Episode Summary:
In this week’s episode, we discuss with Jason Brown how to go to college debt-free. Jason is an expert in taking the debt-free path to college; he’s earned two debt-free degrees and has even written a book on it! Jason shares his mindset on college and debt with us, and his inspiring message reminds us that there are ways to get a college education without going into debt. In addition, we discuss strategies such as dual-enrollment, staying in state for college, finding scholarships, and more.
Episode Notes:
Jason is from Miami, Florida and now lives in Atlanta with his wife and two sons. He has a bachelor’s in communication and a Masters degree in professional writing. He’s worked in various public relations, media relations, marketing, writing, and editing roles. He’s the author of Margin Matters: How to live on a simple budget and crush debt forever and IT IS POSSIBLE!: How I Earned Two Debt-Free Degrees…and How You Can, Too.
In this discussion with Jason Brown, we cover many topics, including:
- How he was raised financially and what his parents taught him.
- He learned about money by watching his parents and how they spent money. They never sat down and had a specific discussion with him; they instead modeled it with their behavior. He was always taught that if you can’t afford it, you don’t do it.
- Jason was the first person in his family to go to college.
- The resourcefulness he learned at a young age.
- Jason shared his college journey, what degrees he earned, and how he funded each.
- Debt is the easy or lazy way out, and it’s just too easy. There are other ways to attend college without going into debt.
- One of the biggest lies we’re told in society is that you have to take out debt to go to college.
- Thoughts on student loan forgiveness.
We discuss several tips for getting through college with less debt or debt-free:
- Dual-enrollment.
- In-state college.
- Leverage your high-school guidance counselor for help and support.
- Scholarships and grants.
- Visit the scholarship office at your college, even once you’re already there! Then, keep applying even after your first year.
- Explore if your state has a state-funded scholarship program, such as some states’ lottery-funded scholarships.
Show References:
- Jason’s Book: IT IS POSSIBLE!: How I Earned Two Debt-Free Degrees…and How You Can, Too
- Jason’s Book: Margin Matters: How to live on a simple budget and crush debt forever
- Jason’s website Margin Matters
- Jason’s YouTube Channel
- Scholarships.com
- Fastweb Scholarships
- College Board