THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR FUTURE with Ric Edelman

Episode #4: How to Graduate College Debt-Free in 4 Years

Hey there! This is the final episode of my special four-part series on college, and honestly, it might be the most important one yet. I'm sharing this with you to celebrate the launch of my 14th book, The Truth About College, hitting stores on December 4th. Today, I'm giving you the strategies you've been waiting for - eight powerful ways to help your teen graduate college in four years, completely debt-free, and on the dean's list. We're talking about real money-saving tactics here, not just theory. I'll walk you through everything from earning college credit in high school through AP and Dual Enrollment classes, to taking advantage of CLEP and DSST exams that can cut years off your degree timeline. Yes, I'm even going to make the case for community college - and before you tune out, hear me out on why this could save you over $100,000. We'll explore how 35 states now offer free community college, and 25 states provide free four-year degrees. I'll tell you about major employers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Disney, who will pay for your teen's entire education while they work full-time. But here's the kicker - I'm giving you an exclusive preview of my book's final chapter: "The 12 Biggest Mistakes Students Make." From rushing into college to not realizing AI might eliminate their chosen career field, these mistakes could cost your family hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is practical, actionable advice that could literally change your teen's financial future. Don't miss it! Ready to help your teen avoid the college trap and find their path to success? Pre-Order The Truth About College Now for Exclusive Bonuses:  https://thetayf.com/college/ #CollegePlanning #RicEdelman #TruthAboutCollege #StudentDebt #CollegeGoals #HigherEducation #ParentingTips #CollegeSuccess #StudentLoans #CollegeCosts #EducationPlanning #CollegePrep #FinancialPlanning #CollegeAdvice #StudentSuccess #EducationStrategy #CollegeDecisions #CollegeMyths #StudentMentalHealth #CollegeROI #EducationInvestment #CollegeAlternatives #CareerPlanning #StudyTips #AcademicSuccess #CollegeReadiness -----   Follow Ric on social media:   Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RicEdelman⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ric_edelman/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricedelman/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/ricedelman⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RicEdelman⁠

Episode #3: Make This Mistake, and College Will Lead to Your Teen's Ruin

In this third episode of my special college series, I'm going to give you some hard truths that might make you uncomfortable – but they could save your teen's financial future. I start by revealing a shocking statistic: engineering graduates earn $73,000 five years after graduation, while psychology majors earn just $40,000 – yet both degrees cost exactly the same at any given school. This isn't fair, and it's why you need to think about college as an investment that must generate a solid return. Here's what I really want you to understand: the days of "follow your passion" advice are over. When college cost $5,000 total back in the 1960s and few people had degrees, any diploma set you apart. Today, with 60% of high school graduates going to college and degrees costing up to $300,000, your teen faces massive competition and must choose a major that leads to high-paying work. I spend significant time explaining why student loans are so dangerous – and they're nothing like other loans. Unlike mortgages or car loans, student lenders give money directly to 18-year-olds with no income requirements, no collateral, and no monthly payments for up to seven years. The results are devastating: 71% of borrowers delay major life decisions like buying homes, getting married, or having children because of their debt. Even worse, you can't discharge student loans in bankruptcy, and 37% of students drop out but still owe the money. I share alarming statistics about wage garnishments and how 4 million parents owe $65 billion in parent PLUS loans. My message is clear: choose an inexpensive college, graduate in four years, and avoid student loans entirely. Next week, I'll show you exactly how to minimize college costs and reveal the 12 biggest mistakes students make. This episode is essential listening for any parent who wants to help their teen get a college education without destroying their financial future. Ready to help your teen avoid the college trap and find their path to success? Pre-Order The Truth About College Now for Exclusive Bonuses:  https://thetayf.com/college/ #CollegePlanning #RicEdelman #TruthAboutCollege #StudentDebt #CollegeGoals #HigherEducation #ParentingTips #CollegeSuccess #StudentLoans #CollegeCosts #EducationPlanning #CollegePrep #FinancialPlanning #CollegeAdvice #StudentSuccess #EducationStrategy #CollegeDecisions #CollegeMyths #StudentMentalHealth #CollegeROI #EducationInvestment #CollegeAlternatives #CareerPlanning #StudyTips #AcademicSuccess #CollegeReadiness -----   Follow Ric on social media:   Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RicEdelman⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ric_edelman/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricedelman/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/ricedelman⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RicEdelman⁠

