Want to make college more affordable? Listen to this episode with Ann Garcia, CFP® as she explores scholarship funding for college. Discover different scholarship types, application strategies, and the importance of early planning to minimize debt. Make sure you catch these tips to help set up your child's financial future.

Listen and Learn:

• Explore three main scholarship types to help reduce college costs
• Helpful tips to research colleges and find scholarship opportunities
• How to look for local scholarships to reduce the rising costs of college
• Get ahead of rising tuition fees by using 529 plans

Resources:

• Purchase Ann’s book
• Check out Ann’s website recommendations: College Data and College Navigator.
• Check out the FAFSA resource page
• Check out’s Ann’s FAFSA resource page
• Read: ‘Running Out of Road’ for FAFSA Completion
• Visit the CSS Profile
• Discover scholarship directories here and here
• Ann Garcia has been featured on three past Women’s Money Wisdom episodes
  • Episode 170: The Case for 529 Plans for College Savings with Ann Garcia
  • Episode 132: Paying for College with Ann Garcia
  • Episode 86: Demystifying the FAFSA Form with Ann Garcia.

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

Social Security has been a staple of retirement planning for past generations. But will it be there for you when you decide to stop working? The cost of a comfortable retirement is rising so understanding how Social Security works is more important now than ever. Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, to learn how Social Security works and how it could impact your retirement.

Listen and Learn:

• How Social Security works & how it supports retirement costs
• Major misconceptions about Social Security
• Current predictions about Social Security & how long it may last
• Simple tips to follow to make sure you're ready for retirement

Resources:

• Register: How to Retire Comfortably In Your 50’s: Everything You Need to Know
• Listen: How to Prepare for an Early RetirementTrustees Report 2024
• Check Out: Your Social Security Account
• Read: Soon To Be Retirees Fail Social Security Literacy
• Read: When Will Social Security Run Out of Money? Latest Prediction Offers Good News
• Read: Social Security Now Expected To Run Short On Funds In 2035, One Year Later Than Previously Projected, Treasury Says

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.

Melissa Joy, CFP® and Cathy Curtis, CFP®, dive into a serious topic: financial fraud against elders. Cathy explains that while scammers try to trick seniors into giving them money illegally, there are many ways to spot these scams and keep your elderly loved ones safe.

Listen to gain the know-how and tools to avoid fraud smoothly as you or your loved ones get older.

Listen and Learn:

• The common scams being used today to steal from elders
• Warning signs that may indicate an elder has already fallen victim to fraud
• What to do if you think a loved one's money was taken by scammers
• Resources and organizations dedicated to preventing elder financial abuse

Resources:

• Check out Cathy’s Firm
• Follow Cathy on LinkedIn
• Follow Cathy on Instagram
• Read Cathy’s Op-Ed in CNBC
• Listen to Episode 59: Inheritance Mistakes with Cathy Curtis
• Monitor fraud with Eversafe
• How to report Cyber Crime
• Where to report Fraud
• Check out Cyber Seniors

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Pearl Planning makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Pearl Planning financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.