I'm off to Wisconsin for the weekend. That's a WIN. My daughter's in-laws are hosting her first baby shower. That's a HUGE WIN! I will meet a LinkedIn connection on the way. Another win! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Is this the most important podcast I've ever done? I didn’t know you could save tens of thousands of dollars on college just by rejecting the first aid offer and appealing it. After this conversation with Kelly O’Connor, I do. And it changed how I see the whole system. Here are the biggest insights that every parent should know: • Colleges are businesses. Tuition is a small slice of their total revenue. They invest in the right students. • Ignore the sticker price. Target schools where your student is above average. That is where leverage lives. • Expect a low first offer. It is normal. Do not accept it at face value. • Appeal the offer. The appeal should come from the student, be kind and specific, and go to the Director of Financial Aid. Yes, this works. • Know the numbers. EFC was renamed Student Aid Index. The label changed. The math got bigger. Understand your SAI before you negotiate. • Use data to your advantage. Research average need met and average merit at each school. If they usually meet a large share of need, ask them to meet it for you. • Package the student. Leadership, service, targeted essays that match what that school values. Be the student they want to “buy.” • Follow directions exactly. If a school asks for two recommendation letters, send two. Not one. Not four. Please listen to this conversation with Kelly O’Connor. If you are a parent, you need this for your kid!!!!! Free resource Kelly mentioned: My Financial Caffeine Webinar. It unlocks his College Money Academy content at no cost. Tell them Ben sent you.https://wealth.financialcaffeine.com/ Lastly, drop your biggest question below and I’ll get Kelly a list of community questions for a follow-up.

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I'm noticed more folks are moving to Substack and curious about your thoughts... I just launched my Substack and my first essay: Beyond Heritage Months: Afro-Latinas stand again Xenophobia https://substack.com/@coachdoram