When I talk to families every week, I hear the same concern: how do we build Smart Strategies for Paying for College Without a Lifetime of Debt? The cost of college is going up, student debt is piling higher than ever, and yet most parents don’t have a clear plan.In this episode, I break down practical steps around college savings, student loans, and college funding so you can protect your family’s future. We’ll talk about college savings plans, how to pay for college without wrecking retirement, and the realities of college applications and college admissions today.You’ll learn why a merit aid strategy matters more than ever, how college merit scholarships actually work, and what you need to know about FAFSA tips 2025. I’ll share the same college financial planning conversations I have with clients, covering college financial aid, student aid, and why state school admissions are becoming so competitive.I’ve been through this process myself with my kids, and I’ve worked alongside college planning experts who know how to guide families through the noise. Whether your student has Ivy League dreams or is focused on finding the right fit closer to home, this conversation will help you make better choices with real college counseling advice.If you’re looking for clarity on college applications, student loans, and how to align your resources with your goals, you’re in the right place.00:00 College Admissions Trends Overview03:57 Test Scores: Importance and Trends08:19 Optimal Number of College Applications11:46 "Smart Financial Planning for Med School"15:40 "Rising State School Applications"17:22 State Universities Prioritize In-State Students20:00 Prioritize In-State College Applications23:15 Navigating Acting School Finances26:59 "Choosing the Right School Matters"29:54 Avoid College Advice PitfallsFollow Collegesharks:Https://www.facebook.com/collegesharkshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/collegesharkshttps://www.instagram.com/collegesharks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leenorwoodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@collegesharks

When and Which to Hire First: a Bookkeeper, Controller, or Fractional CFO for Your Business?Too many entrepreneurs confuse revenue with profit and neglect their accounting until it’s a mess. In this episode, Steve Taylor, CFP® and host of the Do It For Yourself podcast, sits down with Matt Tatum, the CEO of Decimal, to unpack how small business owners can scale their accounting and financial systems as they grow. They dive into the operational side of bookkeeping, the true cost of tools (time + price), and when to bring in a fractional CFO.0:00 – Introduction & the revenue vs. profit myth0:42 – Matt Tait's background and why Decimal was founded1:54 – Early signs that your accounting systems need to grow4:06 – Bookkeeping vs. operational processes: beyond QuickBooks5:12 – Automating collections and paying bills seamlessly7:07 – Understanding your numbers: monthly reporting & forecasting9:16 – Gut feel vs. data: scaling beyond your intuition13:18 – Outsourcing vs. insourcing: bookkeeper, controller, or CFO?20:35 – Fractional CFOs, peer groups & business coaching28:38 – How to start fixing your finance systems & finding the right advisor30:59 – Final thoughts and where to learn more about Decimal

Hello Friends, Steve here, and welcome back to the Do It For Yourself Podcast! The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here! The "Big Beautiful Bill" has been finalized, and it's a big one. In this episode, I'm sitting down with my good friend and tax expert, Brett Landsman, to break down exactly what this new legislation means for you, your family, and your business.We're cutting through the noise to give you the real story on the changes that matter most. From the new standard deduction for seniors and the increased SALT cap to the surprising new rules for charitable giving and the "no tax on tips" provision, we're covering it all. We'll also dive into what's new for small business owners, how 529 plans are changing, and what you need to know about the latest updates to opportunity zones.Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, planning for retirement, or just want to understand how your taxes will be affected in 2025, this episode is for you. We're here to give you the clear, practical insights you need to navigate these changes and make the best decisions for your financial future. So grab a coffee, and let's get into it!⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️📩 Join Our Mailing List – https://www.meritedwealth.com/join-ou...📱 Follow Us on Social Media – https://linktr.ee/meritedwealth🎥 Subscribe on YouTube – / @meritedwealth 🎙 Be the next Guest on the Do It For Yourself Podcast – ✉️ Marketing@meritedwealth.com⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️