Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

Shellee Howard
  • 5.0 (11)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. This year's College Ready seniors earned over 17 million dollars in scholarships and grants! The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can’t afford to not tune in!

  1. 2d ago

    How to Protect Your College Investment From the Unexpected — with John Fees

    College planning usually focuses on admissions, scholarships, housing, and tuition. But there’s another question families should be asking: What happens to the money we’ve invested if something unexpected prevents our student from finishing the semester? In this episode of Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?, Shellee Howard sits down with John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard, to discuss some of the financial risks families may overlook when sending a student to college. John explains why he helped create GradGuard and how tuition insurance can provide protection when a student has to withdraw for a covered reason. He and Shellee also discuss the realities students can face once they’re living independently—from illness and mental health challenges to stolen belongings, dorm damage, accidents, and other unexpected disruptions. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why families should understand a college’s tuition refund policy before the semester begins How an unexpected withdrawal can create a significant financial loss How tuition insurance may help when a student must leave school for a covered medical or mental health reason Why John believes mental and physical health should be treated with equal importance What parents should know about renters insurance for students living on campus Why FERPA and other important documents deserve attention when a student turns 18 How families can check for potential duplicate health insurance charges Why it may be worth contacting your auto insurer when your student leaves for college How travel insurance can factor into planning when a student attends college far from home Why financial preparedness is part of helping students successfully navigate college life Shellee and John also share an important reminder: preparing for unexpected situations isn’t about creating more fear around sending a student to college. It’s about understanding the risks, asking better questions, and knowing what protections are available before you need them. The takeaway: College is too significant an investment to understand the financial risks only after something goes wrong. Before your student starts the semester, learn the school’s refund policies, review your family’s existing insurance coverage, understand what you would be responsible for financially, and determine whether additional protection makes sense for your family. 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    How to Protect Your College Investment From the Unexpected — with John Fees

  2. Aug 6

    Can Buying a Condo Save You Thousands on College? | Kathi Jesse Explains

    In this episode, you'll learn: Why college housing is often one of the largest out-of-pocket expenses for families How buying a property near your student's college may help build equity instead of paying rent The benefits of FHA "Kitty Condo" loans and low down payment financing options How 1031 exchanges can help families preserve and grow their real estate investments Potential tax advantages of owning student housing Whether a condo or single-family home makes the best investment for college students What to do if your student changes schools—or decides not to attend college How real estate can become part of a long-term family wealth strategy Questions parents should ask before investing in college housing College planning considerations that can help families minimize debt and maximize financial flexibility 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    Can Buying a Condo Save You Thousands on College? | Kathi Jesse Explains

  3. Jul 31

    How AI Is Changing College Majors and Careers: What Every Parent Should Know | Kevin Zhu

    Why AI is advancing faster than most people realize The truth about choosing a college major today Which careers may be most vulnerable to AI Why human skills matter more than ever How students can become future-ready The importance of AI literacy for every family Opportunities for students interested in AI research 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    How AI Is Changing College Majors and Careers: What Every Parent Should Know | Kevin Zhu

  4. Jul 17

    The 3 Questions Every Parent Should Help Their Teen Answer Before College | Featuring James McLamb

    In This Episode, You'll Learn: The three questions every teen should be able to answer before leaving for college Why anxiety, peer pressure, and loneliness are often symptoms of deeper issues How to start meaningful conversations with your teen—without making them feel interrogated Why identity, belonging, and purpose are essential for long-term success How parents can reconnect with their teen, even if they feel like they've missed opportunities in the past Ways to help high-achieving students avoid burnout while staying motivated Why college readiness is really about preparing students for adulthood Whether your teen is in middle school, high school, or getting ready to head off to college, this conversation will give you practical tools to build a stronger connection and help them develop the confidence and resilience they'll need for the future. 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    The 3 Questions Every Parent Should Help Their Teen Answer Before College | Featuring James McLamb

  5. Jul 16

    Helping Your Teen Stand Out for College Through Purpose & Impact | Featuring Aishani Sheth

    In This Episode, You'll Learn: • Why meaningful experiences matter more than résumé-building • How students can develop leadership and problem-solving skills before college • What admissions officers value beyond GPA and test scores • Why purpose-driven projects create stronger college essays and interviews • How students gain mentorship from professionals at companies like Google, Bain, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and Deloitte • The future-ready skills every student needs in an AI-driven world • What parents can do to help their teen find direction without adding more pressure 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    Helping Your Teen Stand Out for College Through Purpose & Impact | Featuring Aishani Sheth

  6. Jul 3

    From Robotics to Cornell: A Father-Son Blueprint for College Success with Aarav & Ritesh Kumar

    In this episode, we discuss: Aarav's path from a passion for robotics to Cornell Engineering Building a college application around authentic interests instead of trying to impress admissions officers How parents can support their students while encouraging independence The importance of essays, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service Why starting the college planning process early creates more opportunities and reduces stress How organization and mentorship can simplify the admissions process Lessons Aarav wishes he had known before his senior year Advice from both Aarav and Ritesh for families preparing for college admissions 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    From Robotics to Cornell: A Father-Son Blueprint for College Success with Aarav & Ritesh Kumar

  7. Jul 2

    The Hidden College Credit Strategy That Could Save Your Family Thousands with Josh See

    Why college planning should begin long before senior year The difference between AP, CLEP, and dual enrollment How students can earn college credit before graduation The hidden college credit program that's been around for over 50 years How to avoid mistakes that could impact scholarships and financial aid Why researching college credit transfer policies is essential How earning early college credit can build confidence and reduce college costs 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    The Hidden College Credit Strategy That Could Save Your Family Thousands with Josh See

  8. Jun 25

    The Truth About Financial Aid: Why Some Families Pay Less for College Than You Think with Jack Wang

    In this episode, you'll learn: • Why financial aid isn't based solely on income • The difference between being accepted and being wanted by a college • Why some families earning six figures still qualify for aid • Common FAFSA misconceptions that cost families money • How colleges determine scholarship and aid offers • When a financial aid appeal makes sense • Why every family should complete the FAFSA • How to think strategically about student loans • The importance of understanding your Student Aid Index (SAI) • How to avoid costly college planning mistakes 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact   🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes?   📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook   🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email or call Shellee@collegereadyplan.com (949)235-7350

    The Truth About Financial Aid: Why Some Families Pay Less for College Than You Think with Jack Wang
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. This year's College Ready seniors earned over 17 million dollars in scholarships and grants! The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can’t afford to not tune in!

Information

  • Creator
    Shellee Howard
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022- Shellee Howard/Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?
  • Show Website
    Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

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