On this episode of Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Vicki Vollweiler, founder of College Financial Prep and author of College Planning for Divorced and Widowed Parents, about how families can save money on college while navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce, separation, or loss.

💡 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Bring up college planning in a neutral tone.
🔹 Every college has its own financial formula, some are more generous than others.
🔹 Have a college budget in place before committing to a school.
🔹 Start scholarship searches early to maximize opportunities.
🔹 Include kids in the process, they’ll live with the long-term impact.
🔹 Reducing college costs requires flexibility from both parents and students.
🔹 It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about values, feelings, and goals.

 🎥 Watch this episode below: 

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🎧 Listen to the podcast below or on your favorite podcast app.

Connect with Vicki Vollweiler: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-vollweiler/
• Website: https://www.CollegeFinancialPrep.com
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/CollegeFinancialPrep
• Instagram:  @CollegeFinancialPrep

Books: 

• College Planning For Divorced and Widowed Parents: Reduce Stress, Save Thousands and Make Smart Decisions For Your Child's Future (Amazon)

📘 Vicki’s book was inspired by client success stories and reminds families that they are not alone—there are proven strategies to lower costs and reduce stress.

Podcast: 

• College Financial Prep https://www.collegefinancialprep.com/podcasts

Bio:

Vicki Vollweiler, MBA, CDC, the founder and CEO of College Financial Prep, provides a full range of college funding and college admissions services for families as both parents and students prepare to enter college.  Vicki is both a College Planning Expert and a Divorce Financial Coach helping parents to navigate financial aid, scholarships, student loans and college planning.  With her Master's Degree in Business Administration and expertise in analysis, pricing, return on investment, and negotiations, Vicki brings valuable skills to the table. She received her MBA degree from Syracuse University, where she was honored with a Full Merit Scholarship and financial stipends.

Before establishing College Financial Prep, Vicki served as a Certified Divorce Coach. As clients began to inquire about affording college costs for their children, Vicki, a divorced mom herself, recognized the goal and challenge of providing the best education while minimizing expenses and reducing student loan debt. To date, many clients have successfully saved thousands of dollars, some saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the guidance provided by College Financial Prep.

Vicki, a divorced parent, is the proud Mom of two children, one who is now a PhD candidate and one who will be preparing for college shortly.  Her fur baby, Maggie, provides joy to all.