Episode #2: What College is Really All About

Hey there! This is part two of my special podcast series celebrating my new book, "The Truth About College," coming December 4th. Today, I'm taking you on what might be the most important detour we'll make in this entire series. I want to talk to you about something most families completely miss when discussing college: lifestyle and money. Before your teenager even thinks about which school to attend, they need to understand what kind of life they actually want to live after graduation. I'm going to challenge you to ask your teen some tough questions. When they travel, do they want to stay at a $270-a-night hotel or a $5,000-a-night suite? Economy class for $100 or business class for $1,000? These aren't just hypothetical questions – they reveal the income level your teen will need to support their desired lifestyle. Here's the problem: most people choose a career first, then build their lifestyle around whatever income that career provides. That's completely backwards! You should figure out your desired lifestyle costs first, then choose a career that can fund it. Just ask the 300,000 teachers who quit last year – many citing compensation as the primary reason. I'll also dive deep into something no one talks to teens about: taxes. That $80,000 salary your teen is excited about? They'll actually net around $56,000. Everything costs more than they think because of taxes, fees, and the real cost of living. Then we get into the nitty-gritty of college costs. Spoiler alert: it's not just tuition. When you factor in inflation, the reality that most students take six years to graduate (not four), and all the hidden costs, we're talking about potentially $600,000 less in retirement savings for students who don't graduate on time. This episode is about making sure your teen makes informed decisions about their future – because the choices they make now will determine the lifestyle they can afford for the rest of their lives. Ready to help your teen avoid the college trap and find their path to success? Pre-Order The Truth About College Now for Exclusive Bonuses:  https://thetayf.com/college/ #CollegePlanning #RicEdelman #TruthAboutCollege #StudentDebt #CollegeGoals #HigherEducation #ParentingTips #CollegeSuccess #StudentLoans #CollegeCosts #EducationPlanning #CollegePrep #FinancialPlanning #CollegeAdvice #StudentSuccess #EducationStrategy #CollegeDecisions #CollegeMyths #StudentMentalHealth #CollegeROI #EducationInvestment #CollegeAlternatives #CareerPlanning #StudyTips #AcademicSuccess #CollegeReadiness -----   Follow Ric on social media:   Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RicEdelman⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ric_edelman/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricedelman/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/ricedelman⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RicEdelman⁠

Episode #1: Why College is Great - But Also Perilous

Hey, Ric Edelman here, and I'm back with something special: a four-episode podcast series about college. After 32 years on the radio and three years as a Top 1% podcast, I couldn't stay away when I realized how many families are struggling with the biggest decision teenagers face today. Here's the reality: College graduates earn nearly a million dollars more over their careers and live seven years longer than non-graduates. But here's what's scary: a quarter of freshmen drop out, only 62% graduate in six years, and 42% are still paying student loans 20 years later. No wonder 78% of adults say college isn't worth the cost anymore! In this first episode, I'm sharing the top 10 mistakes parents make about college - from assuming your teen must go, to not funding their education properly, to giving them unlimited choices without parameters. I've seen these mistakes destroy families financially and emotionally during my decades running the largest independent financial planning firm in the nation. But here's the good news: when done right, college can set your teen up for an amazing life. I'm going to show you the one goal every college-bound student needs to set - and it's not just "going to college." It's graduating in four years, debt-free, on the Dean's List, with a degree that leads to their dream career. I even share my personal story of how I went from a 2.1 GPA to straight A's - and the exact study method that got me there. Spoiler alert: it's all about hard work, not being super smart! This series launches alongside my 14th book, "The Truth About College," coming December 4th. Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, this is your roadmap to making college work - or deciding if it's even the right path. Ready to help your teen avoid the college trap and find their path to success? Pre-Order The Truth About College Now for Exclusive Bonuses:  https://thetayf.com/college/ #CollegePlanning #RicEdelman #TruthAboutCollege #StudentDebt #CollegeGoals #HigherEducation #ParentingTips #CollegeSuccess #StudentLoans #CollegeCosts #EducationPlanning #CollegePrep #FinancialPlanning #CollegeAdvice #StudentSuccess #EducationStrategy #CollegeDecisions #CollegeMyths #StudentMentalHealth #CollegeROI #EducationInvestment #CollegeAlternatives #CareerPlanning #StudyTips #AcademicSuccess #CollegeReadiness -----   Follow Ric on social media:   Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RicEdelman⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ric_edelman/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricedelman/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/ricedelman⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RicEdelman⁠

