Episode 6: What Financial Fit Means — and Why It Matters More Than Rankings

Description:
Your kid is amazing. They’ve worked hard, gotten the grades, and maybe even landed an acceptance at one of those gasp-worthy colleges. But now you’re staring at the financial aid letter — and wondering if you’re going to have to crush their dream.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what financial fit really means (and why it matters more than college rankings). We’ll talk about what to look for in aid packages, how to compare public vs. private schools, when loans make sense, and how to take the emotion out of the money talk. Spoiler: It’s not about love or shame. It’s about math. And peace of mind.

If you've ever asked, “What if we can’t afford the school they love?” — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• A real family story where the “cheaper” school was actually the best fit
• Why prestige doesn’t equal value — and how to calculate true cost
• The overlooked generosity of some private schools
• A student who said yes to a full ride and is now thriving (and studying abroad!)
• How to explain student loans to your teen without guilt
• What financial fit really looks like for your family

Resources Mentioned:

• 🎁 Free College Money Conversation Starters
• 🧮 Net Price Calculators (found on every college website’s financial aid page)

Want to keep the conversation going?
Follow me on Instagram at @thecollegecounselingmom or shoot me a DM with your biggest money worry — I’ll meet you there with a spreadsheet and some snacks.