College funding looks different for every household. Some parents want to save toward a specific target, some want to have something available without overcommitting, and others are trying to balance multiple children’s college planning with retirement, housing, and everyday life.
Today, I’m joined by Eric and Kaylee Roberge, co-hosts of the Money for Life podcast and leaders at Beyond Your Hammock, a Boston-based wealth management firm. They bring both a financial planning and parent perspective to the conversation, along with two very different college experiences: Eric attended a small private business school in New England, while Kaylee chose an in-state university in Georgia.
Together, we talk about college savings, tuition costs, financial aid, student loans, campus life, and the tradeoffs families face when planning for college. Their stories are a good reminder that the right college decision has to account for both the numbers and the student’s actual experience.
College Planning Has to Balance Money, Fit, and Family Expectations
Families often bring their own college experiences into the planning process. Some expect their child to follow a similar path, some want to avoid student loans, and others are simply trying to save what they can before the bills arrive. That’s why the conversation needs to start before senior year. A 529 plan, scholarships, in-state tuition, private college tuition, and other saving strategies can all play a role, but the right plan depends on what the family can afford and what they are actually willing to pay.
Starting early gives families more room to compare options clearly instead of making decisions under pressure. For parents, the takeaway is to stay honest about the money while still giving the student a voice, especially when planning for more than one child.
Personal College Experiences Shape How Families Think About Cost
The way parents and students think about paying for college is often shaped by their own experiences with affordability, campus life, scholarships, and debt.
(00:04:01) Choosing Babson College for soccer
(00:07:35) Choosing Kennesaw State for college
(00:11:02) College friendships and challenges
(00:18:53) Starting college during high school
(00:22:25) Discussing college savings strategies
(00:25:49) Discussing family savings goals
(00:29:09) Discussing client engagement styles
(00:31:52) Letting kids guide college choices
(00:33:31) Choosing the right college environment
(00:36:55) Intentional success in academics
Better College Decisions Start with Honest Conversations
For families, the larger lesson is that college funding and college fit need to be considered together. A school may look great on paper, but the total cost, available aid, student loans, campus environment, and family expectations all affect whether it is the right choice.
The earlier families begin talking about college expenses, saving strategies, and what they are willing to pay for, the easier it becomes to make clear decisions later. The goal is not to control the student’s entire path, but to give them a framework where they can make a smart decision with both opportunity and affordability in mind.
About Jack Wang
Jack Wang is a college planning specialist, wealth advisor, and host of the Smart College Buyer podcast. His college planning expertise has been featured by Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, Business Insider, and U.S. News. He regularly visits college campuses and collaborates with admissions and financial aid professionals to help families make informed decisions about paying for college.
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
About Eric and Kaylee Roberge:
Eric Roberge, CFP® is the founder of Beyond Your Hammock, a wealth management firm helping professionals in their 30s and 40s use money as a tool to design a life they love now and in the future. Eric’s unique planning style provides his clients with custom strategies and an organized framework within which they make smart money decisions and build more wealth, and delivers financial advice in a way that honors their goals and values without interfering with their busy lives, thriving careers, and growing families. Eric has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Marketwatch, and Entrepreneur Magazine, and has been named to InvestmentNews’ 40 Under 40 list as well as Investopedia’s Top 100 Most Influential Advisors. He is a regular columnist for Business Insider, Forbes, and Kiplinger.
Kali Roberge is the Chief Operations Officer at Beyond Your Hammock, a financial planning and investment firm based in Boston. After starting her career as a financial writer and researcher, she shifted into BYH’s advisory practice to work more closely with high-earning couples with demanding careers, helping them organize their finances and grow their money strategically and with intention. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Kiplinger and more; she has guided BYH to multiple industry awards; and she currently co-hosts the podcast Money For Life.
Connect with Eric and Kaylee:
Beyond Your Hammock: https://beyondyourhammock.com
Request a complimentary consultation with BYH here: https://beyondyourhammock.com/schedule
Follow Eric on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ericroberge
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.