12/27/24: Ric's Final Podcast: The Most Important Personal Finance Message, Part 3

In his final podcast, Ric discusses the most important topic that will impact the future of personal finance: crypto. He discusses the amazing growth and the factors that will chart the future course of crypto with fellow crypto pioneer Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Galaxy. And Ric reflects on his radio-tv broadcast journey in financial education as he paved the way for advisors to host radio shows across the country. Plus, a look at what's next for Ric.#CryptoEducation #DiversifiedPortfolio #DigitalAssets #InstitutionalInvestors #GetOffZero #Crypto #Bitcoin #InvestmentOpportunities #FinancialAdvice #CryptoEducation #DiversifiedPortfolio #FinancialPlanning #DigitalAssets #InstitutionalInvestors #GetOffZero#RicEdelman #FinancialMedia #InstitutionalInvestors #GetOffZero #RadioPioneer #Copycats #FinancialEducation #PersonalFinance #Investing #Legacy #FinancialLiteracy #MediaInnovation #Galaxy-----Stay Connected on Ric's Distribution List: https://bit.ly/ric_edelmanAsk Ric: https://www.thetayf.com/pages/ask-ric -----  Links from today’s show:  12/26 Podcast - The Most Important Personal Finance Message, Part 2: Investing https://www.thetayf.com/blogs/this-weeks-stories/the-most-important-personal-finance-message-part-2-investing12/23 Podcast - The Most Important Personal Finance Message, Part 1: Longevity: https://www.thetayf.com/blogs/this-weeks-stories/the-most-important-personal-finance-message-part-1-longevityGalaxy Digital https://www.galaxy.com/Galaxy Investor's Guide - The Investable Universe of Digital Assets: https://www.galaxy.com/investable-universe/?utm_campaign=The%20Investable%20Universe%20of%20Digital%20Assets&utm_source=TAYF%20Email&utm_medium=Banner%20AdInvesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) https://www.invesco.com/us/financial-products/etfs/product-detail?ticker=BTCOInvesco Galaxy Ethereum ETF (QETH) https://www.invesco.com/us/financial-products/etfs/product-detail?ticker=QETHState Street Galaxy SPDR Galaxy Digital Asset Ecosystem ETF (DECO) https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/spdr-galaxy-digital-asset-ecosystem-etf-decoState Street Galaxy SPDR Galaxy Hedged Digital Asset Ecosystem ETF (HECO) https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/spdr-galaxy-hedged-digital-asset-ecosystem-etf-hecoState Street Galaxy SPDR Galaxy Transformative Tech Accelerators ETF (TEKX): https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/spdr-galaxy-transformative-tech-accelerators-etf-tekx1/15 Webinar - Your Crypto Questions Answered: https://dacfp.com/events/your-crypto-questions-answered12/10 Webinar Replay - The Retirement Revolution: ETF Solutions for Modern Retirement Planning: https://www.thetayf.com/pages/the-retirement-revolution-etf-solutions-for-modern-retirement-planning12/9 Webinar Replay - What the Election Results Mean for Crypto:  https://dacfp.com/events/what-the-election-results-mean-for-crypto2/24-2/26 Wealth Management Convergence-2025: https://www.thetayf.com/pages/convergence11/13 Webinar Replay - An Innovative Way to Generate Income in a World of Declining Rates: https://www.thetayf.com/pages/november-13-2024-an-innovative-way-to-generate-income10/9 Webinar Replay - Crypto for RIAs: Yield, Staking, Lending and Custody. What’s beyond the ETFs? https://dacfp.com/events/crypto-for-rias-yield-staking-lending-and-custody-whats-beyond-the-etfs/-----  Follow Ric on social media:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicEdelmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ric_edelman/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricedelman/X: https://twitter.com/ricedelmanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RicEdelman-----  Brought to you by:  Invesco QQQ: https://www.invesco.com/qqq-etf/en/home.htmlState Street Global Advisors: https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/capabilities/spdr-core-equity-etfs/spy-sp-500/cornerstonesSchwab: https://www.schwab.com/TAYF Disclosure page: https://www.thetayf.com/pages/sponsorship-disclosure-fee