College Payment Plan Explained: Loans, 529s & What to Do Before Decision Day episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 30, 2026 · 32 MIN

College Payment Plan Explained: Loans, 529s & What to Do Before Decision Day

from Ol' College Try · host Matt and Peg's College Planning Podcast

Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it?In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and financial aid, they break down what families should be thinking about right now to avoid costly mistakes.Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it?In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and financial aid, they break down what families should be thinking about right now to avoid costly mistakes.They cover:Why you shouldn’t spend your entire 529 in year oneHow to maximize the $2,500 American Opportunity Tax CreditWhat happens if your 529 doesn’t cover all four yearsWhat to do with leftover 529 funds or unexpected scholarshipsHow the CSS Profile works and what to know about non-custodial waiversThe difference between 529s, prepaid plans, and UTMA/UGMA accountsPlus, real talk on why there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy—and how a little planning now can save you thousands later.🎧 This week’s intro song: You Send Me by Sam CookeBottom line: Don’t just focus on getting in—focus on how you’re paying for all four years.Got questions for our next Q&A episode? Send them our way—we’d love to hear from you!Connect with Us!Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0Website: ⁠⁠https://collegeaidpro.com/⁠⁠Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ ⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ ⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸

Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it?In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and financial aid, they break down what families should be thinking about right now to avoid costly mistakes.Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it?In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and financial aid, they break down what families should be thinking about right now to avoid costly mistakes.They cover:Why you shouldn’t spend your entire 529 in year oneHow to maximize the $2,500 American Opportunity Tax CreditWhat happens if your 529 doesn’t cover all four yearsWhat to do with leftover 529 funds or unexpected scholarshipsHow the CSS Profile works and what to know about non-custodial waiversThe difference between 529s, prepaid plans, and UTMA/UGMA accountsPlus, real talk on why there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy—and how a little planning now can save you thousands later.🎧 This week’s intro song: You Send Me by Sam CookeBottom line: Don’t just focus on getting in—focus on how you’re paying for all four years.Got questions for our next Q&A episode? Send them our way—we’d love to hear from you!Connect with Us!Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0Website: ⁠⁠https://collegeaidpro.com/⁠⁠Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ ⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ ⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸

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College Payment Plan Explained: Loans, 529s & What to Do Before Decision Day

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This episode is 32 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 30, 2026.

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Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it?In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and...

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