

(03:18) Early Stage Planning vs. Late Stage Planning

(05:56) Tax Benefits & Advantages for College Savings

(16:40) How Your Assets Impact/Doesn’t Impact Need-Based Financial Aid

(18:01) Recent Big Change On The FAFSA

(22:41) What Is The CSS Profile?

(27:31) The Different Types of Financial Aid

(30:24) How to Plan for Scholarships

(35:50) Transferring from A Local Community College to A Competitive College

(37:49) Saving Strategies for Families with Higher Income

(42:57) Ways to Utilize Student Loans

(48:13) Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

(50:36) Brad’s Final Takeaway

(51:57) How Much Money Can Families Save on College Costs?

(52:36) Where to Find Brad & His Services

(53:16) Utilizing Credit Cards for College Tuition

(55:08) How to Maximize Gift of College Gift Cards

(1:03:35) Brad’s Disclosure

Connect with Chris

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