Do you have a young person in your life planning their educational future?
My youngest daughter is a senior in high school. She’s worked hard over the last few years, and I am so grateful for her qualities of character—she’s diligent, loyal, active, even-tempered, curious, and she jumps right into getting tasks done. She also has a group of close friends, and together they’ve navigated what can be treacherous waters for teenagers.
Now, we’re visiting colleges and universities trying to figure out the next step. She thought she had a very specific plan: the University of Maryland for civil engineering. It seemed like a done deal in her mind. No stress, just focus. That changed quickly when we visited College Park and realized how massive the university is—both in size and in energy. The tour was overwhelming, and she ended up fainting (something that runs in our family). On the ride home, she laughed and said maybe Maryland wasn’t the right fit after all.
Next, we looked smaller. Her brother, a recent Franklin & Marshall graduate, suggested Wake Forest University in North Carolina. I doubted it at first—but the campus was beautiful, the people were welcoming, and the tour was excellent. She fell in love. But there was a hitch: they don’t offer civil engineering, only general engineering. After talking with practicing engineers, she realized she didn’t want to give up that specialization. So, another pivot.
This fall she’s visiting the University of Delaware, Bucknell, Lehigh, and Drexel. These are strong schools, but they’re also competitive. Like so many students, she carries the weight of long school days, sports, community involvement, and now, the added stress of applications and wondering, “Am I good enough to get in?”
Where Planning Meets Reality
What strikes me is how similar this process is to other parts of life. We all experience these “application” moments—whether it’s applying for jobs, qualifying for loans, bidding on houses, or even exploring new careers. We put ourselves out there, hoping to be the right fit, while also asking whether the opportunity fits us.
That’s where planning becomes essential. The truth is, my daughter may not end up at her dream school, but she will still build a future. And just as she’s weighing pros, cons, costs, and fit, families do the same with financial planning.
When I work with clients, I often say that money is a tool for expanding options. For education, that may mean comparing schools not only by acceptance rates and programs but also by affordability, long-term return, and how much debt makes sense. A “stretch school” academically might also stretch a family’s finances—sometimes too far. A more affordable option could provide both peace of mind and the flexibility to pursue graduate school later.
Tools for Planning (and for Calming Worry)
In this search, I’ve even used ChatGPT to help compile lists of schools, estimate costs, and weigh pros and cons. It doesn’t replace research, but it does provide a head start and helps us explore options we might not have considered. Similarly, in financial planning, the right tools can help us make decisions faster, reduce stress, and keep our focus on what really matters—our goals and values.
Years ago, when studying for the CFP® exam, I learned a technique for dealing with worry: write it down on a note card and tuck it away. Physically putting your concern aside helps reduce its weight. I still do this—and I might start doing it with the college search.
Because here’s the truth: whether it’s planning for college, retirement, or your legacy, no plan is ever perfect. What matters most is the process—taking thoughtful steps, clarifying priorities, and adjusting when life inevitably changes direction.
Call me to discuss your next steps -- whether college planning or life planning, I'm happy to help.