The Scholar Budget - Helping Students Navigate Finances & Earn a Debt-Free Degree

Hello Friends, Rachel Labi, a finance student at Purdue University, shares her strategies for winning over $60,000 in scholarships. She emphasizes the importance of finding scholarships through personal research and leveraging personal affiliations and identities. Rachel advises students to be good storytellers and to highlight their unique experiences and passions in their scholarship application...

Hi There! Pam Kirtman, the mother of Rebecca Kirtman, discusses Becca's Closet, a non-profit organization that provides dresses and scholarships to high school students in need.  We cover the mission of Becca's Closet, its impact on girls, and the criteria for awarding scholarships. Pam shares the inspiration behind Rebecca's project and the importance of continuing her legacy. She also highlights...

Hello There! In this conversation, Tiffany Green, the founder and CEO of Uprooted Academy, shares valuable insights and advice on college selection, saving money on college expenses, and the benefits of community college. She emphasizes the importance of considering a college's fit with a student's goals, values, and finances. Tiffany also discusses the tools and resources provided by Uprooted Aca...

In this conversation, Esron Holder shares his college journey and how he secured multiple scholarships to fund his education. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, sacrifices, and networking in achieving a debt-free degree. Esron provides valuable advice for students, including reaching out to admissions counselors, applying for scholarships, and being yourself in college. He also highlights...

Hey There! Many students do not take action towards the scholarship process due to various reasons such as a busy schedule, lack of confidence, difficulty finding scholarships, and self-doubt. However, it is essential to push through these obstacles to secure scholarship money for college expenses. By overcoming self-doubt and seeking support, students can start applying for scholarships. Steps to...

Hey There! In this conversation, Ja'Net Adams, the owner of EMAC Consulting and Debt Sucks University, shares her personal journey of overcoming $50,000 in debt and provides valuable insights on student loan forgiveness and earning a debt-free degree. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, saving money, and making strategic financial decisions. Ja'Net also highlights the various options for stu...

Youssef shares his experience as a college student and how he will be graduating debt-free. He emphasizes the importance of starting the scholarship application process in high school and not being afraid to apply. Youssef also discusses the impact of scholarships on his family and how he is now paying it forward by giving scholarships to other students. He shares tips on negotiating financial aid...

Amber Hurt, an expert in working with students, discusses the struggles students face when affording college and paying for it. She highlights the role of Resident Assistants (RAs) and the benefits of being an RA, including leadership development, networking opportunities, and financial compensation. Amber emphasizes the importance of being involved in campus activities and building relationships...

In this conversation, Holly Reid, CEO of The Master Playbook, discusses the importance of teaching kids about money and how parents can help their children prepare for college without accumulating student loan debt. Holly explains the role of a financial coach and the benefits of a 529 plan. Holly also addresses common misconceptions about 529 plans and highlights the importance of setting clear g...

Meet Shanay Howard, the academic guru for student-athletes! As an eligibility specialist and educational wizard, she spills the beans on the NCAA game. Shanay dives into the art of juggling sports and studies, giving you the 411 on scholarships and the secrets to slam-dunking that eligibility checklist. Get ready for some real talk on making college dreams a reality, all while keeping your cool. S...

Let’s talk about my book, The Scholar Budget Guide to Paying for College. Discover how this book aims to consolidate information on ways to pay for school. The chapters discussed include scholarships, dual enrollment, and the importance of grades. This is definitely a book every college bound scholar should have in their tool box.   Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I will show you how to earn a...

Do you want to know how to secure the bag when it comes to scholarships? Consistency and determination are key in the scholarship application process. Rejection is part of the process, and going for the “no” increases the chances of getting a yes. Let’s do this!   Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I will show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.   Love Rocky!   Next ste...

Let’s dive into the bold.org universe with Hailey, the social media wizard at bold.org. No more hopping around websites – everything's in one hub! Hailey shares tips on snagging scholarships, success stories (thanks to MMA fighter Kat Zingano!), and pro tips for crafting winning applications. Buckle up, students – bold.org is where scholarships get exciting!    Grab your favorite notepad and pen....

