Ski Mom Ann Garcia Demystifies College Costs and Helps Us Budget for Skiing and Sports

Send us Fan MailBecome a Premium Subscriber here. In this episode we talk with Ann Garcia, ski mom, Certified Financial Planner and author.  Ann is known in the financial industry as “The College Financial Lady”, helping families plan for their children’s education. Ann learned to ski at age 3 in Lake Tahoe, and after a harrowing first ski trip, her family became ski hippies, packing up their VW bus and heading out to different destinations from Wyoming to Utah.  Ann loved skiing from the start and later taught her twins to ski. She reflects on some of the special times she’s shared with her children at Cooper Spur (Mt. Hood, Oregon).Ann walks us through her career path and tells us about her blog that later became a book, How to Pay for College.  Ann has twins, a boy and a girl, they have both recently graduated from college and have started their careers. Ann tells us about navigating the college path with two very different children.We get some great tips about talking to our kids about the cost of education, college loans and other financial topics. It’s important for a family to be on the same page with their priorities as they start the college exploration path.  Ann recommends we check out the net price calculator tool that is available on all college websites. We get some great insights into the broader college scholarship landscape and athletic scholarships.  There are a lot less athletic scholarships, so if you have to pick between a private coach or a private tutor, Ann says go with the tutor!  And bringing it back to skiing, Ann gives us some tips on how to save money for family ski trips, while also saving for college and retirement. It all starts with a budget, without a budget we can’t make the right financial decisions. Resources:Cooper Spur MountainAnn’s Book: How to Pay for CollegeNet Price CalculatorKeep up with the Latest from Ann!Website: https://howtopayforcollege.com/YouTubeFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/collegefinancialladyScheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)$99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore MtnMORE! This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com. Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot. Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. Support the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com