The Smarter Way to Pay for College Without Draining Your Future

In this episode of The Practical Wealth Show, Curtis May sits down with Brian S. Eyster, founder of The G.R.A.D. Process, to discuss how families can pay for college without sacrificing retirement, cash flow, or long-term financial security. College is one of the biggest financial decisions a family will ever face, yet most parents are given incomplete advice. Many are told to simply open a 529 plan, fill out the FAFSA, and hope things work out. Brian explains why that approach can leave families exposed, especially when they do not understand cash flow, FAFSA rules, CSS Profile requirements, tax positioning, merit aid, and the timing of financial aid calculations. Curtis and Brian discuss why college planning should start much earlier than senior year of high school, why cash flow management comes before college savings, how the Student Aid Index affects financial aid, and why parents need to understand the difference between need-based aid and merit-based aid. They also challenge the traditional advice around 529 plans and explain why college funding should be treated as part of a larger financial plan — not as an isolated savings goal. This conversation is especially valuable for parents with children in middle school, high school, or college, as well as advisors who want to better understand how college funding connects to retirement, cash flow, taxes, and long-term wealth building. Key topics include: Why college planning should not start senior year The difference between FAFSA and CSS Profile How the Student Aid Index impacts financial aid Why cash flow management matters before college planning The risks of relying only on 529 plans How test scores can impact scholarship opportunities Why asset positioning matters How parents can avoid sacrificing retirement to pay for college The problem with Parent PLUS loans Why college funding must be part of a coordinated financial strategy The big takeaway: college planning is not just about paying tuition. It is about protecting the family's entire financial future.