40. Tackling College Debt: Beyond Price Tags and Prestige with Frank Iozzo

Are student loans worth the cost? In this episode, I sit down with financial planner Frank Iozzo to talk about the real impact of college debt, tuition costs, and student loans on families. We cover the emotional pressure parents feel, why saying "no" to overextending can protect your future, and the alternatives like scholarships, trade school, and community college that open up freedom instead of years of debt. Frank shares how, at just 17, he chose not to follow the herd into traditional student loans, a decision that shaped his entire life and career. Together we explore how the student loan system (federal vs private) really works, why parents often sacrifice retirement savings for tuition, and how that choice can ripple out for decades. This conversation isn't just about money, it's about values, freedom, and creating the life you want without being anchored by debt. What You'll Hear in This Episode -  The emotional triggers that push parents into debt for their kids' education -  Why saying no to overspending is really a yes to stability and freedom -  How the student loan system is set up and why it's stacked against families -  The long-term impact of student loans on life choices like family, marriage, and home ownership -  Alternatives to college debt - scholarships, trade schools, apprenticeships, community college -  How to align money decisions with your values and future goals Links & Resources Connect with Frank Iozzo  Follow Frank Iozzo on LinkedIn Check out Frank's Website Come say hi to me on Instagram or LinkedIn Don't miss future episodes — hit Follow and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!