In this candid episode of College!, co-hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough pull back the curtain on how they’re approaching college savings as parents—one with twins, one with a 10-year-old—and the different paths they’ve taken. Whether you’re just starting to think about saving or wondering if it’s too late, this conversation offers relatable, real-world insights with zero judgment.

Matt and Peg also dive into the latest major policy developments, including proposed federal cuts to Pell Grants and work-study programs. What do these shifts mean for families planning ahead—and what actions can you take to “control the controllables”?

Then, they tackle one of the most misunderstood tools in college planning: the 529 plan. From tax advantages to eligibility myths, they debunk common misconceptions and explain why this savings vehicle might be smarter than you think.

👉 In this episode:

• Two personal college savings journeys—and how values, timing & income shaped them

• What recent proposed cuts to Pell Grants and work-study could mean for your family

• The truth about 529 plans: who they’re for, how they’re taxed, and what qualifies

• Why saving doesn’t hurt your financial aid as much as you might think

• How to start where you are, and why alignment with your partner is key
  

🎧 Whether you're saving a little, a lot, or not sure where to begin, this episode offers honest guidance, financial clarity, and peace of mind as you plan for what’s next.

Big shifts are coming to student financial aid—and parents need to be ready. In this episode of the College! podcast, Matt and Peg break down the proposed education bill shaking up college funding. Learn how the potential elimination of subsidized federal student loans, new limits on PLUS loans, lifetime borrowing caps, Pell Grant changes, and endowment taxes could affect your family's college plans. Whether your student is in high school or already in college, this episode gives you the critical insights to plan smarter and stay ahead.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

• Learn more about what we do at ⁠⁠College Aid Pro⁠⁠!
• Create a ⁠⁠Free MyCAP account⁠⁠ here to start personalizing your college planning journey!
• ⁠⁠Follow Us⁠⁠ to hear exactly when new episodes drop!

Explore the launch of MyCAP 2.0, last-minute appeal strategies for Class of 2025, federal student loan interest rate changes, and a deep dive into proposed college accountability legislation. Featuring expert insights from Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

• Learn more about what we do at ⁠College Aid Pro⁠!
• Create a ⁠Free MyCAP account⁠ here to start personalizing your college planning journey!
• ⁠Follow Us⁠ to hear exactly when new episodes drop!

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Exciting Updates on MyCap 2.0 (03:38)
3. Navigating College Appeals and Financial Aid (05:24)
4. Understanding the Impact of Credit Rating on Student Loans (07:17)
5. Federal Student Loan Rates for 2025-2026 (08:49)
6. Proposed College Accountability Measures (10:42)
7. Challenges in Implementing Accountability in Higher Education (12:27)
8. Understanding Risk Sharing in Higher Education (22:47)
9. The Promise Grant and Its Implications (27:40)
10. Accountability in Higher Education (33:04)
11. Proposed Solutions for College Affordability (39:18)

In this episode of the College! podcast, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough unpack major proposed changes impacting college affordability and financial aid in 2025.

They explore the potential endowment tax increase from 1.4% to 21%, new rules that could revoke colleges' nonprofit status, and the controversial plan to require cost of attendance by academic program. Plus, they break down how new Pell Grant eligibility rules could hurt low-income, part-time, and neurodiverse students. If you're a parent, counselor, or college-bound family concerned about rising college costs, financial aid changes, and education policy, this is a must-listen episode.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

• Learn more about what we do at ⁠College Aid Pro⁠!
• Create a ⁠Free MyCAP account⁠ here to start personalizing your college planning journey!
• ⁠Follow Us⁠ to hear exactly when new episodes drop!

Chapters

1. Introduction and Vegas Vibes (00:00)
2. Proposed Tax on College Endowments (02:46)
3. Taxing Intellectual Property of Colleges (10:23)
4. Changes in Cost of Attendance Calculations (14:52)
5. Pell Grant Eligibility Changes (20:57)
6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (30:37)

Are student loan payments coming back? What happens if your child—or you—are in default? In this timely episode of the College! podcast, Matt and Peg break down the urgent changes to federal student loan repayments, what to do right now if you’ve fallen behind, and how it can impact everything from your credit score to your job search.