I'm thrilled to have Peter Bielagus join me today for an insightful conversation on the complexities of money, student loans, and the ever-increasing cost of college. We explore how the landscape has evolved, with students now grappling with loan-related anxieties from day one, in contrast to the earlier focus on graduate school. Peter shares valuable insights into the mistakes parents commonly ma...

Hey You! Today, we dive into the incredible world of community service – a game-changer for students like you aiming for a debt-free degree. Whether you're in high school, college, or even middle school, I encourage you to explore various avenues for service – be it working with nonprofits, helping at schools, or contributing to your local community. And here's the kicker: you can turn your servic...

Hello My Friend! Hear what Andrea Maldonado shares about the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), a 35-year-old program for middle and high school students. We discuss how NSLC lets students explore interests, develop leadership skills, and experience university life. Of course, we talk about the NSLC scholarships and how you can apply. Andrea highlights the broader impact of NSLC, inclu...

Hey There! What if I told you there's scholarship money in your backyard? Would you apply then? Discover insider tips and real-life stories from scholarship coordinator Kelly Pietkiewicz, as she shares about scholarship opportunities through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennesse and other Community Foundations throughout the U.S. Explore the impact of scholarships and learn how to craft auth...

Hi Friend! Let's discover the keys to ACT triumph with Dr. Wycondia West, the ACT preparation specialist. Plus, you can enter to win a free spot in one of Dr. West's upcoming virtual ACT Bootcamp Workshops. In this podcast episode, Dr. West unveils the importance of the ACT in college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Learn about early preparation, super scoring, and breaking down common m...

Aaron Maldonado shares valuable insights on financial aid, student loans, and college. We discuss the importance of understanding your financial situation, choosing affordable institutions, and applying for scholarships. Erin also offers strategies for efficient loan management and tips for non-traditional students returning to school. His advice centers on informed financial decisions and proacti...

Welcome to The Scholar Budget podcast, where I share my journey from student loan debt to a debt-free degree advocate. Whether you're a student or a parent, I'm here to help you navigate scholarships, financial planning, and educational opportunities.   I'll share personal insights on positioning yourself for scholarships, the importance of community service and leadership, and how to turn your ed...

Are you a South Florida student eagerly working towards a debt-free degree? Then you want to hear what Erika Simmons, overseer of the Nat Moore Endowment Program, says as she shines a light on the Miami Dolphins Nat Moore Scholarship. The program offers scholarships and vocational grants to graduating high school seniors and young adults in South Florida. Erika explains the application process tha...

Hi Friend! Do you want to save money and time? In this conversation with Gini Beran, Director of CLEP Outreach and Account Management, we discussed what the CLEP is, how to register for it, the benefits of taking CLEP exams, and who is a good fit for the exams. Gini also discusses a free online course to help students prepare for the test. You don’t want to miss this! Grab your favorite notepad an...

Hi Friend! In this podcast interview, MJ Bridges, founder of Young and Debt-Free, shares his journey to financial success, starting with a challenging moment post-college in 2013. He emphasizes the importance of accepting responsibility for his financial situation and the mindset shift that allowed him to pay off debt and manage his expenses more effectively. We address how college students can ba...

Hi Friend! Have you ever had Burger King? Are you a Whopper fan? Well, In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Talia Gonzalez from the Burger King Scholars program, where we discussed the program's criteria for selecting scholarship recipients. We delved into the Burger King Scholars Program's mission to empower students and allow them to pursue their education their way. High...

Welcome to the Scholar Budget Podcast! Do you feel overwhelmed by the intricate world of paying for college and finances? Are you wondering if it’s really possible to graduate from college with a debt-free degree? Do you want to take advantage of opportunities like paid internships and fellowships, but you’re not sure where to find them? This podcast is your dedicated guide to unraveling the compl...