Thinking Ahead: Discovering the Truth about Careers, College, and Finance

Rinaldo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

A podcast for ALL who have questions about "adulting" in mind, with a focus on planning and paying for college, keeping your finances straight, and finding a career that not only satisfies your wallet, but your soul.  I by no means have it all together myself which is why I research and interview, so I can get the best information (or as close to it) as possible. I frequently drop links and useful reads in the show notes, so be sure to check those out.  Thank you for stopping by, and keep Thinking Ahead!

  1. 4d ago

    5 Levels of Wealth (Episode 27)

    We’d all like to have more money… but how much is enough?  And while there’s definitely a point of too little money, is there a point of too much money? Today we discuss what I call the 5 levels of wealth, figure out where most of us stand, and what we can do to move up the wealth ladder.  I am joined by Conrad Williams, Retirement, Investment, and Insurance Advisor Sources: www.MyAgentConrad.com    772-677-1881 “Mind Over Money” Authors- Brad and Ted Klontz: https://www.yourmentalwealth.com/ Just for Fun- "Scrooge and Money": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9d8l-Gkweg Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

  2. Aug 25 ·  Bonus

    Wisdom of the Past - 01 (The Crow and the Pitcher)

    In this first mini-episode, I read one of Aesop’s fables, The Crow and The Pitcher, which has a valuable lesson about effort.  #fables #morals #wisdom Sources: The Crow and the Pitcher: https://www.read.gov/aesop/012.html "Fantasy Adventure Quest" Music by Alex Morgan from Pixabay Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

    Wisdom of the Past - 01 (The Crow and the Pitcher)

  3. Aug 16

    Lessons Learned from Student Loans

    Can anything good come from college loans? The short answer: not really. The deeper answer: It depends. Some educations end up giving boons, while some debts only grow deeper.   However, I’ve decided to take those lemons, sort ‘em out, and sell them to the Coca Cola Corporation for that lemony zest flavor in Sprite.  In other words, here are some lessons that I’ve learned, and am still learning, thanks (and no thanks) to my student loans.  #LifeLessons #ItsAHardKnockLife #StudentDebt #StudentLoans   “LoFi Ambiental Music For Study” Music by DailyJourney2023 from Pixabay “We Were So Young | Lo-fi Music” Music by Kontraa from Pixabay “Sakura” Music by FASSounds from Pixabay  “Melodic Type Beat” Music by Tunetank from Pixabay Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

  4. Jul 28

    College Alternative: Apprenticeships (Mikey S Interview)

    When you hear the word “apprentice” you probably think of a Victorian English blacksmith assistant that would make any proponent of Child Labor Laws cringe… or you’re thinking of Mickey Mouse wearing a magician’s hat and creating a mess.  I’m hear to tell you that apprenticeships are alive and well, and not only do they pay and train you on the job, but it can lead to a satisfying career. Today I interview a professional who went through both the college and an apprenticeship, and why an apprenticeship might be the right career path for you. #Apprenticeship #WizardHatNotIncluded   “LoFi Ambiental Music For Study” Music by DailyJourney2023 from Pixabay “We Were So Young | Lo-fi Music” Music by Kontraa from Pixabay “Sakura” Music by FASSounds from Pixabay  “Melodic Type Beat” Music by Tunetank from Pixabay   Sources: https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/apprenticeship-programs/ (Specifically Florida) https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ https://tradeschooldudes.com/apprenticeships-vs-college-lifetime-earnings-comparison/ https://www.ajactraining.org/programs/youth/internship-or-apprenticeship/ (Specifically for Washington State) Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

    College Alternative: Apprenticeships (Mikey S Interview)

  5. Jun 16

    What If I'm Not Happy? (Episode 24)

    You have the degree. You have the job. The struggle of getting to this point is over.  So why aren’t you happy? In this episode, I delve into my personal thoughts and experience over why reaching a finish line doesn’t mean you’re finished, and the mindset shift you can focus on instead.  #HappinessIsNotAFishYouCanCatch #LifeIsAProcess Helpful Materials:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/purpose/202407/why-is-happiness-so-elusive https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindfulness-insights/202503/the-overlooked-and-misunderstood-arrival-fallacy Music by NEST-BEATZ Official from Pixabay Music by Aliabbas Abasov from Pixabay Music by OctoSound from Pixabay Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

