🎙️ Episode: “A Good College Try: The 529 Breakdown”

College costs got you sweating like it’s finals week? In this lively episode, Julie and Jennifer mix a little nostalgia with some serious financial know-how. From late-night Jell-O shots to late-night FAFSA forms, they explore the smartest ways to fund a college education without drowning in student loans. You’ll get the scoop on 529 plans, government incentives, and why “hope is not a strategy” when it comes to your kid’s future tuition bill.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why 529 plans are the real MVPs of education funding
• The student loan struggle is real (and avoidable!)
• How to make the most of government incentives
• What counts as a "qualified expense" (hint: it's not pizza)
• The difference between prepaid tuition vs. college savings plans
• Other ways to fund college if 529s aren’t the right fit
• Why now is the best time to start saving

🧃 Sound Bites:

• "Liquid Courage: The Jell-O Shot"
• "Why bother saving for college?"
• "Hope is not a strategy."
• "A 529 plan is like a financial hug from your future self."
• "Scholarships are great—but they’re not a sure bet."

🍹 Drink Pairing: Bud Light & Jello Shots - Because college prep deserves a little throwback to college days 

Ingredients: 

1.              One box of Jell-O

2.              One cup boiling water. 

3.              Half a cup cold water. 

4.              Half a cup vodka. 

5.              Shot Cups

Directions: 

1.              Dissolve the Jell-O in the hot water.

2.              Stir in the cold water and vodka

3.              Pour into shot cups. 

4.              Chill for a few hours. Done.