Plus, if your high school senior just committed to college on May 1, don’t close the door just yet—many colleges are offering bigger financial aid packages even after the deadline. Learn how to appeal, renegotiate, and make last-minute money moves that could save your family thousands.

We also unpack a powerful New York Times piece on how colleges use private equity firms to maximize what you’ll pay—and what you can do about it. And stay tuned for big news on the push for more accountability in higher education and what it means for future affordability.

This is a must-listen for every parent navigating the college process—because being informed isn’t just power, it’s savings.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

• Learn more about what we do at College Aid Pro!
• Create a Free MyCAP account here to start personalizing your college planning journey!
• Follow Us to hear exactly when new episodes drop!

Chapters:

1. Intro (0:00)
2. Navigating Student Loan Repayment Challenges (05:08)
3. Understanding College Decision Dynamics (08:58)
4. Maximizing Financial Aid Opportunities (13:04)
5. The Business of Higher Education and Marketing Strategies (16:43)
6. The Accountability Crisis in Higher Education (24:53)
7. Government Oversight and College Responsibilities (28:37)
8. The Role of Financial Aid and College Funding (33:55)
9. Proposed Cuts to Educational Programs (39:45)
10. Empowering Parents and Students for Change (45:50)

🚨 Student Loan Shakeup Alert!

Federal student loan repayment is back—and that’s just the beginning. In this episode of College!, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough unpack urgent updates affecting millions of borrowers, including those in default facing wage garnishment starting May 5th. They also explore sweeping proposals from the House that could redefine the college funding landscape by eliminating subsidized loans, Parent PLUS loans, and graduate PLUS loans, while introducing new rules for Pell Grants and income-driven repayment plans. With a focus on borrower accountability and long-overdue college accountability, this episode is a must-listen for families, students, and financial planners navigating the evolving world of higher ed funding.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

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http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

In this episode of The College Podcast, Peg Keough is joined by fellow College Aid Pro team members—and fellow moms—Cathy Portele and Ann-Marie Sanderson. Together, they dive into their personal experiences guiding their kids through the college admissions journey. From learning financial lessons the hard way, to setting clear expectations the second time around, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights for families navigating the process.

Discover:

• The emotional and financial lessons learned from sending their first kids to college

• How they're approaching the journey differently with their younger children

• The power of setting boundaries, being transparent, and allowing kids to lead

• The impact of military benefits, homeschooling, and music scholarships on college decisions

Whether you're a parent of a middle schooler or a senior deep in applications, this episode will resonate, inspire, and help you feel less alone in this transformative season.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

http://www.collegeaidpro.com

http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters

1. Introduction and Recent Developments in Education (00:00)
2. Navigating the College Process: Insights from Three Moms (03:51)
3. The Journey of College Selection: Personal Experiences (07:08)
4. Financial Planning for College: Setting Boundaries and Expectations (09:58)
5. Understanding Scholarships and Financial Aid (13:06)
6. The Impact of Individual Choices on College Outcomes (16:04)
7. Lessons Learned: Reflections on the College Experience (19:00)
8. Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents (22:04)
9. Conclusion and Future Considerations (24:57)
10. Navigating Academic Expectations (27:28)
11. Understanding College Financial Planning (29:21)
12. The Importance of Early Preparation (33:19)
13. Modeling Behavior for Future Success (37:29)
14. Key Takeaways for Parents (40:30)
15. Navigating the College Journey (46:44)
16. Reflections and Lessons Learned (47:25)

In Part 2 of our conversation with College Aid Pro CEO Kevin Degnan, we go deep on why the U.S. college system is broken—and how we can fix it. With $1.8 trillion in student loan debt and skyrocketing tuition, Degs and Matt break down how we got here and the bold steps needed to create real accountability in higher education.

From federal student loan reform to holding colleges financially accountable for outcomes, this episode offers clear, practical solutions to fix a system that’s failing too many families. If you're a parent, student, policymaker, or educator, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to make college more affordable and transparent.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

http://www.collegeaidpro.com

http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters

1. Introduction to Kevin Degnan (00:00)
2. The Historical Context of Student Loans (01:27)
3. The Role of Government in College Financing (07:02)
4. The Need for Accountability in Higher Education (10:05)
5. Proposed Solutions for Reform (13:35)
6. Ensuring Accessibility in Education (1 8:33)