EP: 034 Is College Tuition Worth It w/ Jack Wang
For this episode of Modern Financial Wellness, I was thrilled to be joined by Jack Wang, a seasoned college financial aid advisor and host of the Smart College Buyer podcast. Jack brings a wealth of experience helping families navigate the complexities of the college process and is a constant source of practical, level-headed advice in an area often clouded by emotion and misinformation.
This episode peels back the layers on college funding, exploring not just the technical strategies (though we get into plenty of those), but also the mindset and family dynamics that make this such a unique challenge. Jack and I tackled questions like: When should families start planning? How much does the “name” of a college matter? What steps can parents take to ensure both their child’s happiness and their own financial wellbeing? Throughout, we returned to the concept of “buying college” as an investment in a student’s future—and how to make sure it’s the right one.
5 Key Takeaways:
Start Early—Earlier Than You Think:
Planning for college really begins freshman year of high school, not junior year. The financial aid “base year”—the time colleges review financial info—actually starts spring of the sophomore year, so early family conversations and financial maneuvers make a big difference.
“Fit” Matters WAY More Than “Fame”:
Chasing a big-name school for the prestige alone is a recipe for misery (and potentially wasted money). Students should prioritize campuses where they genuinely feel comfortable and can see themselves thriving—otherwise, costly transfers and “leakage” of time and money are likely.
College Naming Doesn’t Guarantee Success:
All the latest research shows that, aside from a few very narrow career tracks, the name on the college diploma doesn’t impact long-term career or financial outcomes. What matters is what students do at college—internships, research opportunities, networking, and “taking full advantage” of what’s available to them.
"Mental Accounting" Can Hurt Your Real-World Flexibility:
Saving exclusively in a 529 plan may sound smart, but being too rigid about saving in one “silo” can limit your options later. Use multiple savings vehicles if possible, keep your eye on the big financial picture (retirement, emergencies, other kids), and aim for flexibility.
Get Clear and Honest About Goals:
Most couples don’t agree on what “paying for college” really means, or why it matters to them. Digging into your “why” (is it about ego, tradition, a sense of fairness?) and having open conversations—between parents, and with your kids—leads to healthier decisions, less stress, and increased alignment.
You can watch the full video of our conversation on YouTube here:
You can also find the audio versions on places like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever else you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Make sure to check out some of the great recommendations that Jack provided and follow his content below:
READ + LISTEN + LEARN:
FIND JACK @: