By Roland McIntyre, CFP®
You’ve done everything right. You’ve worked hard, built a successful career, and now you’re earning a great income—the kind of income that’s supposed to bring financial peace of mind. But let’s be honest: that’s not always the case. For many high-income families, the financial roadmap can feel like a game of Jenga, where pulling out one block (like college tuition) threatens to topple the entire tower (your retirement). 😬
You’re in the middle ground—too successful to qualify for need-based financial aid, but not so wealthy that paying for an expensive school like Vanderbilt ($100,000+ a year) won’t feel like a punch to the gut. You feel the immense pressure to provide a great education for your kids while also saving for your own future.
And there’s a serious financial crisis brewing because of it. According to recent research, student loan debt is a major obstacle to saving for retirement. 81% of adults with student loans say they’ve had to delay key life milestones, with nearly 40% putting off saving for retirement. And that delay has a massive price tag: a young adult who waits just five years to start saving for retirement could have almost $100,000 less in their account by age 65. 😳
The Mountaintop Wealth Philosophy: A Unified Approach
At Mountaintop Wealth, we see college planning and retirement planning as two parts of a single, unified financial plan. We believe that a smart college strategy is the foundation for a secure retirement.
Our solution is to provide comprehensive financial planning that looks at your entire financial life—not just one piece of the puzzle. We help you address the college “elephant in the room” first, so you can then confidently focus on your retirement goals.
Here’s how we start:
We begin with our College Money Report, a personalized analysis that goes way beyond a generic report. It shows you the true cost of attendance and uncovers opportunities for more scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid your family may be eligible for. The goal is to maximize your financial aid and minimize your out-of-pocket costs, all before you touch your retirement savings.
In fact, college planning is a core part of BOTH of our service offerings. It includes a deep dive into the accounts you have—or should have—for college planning. We provide recommendations, reviews, and analysis of:
- 529s and Coverdell accounts
- Custodial and Brokerage accounts
- Retirement accounts and Life Insurance policies
We’ll help you understand which accounts should or should not be used for college planning, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Why You Can’t Afford to Wait
There’s so much parents don’t know about the college financial aid and payment process. You can learn:
- The crucial differences between public vs. private universities.
- Where to look for the right scholarships.
- How schools determine how much money you will receive and why.
- What’s hurting your financial aid package and what you can do about it.
By lowering these costs, you’re not just saving money; you’re creating a better life. You’re making room for more family vacations, securing better retirement planning, and opening up more options for your next car or even a new home. 🥳
To get started on your college planning, here’s the link to start your Free College Money Report! It only takes 5 minutes to see how college planning can impact your entire family.
[Click here for your Free College Money Report]
You no longer have to choose between your child’s education and your own financial future. With the right strategy, you can achieve both. Let’s schedule a complimentary meeting to discuss your family’s finances and make the climb to financial freedom together. 🤝
Book your complimentary consultation here.