  6. May 30

    Is Grad School Worth It? (Episode 23)

    So you’ve finally got you’re undergraduate degree! You’ve taken off the pull-ups because Mommy WOW, you’re a big kid now! But wait, there’s the possibility of going further. Pushing your degree to the next level. Maybe even taking it TERMINAL (or the highest degree based on the latin terminus which means “the end”)! But is that necessary? Today, let’s dive into some of the reasons you should and should NOT attend graduate school.  WORKSHEET: Future Vision #GraduateStudies #MyGodLookAtTheSizeOfThatDebt   Sources: https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/credential-options/registered-radiologist-assistant https://www.gradschoolcenter.com/grad-schools-best-corporate-partnerships/ https://freopp.org/whitepapers/is-grad-school-worth-it-a-comprehensive-return-on-investment-analysis/ https://www.wisebread.com/stay-in-school-until-the-job-market-improves https://fortune.com/2025/12/16/job-market-so-bad-people-age-40-going-back-to-school/ https://www.fit.edu/levelup/ https://grantivia.com/grants-for-graduate-school Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

  7. May 14

    Community College Vs. Traditional University

    Community College… far from being just the basis for a hit TV show with quirky characters, it is often a great way to get your foot into the door and make affordable and actionable changes to your life. In today’s episode, I discuss the difference between the state university systems and community colleges, and how you can potentially leverage both to achieve your goals quicker.    Sources: https://irsc.edu/search-programs/ (Indian River State College Programs) https://rose.edu/programs/ (Rose State College) https://www.ruso.edu/ (Regional University System of Oklahoma) https://okhighered.org/ (Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education) https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/colleges.stml (FL Community Colleges) https://www.flbog.edu/ (State University System of Florida) https://www.wtcsystem.edu/about/wtcs-board/ (Wisconsin 2 year board) BOSTON AREA: Bunker Hill Community College: https://www.bhcc.edu/tuition/; Boston Univ:  https://www.bu.edu/finaid/undergraduate-students/undergraduate/;  UMass-Boston: https://www.umb.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-mandatory-fees/ Niche.com #ChooseYourOwnAdventure  Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

  8. Apr 30

    Student Loan Update April 2026 – Part 2: It’s A T.R.A.P

    April 28, 2026: Do you like options? The more the merrier, right? The Department of Education has a different idea bout that when it comes to student loan repayment. In fact, they’re changing the standards and expectations when it comes to repayment in general. Will the new plans on July 1st save higher education and borrowers? Or are they trying to treat a symptom of the bigger cost of rising education?  Just have your knowledge of T.R.A.P. (Tiered or Repayment Assistance Plans)... https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-court-actions https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13075 https://www.nerdwallet.com/student-loans/learn/what-is-the-new-repayment-assistance-plan-rap-for-student-loans https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/higher-education-policy/negotiated-rulemaking-for-higher-education-2025-2026 https://www.studentloanplanner.com/repayment-assistance-plan-rap-calculator/ https://thecollegeinvestor.com/58820/repayment-assistance-plan-rap-student-loan-calculator/ Music by NEST-BEATZ Official from Pixabay Music by Aliabbas Abasov from Pixabay Music by OctoSound from Pixabay #StudentLoans #LoanRepayment  Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I want to hear from you!

    Student Loan Update April 2026 – Part 2: It’s A T.R.A.P
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About

A podcast for ALL who have questions about "adulting" in mind, with a focus on planning and paying for college, keeping your finances straight, and finding a career that not only satisfies your wallet, but your soul.  I by no means have it all together myself which is why I research and interview, so I can get the best information (or as close to it) as possible. I frequently drop links and useful reads in the show notes, so be sure to check those out.  Thank you for stopping by, and keep Thinking Ahead!

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